When it comes to choosing a car colour, many clients face uncertainty and some hesitancy. Is the car colour I like safer than most? Will this choice decrease my chances of resale? Will a red car colour have a negative impact on my auto insurance? There are so many questions and myths, which is why isure is here to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding car colour.
Newest colours for 2021
Much like home paint colours and palettes, we found that there are also trends in car colours each year. According to BASF’s Automotive Colour Trends, it seems that three new shades will be on car models over the next 3-5 years. The first is a greyish–green tone that ties in a trendy greyscale colour with a not-so-popular car colour choice. The second car colour that drivers can expect to see at the dealerships in 2021 in a warm beige. This modern take on a dull shade will surely resonate with the more nostalgic auto drivers out there. Lastly, it’s no surprise that a shade of grey has made it on the list considering it ranked highest for 2019. Coarse grey will be a different hue on vehicles in the new year, which can be described as more of a muted silver.
Best/safest
In terms of the best or safest car colours, it is recommended that you stick with brighter colours, like white. A lighter car colour means that it will be more visible to other drivers, especially at night. White cars have a 12% less chance of accidents than say, a black car, despite weather conditions and time of day. A bonus is that white paint is known to last longest and is most resistant to fading.
Popular
When it comes to popularity, silver/grey tones, as well a white, are currently at the top of the list. In more general terms, greyscale colours, like white, black, grey and silver, typically are the most-purchased colours globally. Axalta Coating Systems declared that white is the most common auto colour this year, marking its place at the #1 spot for 10 consecutive years. White may seem plain, but it does come in many finishes: matte, pearl, and classic.
Worst/most dangerous
On the opposite side of the scale, it should be no surprise that black cars are the most dangerous car colour choice. Besides low visibility at nighttime, there’s also a greater risk of having your car stolen if it’s black. Think of it as a more low-profile choice for thieves, which makes for a discreet getaway (especially if the windows are tinted!) Another trait that may deter you from purchasing a black vehicle is that the colour tends to retain more heat, especially in the summer.
Rarest/least popular
When you think of rare car colours, think of ones that you don’t typically see often. When was the last time you saw a purple Lamborghini? How often have you seen an orange Ferrari? Other car colours that seem to be considered “least popular” include, green, gold, and yellow.
Easiest to keep clean
When selecting a car colour for your new vehicle, maintenance is usually a determining factor. This one may be a more common-sense answer, but light coloured cars take the win for cleanliness as well. White, silver and grey-tone hues hide dirt, debris and scratches way better than a black or blue paint colour will.
Luxury tones
If you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle, it seems that the norm isn’t what purchasers are looking for. Whether it’s a sportscar or luxury SUV, metallics are a popular paint choice. Silver reigns supreme of the metal shades selected for high-end vehicles, but gold is a close second. Looking for something sleeker? Black is always a classic luxury choice.
Resale
If you’re purchasing a car, but are looking to sell it down the line, car colour is a huge deciding factor for resale. It is suggested that you avoid gold, as it is known to rank quite low on the resale value list. Neutral colours have a higher chance of resale down the line, however, brighter colours, like orange or yellow, can have the best resale value. Why? According to Carfax, iSeeCars published a study stating that when selling an orange or yellow car, a dealership may offer a better trade deal. Another reason is that there are more neutral cars being resold, therefore, there is higher competition for sellers.
Do keep in mind that resale value largely depends on the market and popularity at that time. (Please note, these are common trends seen over time!)
Effect on insurance
There is a common myth that car colours, especially red, can have a direct impact on your insurance premiums. At isure, we’re here to tell you that this is not a required criterion when you are asked to fill out an auto insurance quote. In fact, car colour is only visible on your vehicle ownership. The reason car colour could potentially affect your car insurance is that some colours and paints (ex. Metallic/pearl shades) can be costly for the insurer to replace/repair. Additionally, rare paint choices cost more and affect the value of your vehicle.
No matter the colour, you need to ensure that your new vehicle is properly insured. Did you know that if you plan to modify your car after purchase that you are required to tell your insurer? Aftermarket custom paint jobs or any modifications, including a wing, spoiler or any mechanical modifications, can result in a claim denial. If a claim is covered, there are still limits to what an insurer will cover for any aftermarket modifications. Speak to your isure broker about what additional coverage you may need to ensure you are covered. Contact us (toll-free) at 1-877-514-7873 or by email at [email protected].
Looking to maximize your discounts? Bundle your auto and home insurance policy!
