The iconic off-road vehicle returns to the US with above average-insurance rates.
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After a 23-year hiatus in the US, the Land Rover Defender is back and better than ever. The iconic SUV is due for worldwide release in 2020 and seeks to combine off-road ruggedness with on-road luxury.
The Land Rover Defender is an off-road SUV that’s slightly expensive to insure. The average insurance cost for a Defender is expected to be around $230 a month, or $2,760 a year. With a starting price of $49,900, the annual insurance cost-to-base ratio is 5.5%. This is slightly higher than the national average of 4%, and could change with all the customization options on each model. Filter car insurance companies by your state to get a quote.
Insurance on the Defender will be slightly higher due to its off-road capabilities. But as an SUV, it’s still likely to be more affordable than a comparable pickup. The following factors also play a role in determining the Defender’s rates.
Body type. The Defender is a compact- or medium-size SUV built for off-roading. While SUVs typically enjoy lower insurance rates than sedans or pickup trucks, off-road vehicles are more expensive — even if you never take them off the pavement.
Fuel. Official mpg ratings haven’t been released at the time of writing, but early indications from the UK suggest the Defender could reach up to 28 mpg. This would be significantly higher than competing off-road vehicles. The only drawback is the more costly repairs for electric motors and battery parts, which leads to higher rates.
Theft rates. Land Rovers are some of the most commonly stolen vehicles in the US. This will have a negative impact on the Defenders rates, even though official theft rates on this Defender model won’t be available for a few years.
Maintenance. Land Rovers are also one of the most expensive vehicles to maintain, due to the frequent maintenance needs and expensive parts. The Defender’s off-road ruggedness should help its reliability, though probably not enough to offset the higher insurance rates.
Coverage. The base model starts at $49,900 but can easily be customized to nearly $100,000 — and you’ll likely want to put as much coverage as possible on it. This includes both comprehensive and collision coverage, in addition to high liability limits. Also be sure to have adequate limits on your uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Warranty. Land Rover offers a basic four-year, 50,000-mile warranty on its new vehicles, with the option to extend it. This warranty includes roadside assistance while under warranty, which means you can drop this coverage from your auto insurance policy until your warranty expires.
Manufacturer offer. There will likely be a few special offers on the Defender, such as low APRs and cashback offers. Check with your local dealership to find the best deal for you.
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Does the Land Rover Defender qualify for discounts?
Yes, the Land Rover Defender will qualify for vehicle discounts, though the exact ones will depend on the model you select and your insurance company.
Passive restraint discount
Antilock brake discount
Airbag discount
Antitheft discount
Seatbelt pretensioners
How reliable is the Land Rover Defender?
Official ratings on the Defender won’t be available until after the vehicle is released on the market.
Safety. Land Rover is aiming for a five-star safety rating, according to Land Rover’s chief engineer. It’s following all the protocols for this rating, but the official safety tests won’t be completed until the vehicle is ready to go on the market.
Reliability. As a car manufacturer, Land Rovers aren’t typically known for the best reliability. The 2020 Defender will try to change that as a revamped model, but it will take time before official ratings are released.
Recalls. Land Rover has issued some recalls in the past. Considering the Defender is a new model, there could be a decent chance of a recall on yours.
Bottom line
The Land Rover Defender returns to the US market built for rugged off-roading. Insurance rates are expected to be slightly above average on it, but should be below the national average on more expensive models.
Be sure to compare different insurance companies to find one with the best options for your new Defender.
Frequently asked questions about Land Rover Defender insurance
No, though it does have an effect on your rates. Insurance companies know that most off-road SUVs are driven on the road most of the time, so this has no impact on your ability to find insurance.
It won’t make it cheaper, but the increase on its insurance rates should drop the insurance cost-to-base ratio to closer to the national average of 4%. Basically, the higher base price will make the insurance ratio more affordable.
Land Rover hasn’t officially released plans, but early reports state that the company intends to make at least a hybrid version of the Defender and possibly an electric version as well.
Andrew Flueckiger is a licensed insurance agent and Certified Insurance Counselor with experience in insurance and finance. A graduate of Indiana University, Andrew contributes a wealth of knowledge and experience to Finder. When Andrew isn’t writing, reading or practicing insurance, he can be found spending time with his family and playing the guitar. See full bio
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