SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles cost more to insure. Usually, they warrant a difference of 10-20 percent increase in regular premium payments than other vehicles. Why should you have to pay a higher car insurance premium? The following are some of the reasons.

Greater damage and greater expense

That huge SUV of yours is likely to inflict a greater damage than a mere scratch. The likelihood is that it’ll cause more damage on the other car should it ever figure into an accident. This means that the payout rates for the insurance company is greater, hence they raise their liability premium rates.

SUVs are also more expensive to repair. This is a particular concern for the insurance companies since SUVs are exempted from meeting federal bumper standards in so far as the ability to withstand a fender bender is concerned. While insurance companies do pay out for general repairs such as body and engine work ñ SUVs already costs quite a bit. The smallest nick on the rear of an SUV can amount to several hundred dollars.

Safe or not safe

One of the reasons many people prefer driving SUVs is the feeling of safety it gives them. An estimated 12% of all vehicles on US roads are SUVs, which means that many people are aware of road risks, and prefer the comfortable safety given by the SUV. Historically, SUVs do seem to figure less in accidents than other types of vehicles.

SUVs do, however, carry their own particular risks. Because of their greater elevation from the ground, the balance of gravity is diminished. SUV’s are “top-heavy” and are more prone to rollover accidents. They are also more prone to flipping over in high-speed turns, or simply when involved in a collision.

Of course, great progress has been made in terms of safety designs, and better precautions are being put in place with each new development. But it doesn’t change the potential for accident risk due to the SUV’s peculiar designs. Generally, car insurance companies find such rollover accidents very expensive since they are likely to cause great vehicular damage and personal injuries.

SUV is thief prone

Back in 2004, the most stolen vehicle was the Cadillac Escalade. Nowadays, it seems to be any SUV. Or at least, it seems to have become a desirable item for car thieves. This means millions of dollars for the insurance companies in settling replacement claims.

Therefore, because the risk factors are higher, and the potential expenses for SUV-related accidents or claims are greater, insurance companies must find a way to recoup. This is the reason for the higher premium rates for SUVs.