Why is Honda Civic Insurance So Expensive?

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular compact cars globally, known for its reliability, efficiency, and performance. However, Civic owners often find themselves paying sky-high insurance premiums that can rival the cost of covering luxury vehicles.

What is it about the Honda Civic that makes it so expensive to insure? We’ll examine the key factors driving up insurance rates, including:

• High theft rates
• Repair costs
• Safety ratings
• Driver demographics
• Performance models
• Location

We’ll also provide tips on getting more affordable coverage. Let’s take a closer look at why you can expect to pay a premium to insure your Civic.

High Theft Rates

One major reason Civic insurance rates are inflated is due to the car’s perpetually high theft rates. For over two decades, the Honda Civic has ranked among the most stolen vehicles in the United States.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), it was the second most stolen car in 2021. And it has held a top 10 spot on the list continuously since 2000.

Insurers charge higher premiums for frequently stolen vehicles since they present a greater risk of a claim being filed. The Civic’s enduring popularity with car thieves ensures rates remain elevated.

Costly Replacement Parts

Insurance premiums are partially based on how expensive it is to repair a vehicle after an accident. Unfortunately for Civic owners, replacing parts can be pricey.

As a sporty compact car, the Civic is equipped with more costly parts like:

• Alloy wheels
• Performance tires
• Multi-lens headlights and tail lights
• Interior electronics

Using more synthetic materials versus metal also raises repair costs. Items like bumpers and body panels are often impossible to repair and must be fully replaced.

Insurers pass on these higher anticipated repair costs to customers in the form of pricier premiums.

Good Safety Ratings Backfire

It may seem counterintuitive, but the Civic’s consistently high safety ratings contribute to increased insurance costs. Models equipped with advanced driver assist technology and abundant airbags earn top scores.

However, these safety features end up raising repair bills. Items like sensors and onboard cameras must be calibrated after even minor collisions. This drives up the cost of claims.

A minor fender bender that causes $1,000 in damage on an older car could easily exceed $5,000 on a new, well-equipped Civic. And insurers may declare the Civic a total loss at lower damage thresholds due to higher repair bills.

Risky Driver Demographics

Data shows that Civic owners tend to fall into demographics insurers classify as higher risk:

• Young drivers: The Civic is popular with new drivers ages 16-25. Insurers charge this group higher premiums due to inexperience.

• Single males: According to Honda, nearly 60% of Civic buyers are single males. As a group, single men pay more for coverage.

• City dwellers: Over half of Civics are sold in urban areas. Dense traffic and high accident rates in cities drive up premiums.

• Customizers: A significant number of modified and customized Civics are insured. Custom cars are considered higher risk by insurers.

While these demographics are seen as riskier, responsible Civic owners end up paying the price through inflated rates. Insurance pricing relies heavily on data and statistics.

High-Performance Models

Civic models with larger engines, turbochargers, and manual transmissions qualify as performance cars in insurers’ eyes. Premiums on these trims can be 50-100% higher than on base Civics.

High-performance Civics include:

• Civic Si
• Civic Type R
• Civic Sport Touring

Owners of souped-up Civics tend to be younger drivers that insurers already classify as riskier. While providing fun behind the wheel, these models will drain your wallet when it comes to insurance costs.

Geographic Location Matters

According to WalletHub, Louisiana drivers pay the highest average car insurance rates in the country. So a Civic owner in New Orleans can expect to pay significantly more than one in a small town in North Dakota.

Population density, accident rates, vehicle theft statistics, and repair costs vary dramatically by state and region. Your specific location has a major impact on insurance pricing.

In regions with high accident frequencies, dense traffic, extreme weather risks, and expensive repair shops you’ll pay more insure your Civic. Unfortunately, that’s the reality in many urban areas.

Tips for Saving on Civic Insurance

Despite its reputation for steep premiums, there are ways to secure more affordable coverage for your Honda Civic:

• Shop around – Compare quotes from at least 5 different insurers. Rates can vary dramatically between companies.

• Raise your deductible – By accepting higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim you can significantly lower your premiums.

• Ask about discounts – Inquire about any discounts for safety features, good driving history, good student status, multiple policies with the same insurer, and more.

• Drop unnecessary coverage – If you have an older Civic, consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage to save money.

• Consider usage-based insurance – Insurers like Progressive offer plans where you pay based on actual mileage driven. Driving less saves money.

• Maintain good credit – In most states insurers factor your credit-based insurance score into pricing. Keeping your credit score high earns discounts with many companies.

While Honda Civics are perpetually expensive cars to insure, drivers can take proactive steps to secure the best rates. The savings can really add up over the course of your policy term.

Why Pay More to Insure a Civic?

At the end of the day, insurers charge higher premiums for vehicles that present greater risks and costs in the event of a claim. Statistically, the Honda Civic ticks many of the boxes that make it pricier to insure, including:

• Extremely high theft rates
• Costly replacement parts
• New safety tech drives up repair bills
• Popular with demographics insurers deem riskier
• Fun-to-drive performance models

While you can take measures to reduce your Civic insurance costs, premiums are likely to remain higher than average. But for many owners, the enjoyment of driving a Civic outweighs the insurance payment pain. At least until that next bill comes due!