Survey: BMW Vehicles Cost 25% More to Insure than Mercedes-Benz Competition

by | Automobile.com | 6/01/2012

Mercedes-Benz owners are about to read some good news. In a recent Automobile.com commissioned survey, drivers reported paying 25 percent more annually to insure BMW vehicles compared to Mercedes.

The survey concluded those who drive BMW vehicles pay an average of $1261.00 for insurance while Mercedes drivers pay $1009.27. In the AOL Autos Most Expensive Cars to Insure list, BMW models appear four times, while Mercedes models only account for two of the 20 vehicles featured.

Luxury automakers vs. Annual average cost to insure (in dollars)

Mercedes and BMW are currently in a competitive battle for the top luxury vehicle sales spot in the U.S. According to Bloomberg, Mercedes edged out BMW in total sales last month, although BMW closed out the first fiscal quarter with a 36 vehicle sales advantage. Both Mercedes and BMW beat Japanese automaker Toyota's luxury brand Lexus in sales last year for the first time in 11 years, according to Bloomberg.

To further investigate the cost disparity between brands, Automobile.com compared user data outlining the annual average cost to insure the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. These two models are direct competitors in the same luxury midsize vehicle class. Automobile.com discovered the C-Class was cheaper to insure at $997.63 compared to $1067.06 spent on insuring the 3-Series. One possible reason for the cost disparity could be overall value of the vehicle. US News Ranking & Reviews reports the average price paid for a new 3-Series is 25.9% higher than the C-Class. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for more expensive models.

Comparable luxury midsize sedans vs. Annual average cost to insure (in dollars)

Automobile.com also compared the safety ratings and theft statistics associated with the C-Class and the 3 Series. While the 3-Series has a slightly better historical safety rating than the C-Class according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), both models were named a Top Safety Pick in 2012 by the organization. Furthermore, there is no significant data to suggest either model is hampered by high rates of theft (which often correlates with higher insurance costs). In fact, neither automaker produces a model included on the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) top stolen vehicle list.

Although Mercedes owners may enjoy lower average insurance premiums, there are measures BMW drivers can take to level the playing field. First, selecting a specific model with a good safety rating and low theft rate can contribute to lower insurance costs. Next, drivers looking to lower rates may consider choosing a less powerful, more fuel-efficient engine option. While this may seem counterintuitive for performance enthusiasts, the cost savings benefit on insurance premiums may be an effective compromise.

Current and prospective owners of Mercedes and BMW vehicles are encouraged to compare car insurance quotes by using the free service featured on Automobile.com. This ensures that current owners are getting the best deal while those in the market for a new vehicle can budget accordingly and receive a great rate to compliment the new purchase.

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