The 5 cars that are surprisingly expensive to insure

You’d expect high-performance cars to come with higher insurance costs, but I bet you didn’t know these five models are also surprisingly expensive to insure.

Running costs can feel like an afterthought when buying a car, but it’s important to budget for all the costs that come with owning one, including car tax and the big one: your annual insurance premium.

Cars are placed into one of 50 insurance groups, with Group 1 being the cheapest to insure and Group 50 the most expensive.

You’d expect high-performance cars from the likes of Mercedes and Porsche, as well as luxury models from Land Rover, to sit towards the top of the scale – and you’d be right. But there are some less obvious models that can also be surprisingly expensive to insure.

Here are five cars you might not expect to come with such a hefty insurance bill.

1. BYD Sealion 7
2. Kia EV9
3. Polestar 3
4. Tesla Model 3 Performance
5. Volvo ES90

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. BYD Sealion 7

First up, we have the BYD Sealion 7. This Chinese electric SUV has a spacious interior, decent on-board tech and smooth, powerful motors. However, we found it uncomfortable over bumps, noisy at higher speeds and rather expensive to buy.

The Sealion 7’s top-spec Excellence trim sits in the most expensive insurance group. This is partly due to its high-performance powertrain and expensive-to-replace technology, while the relative scarcity of established repair networks and spare parts for Chinese EVs in the UK could also contribute to higher insurance costs.

2. Kia EV9

Up next is the Kia EV9. This electric seven-seater is massively practical, with a spacious interior and super-fast charging. That said, it’s not particularly quiet at higher speeds and has a bafflingly positioned climate screen.

The EV9 sits in the highest insurance group, partly because its large 99.8kWh battery contributes to the car’s substantial weight. It’s also a high-value luxury electric SUV packed with expensive technology, which can make repairs and replacements costly.

3. Polestar 3

Then there’s the Polestar 3, an electric SUV with a classy, high-quality interior that’s incredibly spacious and relaxing to drive. However, some alternatives offer more boot space, while the Polestar 3’s poor over-the-shoulder visibility can make it harder to see what’s around you.

It sits in the maximum insurance group, partly because of its high purchase price and powerful dual-motor setup. It’s also packed with expensive technology and advanced safety systems, while its specialised body panels can make repairs more costly.

4. Tesla Model 3 Performance

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is another electric family car that sits in the highest insurance group. It offers up to 354 miles of range, is brilliant through corners and has a minimalist but cool cabin. However, it’s rather uncomfortable over bumps, lets in plenty of road noise and has an irritating infotainment system.

But why is this EV so expensive to insure? Its rapid acceleration, high vehicle value and expensive battery pack can all push up insurance costs. It’s also packed with complex technology, which can make repairs more expensive, particularly after a collision.

5. Volvo ES90

Last up is the Volvo ES90. This is an incredibly comfortable electric cruiser that has an impressive range of up to 426 miles and ultra-fast charging. However, it’s let down by its poor rear visibility and the boot is a bit smaller than alternatives offer.

This electric saloon with its twin-motor setup is in the highest insurance group as this powerful version offers rapid acceleration, which increases its risk in getting involved in a collision. Its high initial list price paired with expensive specialised body panels and structural elements drive up repair costs too.

Did you know that Carwow has an insurance comparison tool?

Carwow now has a car insurance comparison tool, developed in partnership with Quotezone, which is free to use and allows you to compare insurance quotes from over 140 trusted insurers.

You simply enter your reg, answer a few quick questions, and get tailored quotes in minutes, all in one place.

You then choose the cover that best suits you, buy directly with insurers, and you’re officially covered.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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