insurance premiums

The Urban Legend of the Red Car

Red cars have long been linked to speeding tickets and high insurance rates—but is there any truth behind the myth? From flashy sports cars to sleek sedans, red vehicles have a reputation for catching the eye of both car enthusiasts and traffic cops. The idea that red cars are magnets for police attention is one of the most persistent beliefs in car culture.

This myth likely stems from psychological associations with the color red—passion, urgency, even danger. Red tends to stand out in traffic, especially in urban environments, so it’s easy to see how drivers might assume they’re under more scrutiny. But does color actually factor into ticketing?

Do Red Cars Really Get More Speeding Tickets?

Despite the widespread belief, there is little statistical evidence to support the idea that red cars get more speeding tickets. Studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting red cars might be ticketed slightly more often—but not significantly so.

In reality, driver behavior, time of day, location, and vehicle type have a much stronger influence on whether someone is pulled over. In fact, black, white, and silver vehicles are often cited in traffic stop data just as frequently—if not more—simply because they’re the most common colors on the road.

It’s also possible that red cars *feel* like they attract more tickets because of confirmation bias. If someone believes red cars get pulled over more often, any citation feels like proof. But the data doesn’t support this myth as a universal truth.

Red Cars and Insurance Premiums: Is There a Connection?

Let’s shift gears to another red-hot topic: car insurance premiums. Many people assume red cars cost more to insure, often due to the idea that they’re more likely to be involved in speeding or accidents. But insurance experts say that’s simply not the case.

Insurance companies don’t rate vehicles based on color. Instead, they focus on the car’s make, model, year, engine type, safety features, and claim history. More importantly, your own driving history, age, ZIP code, and credit score tend to have a much bigger impact on your premium than whether your car is candy-apple red or glacier white.

So why does the myth persist? Mostly because flashy red sports cars tend to come with higher insurance rates—but that’s due to the car itself, not the color. A red Ford Mustang GT will cost more to insure than a beige Toyota Corolla, but the same would be true if the Mustang were blue.

What the Data Actually Says

Researchers have looked into color-related crash statistics, and some studies do suggest minor differences. For example, a study by the University of California found that red cars were about 10% more likely to be involved in accidents than white cars. But these results often lack context—such as who was driving, where, and under what conditions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and major insurance providers confirm that color plays little to no role in premium pricing. Once again, the driver’s behavior, vehicle safety profile, and historical data carry far more weight.

As Dr. Emily Carson, an automotive safety researcher, puts it: “While color may affect visibility in certain environments, the real risk comes from who’s behind the wheel—not what color they’re driving.”

Busting the Red Car Myth Once and For All

At the end of the day, owning a red car won’t automatically lead to more speeding tickets or higher insurance bills. These myths persist because they’re easy to remember, and because red is a bold, attention-grabbing color that stands out in a crowd. But when it comes to risk assessment, insurers and law enforcement alike are more focused on facts than folklore.

If you’re considering buying a red car—go for it! The color you choose should reflect your style, not fear of myths. Just be a responsible driver, no matter what you’re driving, and you’ll stay in good standing with both the law and your insurer.

Final Thoughts

• 🚗 Red cars don’t get more tickets—speeding drivers do.
• 💰 Insurance rates depend on vehicle type and driver profile, not color.
• 📊 Data shows slight color differences in crash stats, but they’re not definitive.
• ✅ Safe driving and smart vehicle choices are the real keys to savings.