So you’re thinking about buying a new 4×4 truck but you’re concerned about how high your insurance rates might go. This is a legitimate concern when you consider insurance for such a vehicle would probably be significantly more than what you’d pay for a mid-sized family sedan. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to get accurate numbers about the cost of 4×4 truck insurance without actually contacting car insurance companies and giving them certain details. There are just too many factors involved.
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It’s somewhat easier to determine the average cost of car insurance for a given make and model. Those numbers are out there and readily available. But the difference between 4×4 and 4×2 classification where 4×4 is also known as. 4-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – is so open-ended that it can include dozens of different makes and models. It can also include vehicles that were modified by their owners in order to add certain off-road accessories. The only way to get an accurate price is inquire on a case-by-case basis.
Safety Ratings Are Important
Part of what goes into the formula determining your car insurance rates is the safety rating of a particular vehicle. Safety ratings are given by two prominent organizations based on scientific testing data. You can find out what the the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety safety ratings are for a given vehicle. Vehicles that have higher safety ratings will, as a result, lower car insurance rates. The opposite is also true.
When it comes to 4×4 vehicles, safety ratings are especially important where side impact and rollovers are concerned. By their very nature, 4×4 trucks are intended to be used in off-road scenarios, which increase the risk of certain types of accidents. Since side impact collisions and rollovers are the most common in off-road driving, these are the two most important safety factors to consider.
Where You Will Drive Your 4×4
A good number of 4×4 owners purchase their vehicles with no intent of ever taking them off road. In such cases, drivers may purchase their vehicles because they live in a state with typically rough winters, and the 4×4 helps them navigate winter snows more easily. That’s why 4×4 owners are typically asked by their insurance companies if they intend to take their vehicles off road. Those who do have a higher potential of accidents and claims than those who don’t.
It would seem logical that 4×4 owners would simply tell their insurance companies they never intend to go off-road in order to enjoy lower rates. But this is unwise. It is not uncommon for car insurance companies to add a clause to an insurance policy stating that they will not cover damage from off-road accidents if a customer has stated their intentions to always keep their vehicle on public highways. In other words, if you tell your car insurance company you don’t plan to go off-road they will hold you to it.
If you do decide to go off-road, the insurance company will undoubtedly want to know what type of driving that entails. You might be simply a “rock climbing” enthusiast, or you may be into off-road racing. The more risky your off-road behavior, the higher your car insurance rates will be. In some cases, if it’s risky enough, you may even have to search for a specialty car insurance company in order to get the coverage you need. Whatever you do, just don’t lie about it.
Added Equipment and Features
Often, 4×4 owners who intend to take their vehicles off-road will modify them by adding high performance parts. If this describes you, it’s important that you understand the difference between replacement value and agreed value insurance.
Replacement value is what most of us have and it simply means that, if your vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will pay out an amount equal to what it would cost you to replace the vehicle with one of similar make and model year. Replacement value is determined by the Kelly Blue Book or NADA value.
Agreed value is a kind of policy that will cover what it would cost to replace your vehicle as is, including the high performance parts you have it. It’s called “agreed value” because you and your insurance company will have to inspect the vehicle and agree on its value. If you’re going to get this type of insurance, it’s important that you keep all receipts for high performance parts. That’s the only way to prove their worth.
If you need coverage for your 4×4, you can find competitive car insurance rates online using our free search tool – just enter your zip code to get started!
