These 8 Cars Will Have You Paying Outrageous Insurance Prices

Lexus has a reputation for making safe, reliable cars for sensible drivers, so it might seem surprising that the NX 300h hybrid crossover is one of the most expensive vehicles to insure. Reviews of the car tend to focus on its good fuel economy, spacious back seats, and an insulated cabin that’s quiet at highway speeds, again not things that would appeal to the usual stereotype of a “dangerous” driver. For the 2021 model year, Lexus introduced a new F Sport trim for drivers who wanted a more sporty, athletic feel to their crossover, although the package only featured new suspension and some extra exterior trim, and no extra power.

Clearly, the reason the NX is so expensive to insure is not because of its performance prowess. An alternative theory, however, is that the car is bought primarily by older drivers, and it’s this that causes its premiums to be sky-high. A 2018 study showed that Lexus had the third-highest average buyer age of any car brand in America, after Cadillac and Buick. Older drivers are also more likely to be seriously injured or killed in crashes than middle-aged drivers, according to the CDC. The NX might be a safe car overall, but perhaps it’s its popularity among older, more frail drivers that push average premiums higher, as a higher rate of injury usually means a larger payout from the insurer.