DETROIT – When you're shopping around for a new car, you probably think about things like price, make, model, and safety record.
Some drivers told Ruth to the Rescue they are not necessarily thinking about auto insurance premiums.
"I actually just purchased a car here and I did not factor in insurance at all, and now I am paying crazy amounts of money for insurance," said Gabrielle Sims, of Southfield.
"Never think of it. So, I just go for the car I'm excited about," said Bryan Bedard, of Windsor. "Worry about that after I guess!"
New research for car buyers
The website Insure.com has released new research that could change the way some people shop for a new vehicle. The website hired a research firm to calculate average auto insurance rates for 2015 models. Averages were calculated by using data from six large carriers. (Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm)
The averages are based full coverage for a single 40 year old make who commutes 12 miles to work with policy limits of 100/300/50 and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. This hypothetical driver has a clean record and good credit. His policy includes uninsured motorist coverage.
The research found that there is a wide disparity in what you pay to insure some models compared to others. For example, the national average policy for a Jeep Wrangler Sport is $1,134 a year. However, the average varies greatly from state to state. In Michigan, drivers pay, on average, $2,027.
All drivers would pay more to insure the most expensive model on the list: the Nissan GT-R Nismo. The national average in this research is $3,574. Michigan drivers would pay about $4,785.
Why Michigan drivers pay more
Many of you probably know the various factors believed to boost Michigan auto insurance rates. First, the state has unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP). That means if a person is in an auto accident their medical care is covered for life. Also, Michigan is a No-Fault state, which means each insurance company compensates its own policyholders, regardless of who caused the crash. And, the city of Detroit has a very high rate of uninsured drivers which raises the rates for people who do purchase auto coverage.
"I didn't know Michigan has necessarily higher insurance rates than other places," said Elizabeth Gotham, of Detroit. "But, I knew Detroit had higher rates than the rest of Michigan."
Consider premiums before you purchase
Regardless of why Michigan drivers pay more for auto insurance, this research from Insure.com offers another tool that car buyers can use to determine which make and model can really work for their budgets. Once you purchase a vehicle, you will be making those insurance payments as long as you drive that car.
Some drivers tell Ruth to the Rescue that factors has influenced their purchasing decision.
"We were going to consider getting a Range Rover, until we saw the insurance on that, the cost of the insurance was ridiculous," said Sherri Stephen, of Detroit.
Others admit they'd review this research the next time they go car shopping.
"I think that if I bought a car again, I would definitely consider it because I mean it's another car payment," said Sims.
"If you're considering two different kinds of cars and one has a much lower monthly insurance rate, then it's just like you're getting a cheaper car," said Gotham.
The least expensive 2015 cars to insure according to Insure.com. The national average is listed first, followed by the average in Michigan.
1. Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD - $1,134- $2,027
2. Jeep Patriot Sport 2WD - $1,136- $2,150
3. Honda CR-V LX 4WD - $1,160- $2,185
4. Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus - $1,162- $2,239
5. Honda Odyssey LX - $1,163- $2,243
6. Jeep Compass Sport 2WD - $1,164- $2,186
7. Subaru Outback 2.5i - $1,176- $2,290
8. Ford Edge SE 2WD - $1,176- $2,144
9. Smart FORTWO Pure - $1,186- $2,475
10. Ford Escape S 2WD - $1,190- $2,155
The most expensive 2015 cars to insure- The national average is listed first, followed by the average in Michigan.
Rank / Make & model / Average annual premium
1. Nissan GT-R Nismo - $3,574- $4,785
2. Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Convertible - $3,573- $5,145
3. Dodge SRT Viper - $3,318- $5,306
4. Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet - $3,216- $4,700
5. Audi R8 5.2 Spyder Quattro - $3,206 - $5,346
6. Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive - $3,174- $4,582
7. BMW 760Li - $3,147- $4,724
8. BMW M6 Convertible - $3,115- $4,687
9. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon - $3,042- $4,607
10. Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG 4Matic Sedan - $2,972- $4,777