Seeing Red: Why Owners Of Red Vehicles Should Not Worry About Car Insurance Rates

Colors are full of meaning and extract subconscious judgments from their observers. Unfortunately, this has given rise to the myth that red car drivers pay more for their auto insurance than other drivers. Here is a look into why this myth evolved, and why the myth is debunked.

Why Red?

Colors are merely rays in the light spectrum, and out of all the colors in this spectrum, red has the longest and warmest ray. Red is a very powerful color that is associated with strength, danger, and excitement. It is also associated with sexuality, passion, and attractiveness.

Thus, it is no surprise that red cars--especially sports cars--are highly coveted among buyers.

Why Not Red?

Interestingly enough, men are overwhelmingly attracted to women who drive red cars, especially sports models. The case is not the same for the female participants surveyed: women are more likely to find men driving black trucks as the most attractive.

Yet, the general public is more likely than not to assume that it is the young, irresponsible twenty-something male that drives the hot red sports car. In reality, the young, single male will have the highest car insurance quotes out of any demographic (save those with histories of accidents or irresponsible driving records), but this has more to do with national averages than with car color.

Besides, the color red actually takes a back seat to the color yellow, which researchers attest is the most attention-getting hue. Car companies and consumers alike are finally catching on: since 2003, it has consistently increased its ranking in top car color sales, and automobile dealers attest that the people buying it are the young and those who are "young at heart." In other words, those who are seeking attention are gravitating away from the color red and to the color yellow.

Automobile Insurance Rates and Color

Even though 25% of Americans believe that insurance companies hike rates for drivers of red cars, it is not so. Automobile insurance agents report that insurance rates for drivers of red cars are no higher than rates for drivers of vehicles with different paint jobs. Furthermore, most insurance companies do not ask what color a potential client's car is in the first place.

Red vehicles are also less likely to be stolen, and color has little, if any, influence on whether or not a vehicle will be involved in an accident. The color of a car also has no effect on the vehicle's speed.

Why the Misconception?

So, how did 25% of Americans come to the conclusion that drivers of red cars are succumbed to higher insurance rates? The origin of this myth is unknown, but it is probably a combination of subconscious judgments about the color red, and the profile of people attracted to red cars.

Because people view red as a "fast" color, they are more likely to assume that those who drive red-hued vehicles will have higher insurance rates. Furthermore, drivers who are male, in their early 20s, and single are more likely to be involved in automobile accidents and traffic infractions; these drivers are more likely than not involved in incidents for reasons unrelated to the color of their vehicles. Because they are more likely to perceive members of the opposite sex as more attractive if driving a red vehicle, they are more likely to purchase one themselves; thus, the relationship is simply causal, and not causational.

Red cars have gotten a bad rap for a very long time, but it is a myth with very little grounding. Potential vehicle consumers should, thus, not avoid the flashy red car out of fear of a higher insurance rate.