Every auto insurance provider is different and each has their own standards for determining whether a vehicle should be classified as a sports car. Most have a very complex set of equations to decide if a car is a sports car.
Each insurance company has its own vehicle classification system that is typically based upon ISO (Insurance Services Office) VIN system or other company proprietary ranking systems.
Both foreign and domestic private passenger autos are classified as vehicle type – sports car, high performance, luxury, van, truck, convertible, etc. Each of the following items helps determine a vehicle’s classification as a sports car or other type of vehicle:
- Engine type
- Manufacturer
- Body style
- Engine size
- Full model name
- Model/series
- Body
- Engine
- Cylinders
- Restraint
- Restraint indicator
- Anti-lock
- Transmission
- Other options
- Daytime running lights
- Wheelbase
- Class code
- Anti-theft
- Curb weight
- Gross vehicle weight
- Height
- Horsepower
There is no standard definition of a sports car among insurance companies. A general definition among consumers typically is a small, high-powered car with two doors. However, such a simplistic definition is insufficient with so many different vehicle models available today.
In today’s car market, it is not uncommon to see high-powered vehicles with highly tuned engines with four doors.
The only way to know if an insurance company considers a vehicle is to contact them directly and find out. And independent of whether your car is considered a sports car, you will be offered different rates from different companies, so you should always compare insurance quotes from multiple carriers to find the best deal.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
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Laura Longero
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Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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