Why is the STI cheaper to insure than a WRX?

[untakenname]

Currently looking online for a second car as my current one is impractical and the price of 02-05 Impreza's is quite tempting around £3k+ for a WRX and £6k+ for an STI, I also had a quick look at Evo's but they seem to have doubled in price in just a couple of years!

Got some quotes and oddly enough it seems the STI is cheaper to insure than the standard WRX which makes no sense to me as they are quicker and cost more (both models are the same year).



Anyone know why there is this discrepancy?

Also as this is a second car are there any specialised insurers people can recommend who may be able to put it on a classic car policy?

Cheers.

[Mr E]

At a guess, the wrx is owned by muppets who crash them.
The STI is owned by enthusiasts who don’t throw them at the scenery quite as often.

[untakenname]

Hadn't considered that, most I see (or hear) being driven hard on public roads seem to be Blue WRX's so it makes sense due to the risk profile.

Looked at one this morning locally but despite being described a good condition had rust bubbles forming under the rear arch, bit wary now about driving a fair distance only to find the same

Tempted to get a mint JDM but want the burble that you get with UK STI's.

[TEKNOPUG]

Less STis on the road so less recorded accidents.

[aka_kerrly]

TEKNOPUG said:

Less STis on the road so less recorded accidents.

Indeed, plus aren't the majority of STI models imports which can influence the premiums compared to domestic vehicles.

[cheesesliceking]

Mr E said:

At a guess, the wrx is owned by muppets who crash them.
The STI is owned by enthusiasts who don’t throw them at the scenery quite as often.

Idiot.

[untakenname]

Just thought I'd give an update, I had a look at a few different cars described as mint but all of them had bubbling starting to show on the arches, ended up getting a Wagon due to the practicality plus was actually was as described in regards to the bodywork (rust free).


Was a chore getting it insured as most brokers simply couldn't insure the car due to the extensive modifications and those that would wanted stupid prices.

Had one broker verbally agree a deal then emailed me back five minutes later declining as I didn't have enough experience of powerful cars, I emailed them a clip of me last month overtaking WRX's in the rain on track in my RX8 but didn't get a reply.

Rung around for the next couple of days and ended up finally getting it insured for a few pounds more than I currently pay for my other car which is a result.


Got a few things I need to do before driving it again, the current exhaust needs to go as it sets of neighbouring car alarms and something needs to be done with the lights as they are truly abysmal in regards to light output.

[aaron_2000]

The wagon is the best shape anyway. Nice buy

[adingley84]

TEKNOPUG said:

Less STis on the road so less recorded accidents.

bks. So Insignias must cost a fortune to insure then as there are tonnes of them and therefore have more incidents

[Darkslider]

adingley84 said:

bks. So Insignias must cost a fortune to insure then as there are tonnes of them and therefore have more incidents

It's possible that a higher proportion of cheap, lairy 4wd rally reps are crashed than Insignias, despite there being more of the latter on the road. I'd wager most drivers buy a WRX to exploit the considerable performance on offer, whereas most people buy Insignias to go commute in and go about their daily business with the minimum of fuss.

However I'd also wager trying to find logic in insurance premiums is a losing battle

[aaron_2000]

Darkslider said:

However I'd also wager trying to find logic in insurance premiums is a losing battle

For example, here are a few insurance quotes I get at 19 a year 3rd party:

ST170 is £1145
Leon Cupra R 225 is £1038
Impreza 2000 Turbo Wagon is £6892
205 GTI is £2311
405 SRI is £1320
Corsa SXi is £1454

[adingley84]

Darkslider said:

adingley84 said:

bks. So Insignias must cost a fortune to insure then as there are tonnes of them and therefore have more incidents

It's possible that a higher proportion of cheap, lairy 4wd rally reps are crashed than Insignias, despite there being more of the latter on the road. I'd wager most drivers buy a WRX to exploit the considerable performance on offer, whereas most people buy Insignias to go commute in and go about their daily business with the minimum of fuss.

However I'd also wager trying to find logic in insurance premiums is a losing battle

I actually work for an insurance underwriter so was just using an extreme example to point out his logic was shot to pieces!

Insurance isn't a guessing game, it a based on the laws of averages. (Runs for cover!!)

[adingley84]

aaron_2000 said:

For example, here are a few insurance quotes I get at 19 a year 3rd party:

ST170 is £1145
Leon Cupra R 225 is £1038
Impreza 2000 Turbo Wagon is £6892
205 GTI is £2311
405 SRI is £1320
Corsa SXi is £1454

As for the £7k Wrx Wagon...that insurer knows no-one will ever take out that policy at that price. That's the whole idea. For them, they see that driver in that car as too much of a risk so just price themselves out.