When it comes to performance cars, most drivers assume that the more powerful, rare, or expensive the car is, the more it will cost to insure. While that’s often true, there are some surprising exceptions in the UK insurance market. In fact, a few performance icons turn out to be cheaper to insure than their less extreme siblings. Here are three examples that might just surprise you.

1. Audi R8 (2013) vs. Audi TTRS (2013)

• Audi R8 Insurance Cost: £1,357
• Audi TTRS Insurance Cost: £1,432

On paper, you’d expect the Audi R8, a mid-engined supercar with supercar looks to be far more expensive to insure than the TTRS. Yet in reality, the R8 comes in cheaper.

Why?

• Fewer on the road = fewer insurance claims.
• R8 owners are often older, more cautious, and seen as lower risk.
• With it having the “supercar” status, it’s considered less likely to be involved in day-to-day accidents than the more “usable” TTRS.

2. VW Golf GTI TCR vs. VW Golf R (Same Year)

• Golf GTI TCR Insurance Cost: £1,056
• Golf R Insurance Cost: £1,290

The GTI TCR is rarer, more driver-focused, and more track-ready than the Golf R. You’d assume this exclusivity would drive premiums up, but it’s actually the opposite.

Why?

• GTI drivers are typically seen as enthusiasts, not daily thrashers.
• Fewer sales numbers mean fewer claims data overall.
• The Golf R has become hugely popular in the UK, and higher claim rates push up insurance premiums.

3. Renault Megane Trophy R vs. Renault Megane 280

• Megane Trophy R Insurance Cost: £1,009
• Megane 280 Insurance Cost: £937

This is one of the most surprising. The Trophy R is a stripped-back, track-focused machine worth significantly more than the regular Megane 280, yet it’s actually only £70 more expensive per year. You can also bet that if you were to build a “clubsport” 280 to compete with the Trophy R and declared all of the modifications it would be quite a bit more than £70 per year extra to insure.

Why?

• Trophy R owners are usually enthusiasts who track their cars responsibly.
• Lower production numbers = fewer insurance claims in general.
• The “basic” 280 is more widely sold, so more claims data pushes premiums up slightly.

More power doesn’t mean more expensive insurance

Insurance doesn’t always work how you’d expect. Sometimes the rarer, more powerful, and more track-focused cars actually cost less to insure than their “sensible” counterparts.

If you’re shopping for a performance car in the UK, don’t assume the obvious choice will always be the cheapest to run. It’s worth getting quotes on models you might not consider, you could be pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a good deal on your car insurance then call Adrian Flux on 0800 089 0045 and quote D2163 for the best offers for our users!

If you have any questions then feel free to email us at sales@modcentraluk.com or message us directly on Instagram.