Insurance question - RWD vs. AWD

[RetiredPonyboy]

Hello fellow Texans. I'm currently driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 LR (RWD) that I insure through Progressive. I am looking pretty hard at MME Premium to replace the Tesla. I'm not sure about earlier MME models but the 2025 Premium model has an option for RWD or AWD. My question is whether the AWD MME is cheaper or more expensive to insure? Logically it would seem that AWD cars are safer, and therefore less expensive to insure. But AWD generally means more horsepower than their RWD counterparts, and I don't know how insurance companies look at that. Do they use a sliding scale of horsepower ratings that triggers a higher insurance premium when it passes a certain level?

I acknowledge that I need to contact Progressive (and others) and ask that question directly, but I'd also like to get real-world perspectives from actual MME drivers. Thanks.

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[Teslaeata]

Hello fellow Texans. I'm currently driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 LR (RWD) that I insure through Progressive. I am looking pretty hard at MME Premium to replace the Tesla. I'm not sure about earlier MME models but the 2025 Premium model has an option for RWD or AWD. My question is whether the AWD MME is cheaper or more expensive to insure? Logically it would seem that AWD cars are safer, and therefore less expensive to insure. But AWD generally means more horsepower than their RWD counterparts, and I don't know how insurance companies look at that. Do they use a sliding scale of horsepower ratings that triggers a higher insurance premium when it passes a certain level?

I acknowledge that I need to contact Progressive (and others) and ask that question directly, but I'd also like to get real-world perspectives from actual MME drivers. Thanks.

You may find AWD means looser nut behind the wheel which affects risk more ?

 

[ericNdfw]

AWD also could mean "more expensive to repair" ?‍

 

[macchiaz-o]

You can very easily quote what-if vehicle replacements on progressive.com. This is the only way to find out which vehicle's premium may be lower for you, since insurance pricing has so many variables.

Let us know!

I tried it now. If I swap out my 2021 for an equivalent 2025 (both being rear wheel drive), my 6 month premium increases by roughly $120.

 

[stoopid]

I'm with Progressive and before car shopping called them with a couple VIN numbers for possible purchase candidates to get a close approximation of what my rate would be.

Although the final cost varies state to state, neighborhood to neighborhood, this is actually a wider question/discussion about getting a quote before buying which I'm not sure everyone does (but should).

 

[RetiredPonyboy]

I'm with Progressive and before car shopping called them with a couple VIN numbers for possible purchase candidates to get a close approximation of what my rate would be.

Although the final cost varies state to state, neighborhood to neighborhood, this is actually a wider question/discussion about getting a quote before buying which I'm not sure everyone does (but should).

Agreed. I already anticipate that my premium will increase even if I go with RWD. But if it's another $200+ for 6 months for AWD, that would give me pause.

 

[Tom L]

Agreed. I already anticipate that my premium will increase even if I go with RWD. But if it's another $200+ for 6 months for AWD, that would give me pause.

I have had a RWD Mach E for nearly 3 years and 56,000 miles. Drives great in winter conditions, cost less overall and is a less complicated drive system.

 

[RickMachE]

I can't imagine you're going to get a lot of "I asked my insurance company for two rate quotes of identical cars with and without AWD and here's what they said".

 

[MacherAWD]

I can't imagine you're going to get a lot of "I asked my insurance company for two rate quotes of identical cars with and without AWD and here's what they said".

I have progressive on my 2021 AWD, I just went on the site, did a quote to replace my 2021 with a 2021 RWD with the same coverage and the policy was $36 less for 6 months. I did have the option to choose 4x4 or 4x2 on a 2021.

 

[dalola]

OP, I can't answer your question directly, but I can tell you the insurance cost on our MME P4X ended up being considerably cheaper than the AWD Honda Pilot it replaced. I would imagine the cost difference between RWD & AWD is negligible at best. I would choose based on what fits your needs/wants vs. insurance cost, in this particular case.

 

[Mach1E]

Agreed. I already anticipate that my premium will increase even if I go with RWD. But if it's another $200+ for 6 months for AWD, that would give me pause.

Keep in mind, the AWD is significantly faster.

You should test drive them both then decide if it’s worth the extra money.

0-60 is 4.1 seconds for the AWD.

 

[tucsondivots]

So an assumption would be the GT is considerably more to insure than a Premium?

 

[RetiredPonyboy]

I can't imagine you're going to get a lot of "I asked my insurance company for two rate quotes of identical cars with and without AWD and here's what they said".

I think you misunderstood my intent. I wasn't considering using insurance cost of AWD vs RWD as a negotiation point at the dealership.

 

[RickMachE]

I think you misunderstood my intent. I wasn't considering using insurance cost of AWD vs RWD as a negotiation point at the dealership.

Didn't misunderstand it at all.

You're asking if I, or anyone else, has quotes for both vehicles from their insurance company. I'm pointing out that almost no one will.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

There won’t be much difference in cost. I went from a 22 premium AWD to a 24 GT and there was barely an increase in cost.

And it’d be a shame not to get the AWD for the better driving experience. I’d even recommend considering a GT if you can afford it. Range is way overrated.

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