Yes, most insurance companies treat the Subaru WRX as a sports car or a high performance vehicle. Even though it looks like a compact sedan, insurers focus more on performance than body style. The Subaru WRX has a turbocharged engine, high horsepower, fast acceleration, and a strong racing image. These features place it in a higher risk category for insurance pricing.
In the United States, drivers usually pay 20 to 40 percent more to insure a Subaru WRX compared to a standard Subaru Impreza. On average, full coverage insurance for a WRX costs between $165 and $230 per month, or $1,980 to $2,760 per year. Younger drivers and drivers with tickets may pay even more. Minimum liability coverage is cheaper, but still higher than many non performance sedans.
Insurance companies classify cars based on how likely they are to be involved in accidents and expensive claims. The WRX is popular with young drivers and driving enthusiasts. It has strong acceleration and turbo power, which increases the risk of speeding tickets and crashes. Repair costs are also higher because of performance parts and advanced drivetrain systems. All these factors push the WRX into a sports car or performance category for insurance purposes.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Subaru WRX insurance classification. You will learn why insurers see it as a sports car, how much insurance costs by age and state, how it compares to other performance cars, and what you can do to lower your premium.
What Makes a Car a Sports Car for Insurance?
Insurance companies do not use one single rule to define a sports car. They look at several factors.
Engine performance
Cars with turbochargers or high horsepower often cost more to insure.
Acceleration and speed
Faster acceleration increases accident risk.
Driver behavior data
Cars linked to more speeding tickets or claims cost more.
Repair and replacement costs
Performance parts are expensive to repair or replace.
Theft risk
Sporty cars are more attractive to thieves.
The Subaru WRX checks many of these boxes.
Why Insurance Companies Classify the Subaru WRX as a Sports Car
The Subaru WRX may look like a regular sedan, but insurers see it very differently.
Turbocharged engine
The WRX comes with a turbo engine that delivers strong horsepower. Turbo engines increase speed and raise insurance risk.
Performance focused design
The WRX is built for quick acceleration and sporty handling.
Racing and enthusiast image
Insurance data shows WRX drivers file more claims than average sedan drivers.
Higher repair costs
AWD systems, turbo components, and sport suspension raise repair costs.
Because of these reasons, most insurers classify the WRX as a sports or performance car.
Subaru WRX Insurance Cost in the USA
Here is what most drivers pay.
| Coverage Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| Minimum liability | $85 to $120 | $1,020 to $1,440 |
| Full coverage | $165 to $230 | $1,980 to $2,760 |
| High risk drivers | $260 to $360 | $3,120 to $4,320 |
These numbers are national averages. Your price depends on personal details.
Subaru WRX Insurance Cost Compared to Subaru Impreza
| Vehicle | Average Monthly Cost |
| Subaru Impreza | $110 to $165 |
| Subaru WRX | $165 to $230 |
The WRX costs significantly more to insure due to performance risk.
Subaru WRX Insurance Cost by Driver Age
Age plays a major role.
| Driver Age | Avg Monthly Full Coverage |
| 16 to 19 | $380 to $620 |
| 20 to 24 | $260 to $380 |
| 25 to 34 | $170 to $230 |
| 35 to 54 | $155 to $210 |
| 55 and older | $145 to $195 |
Young drivers pay the highest rates due to accident risk.
Subaru WRX Insurance Cost by State
Location matters because state laws and traffic risks vary.
| State | Avg Monthly Cost |
| California | $215 |
| Texas | $195 |
| Florida | $230 |
| New York | $220 |
| Pennsylvania | $175 |
| Ohio | $165 |
| North Carolina | $160 |
| Michigan | $285 |
States with no fault laws or high medical costs are more expensive.
Is the Subaru WRX More Expensive to Insure Than Other Sports Cars?
Here is how the WRX compares to similar vehicles.
| Car Model | Avg Monthly Cost |
| Subaru WRX | $195 |
| Honda Civic Si | $175 |
| Volkswagen GTI | $185 |
| Ford Mustang EcoBoost | $215 |
| Toyota GR86 | $205 |
The WRX sits in the middle range among entry level performance cars.
Does All Wheel Drive Lower WRX Insurance Cost?
Many drivers assume AWD lowers insurance cost. This is not always true.
What AWD helps with
- Better traction in rain and snow
- Reduced accident risk in winter states
What AWD does not fix
- High speed driving risk
- Expensive repair costs
AWD may slightly help in snowy states, but it does not remove the sports car label.
Insurance Cost Differences by WRX Model Year
| Model Year Range | Avg Monthly Full Coverage |
| 2015 to 2017 | $155 to $205 |
| 2018 to 2020 | $165 to $220 |
| 2021 to 2022 | $175 to $230 |
| 2023 to 2024 | $185 to $245 |
Newer models cost more due to higher value and repair costs.
Does Manual Transmission Affect WRX Insurance?
Manual transmission does not lower insurance by itself. Insurers care more about engine power than transmission type. However, some data shows manual WRX models have slightly fewer claims, which may help a little.
Is Full Coverage Required for Subaru WRX?
Full coverage is required if:
- You finance the car
- You lease the car
Even if not required, full coverage is recommended due to high repair costs.
Why Subaru WRX Insurance Is Expensive for Young Drivers
Young drivers face higher rates because:
- Higher accident risk
- More speeding violations
- Less driving experience
A WRX plus a young driver creates one of the highest risk profiles for insurers.
How Tickets and Accidents Affect WRX Insurance
A single speeding ticket can raise WRX insurance by:
- 20 to 30 percent
An at fault accident can raise rates by:
- 40 to 60 percent
Performance cars magnify the impact of violations.
How to Lower Subaru WRX Insurance Cost
You can still save money with smart choices.
Compare multiple quotes
Each insurer prices WRX risk differently.
Increase deductibles
Higher deductibles reduce monthly cost.
Ask about discounts
Possible discounts include:
- Safe driver discount
- Good student discount
- Multi policy discount
- Low mileage discount
Avoid modifications
Aftermarket parts often raise premiums.
Subaru WRX Insurance and Modifications
Insurance companies may raise rates or deny claims if:
- Engine is modified
- Turbo is upgraded
- Suspension is altered
Always inform your insurer about modifications.
Is the Subaru WRX a Good Daily Driver for Insurance?
It can be, but it costs more than standard sedans. Drivers with clean records and stable credit get the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most insurers classify the WRX as a sports or performance car.
Yes. It costs more than regular sedans and compact cars.
It is often slightly cheaper than V8 Mustangs but similar to turbo Mustangs.
AWD helps with safety but does not remove the sports car classification.
Young drivers usually pay very high premiums.
Yes. Rates often drop after age 25 with a clean record.
Final Thoughts
The Subaru WRX is not just a regular sedan in the eyes of insurance companies. Its turbo power, performance focus, and driver behavior data lead insurers to classify it as a sports car for insurance. This classification results in higher premiums compared to standard compact cars. Still, drivers with clean records, smart coverage choices, and proper discounts can manage costs. If you want to compare real WRX insurance quotes from top providers in the USA and find ways to save, Alias Insurance helps you get fast and free car insurance comparisons tailored to your needs.
