The 20 most expensive vehicles to insure in 2010

When it comes to car insurance, most people want to get the best possible deal. Many factors determine your auto insurance premium. They include your age, driving record, gender, location, credit score and amount of driving you do each year. However, the type of vehicle that you drive can also influence the premium that you pay. Premiums are partially determined by your vehicle’s “loss history,” meaning the cost of claims that other drivers of that vehicle have submitted.

What you drive sometimes offers insight into what kind of driver you are likely to be. If you have a Porsche, you’re more likely to be a thrill-seeker — speeding and perhaps driving a little more recklessly. Insurance companies consider that someone who drives a Porsche is likely to pose a higher risk than someone driving a minivan. Indeed, according to Insure.com’s regular ranking, the car insurance rates for Porsches and Dodge Vipers are higher than those for Honda Odysseys and Mazda Tributes.

If you like a little sporty fun in your car, be prepared to pay more for it in terms of insurance. Here are the 20 most expensive 2010 vehicles to insure, according to the average annual insurance costs found by a Quadrant Information Services study commissioned by Insure.com. Note that these nationwide averages are based on a 40-year-old male driver who commutes 10 miles to work every day and has a clean driving record; your own premiums would be different.

20. Jaguar XKR Supercharged

This two-door coupe features eight cylinders, so it can haul if you want it to. It costs an average of $2,433.48 to insure each year, though, which is not particularly surprising for a car that can reportedly do 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

19. Jaguar XKR Portfolio SC

If you are willing to pay a few extra bucks a year for insurance, then for an average of $2,537.79 you can get a luxe version of the XKR. The Portfolio is also a two-door coupe, and features eight cylinders. However, it has more upgrades and is a bit cushier.

18. BMW 760Li

Like most German engineered cars, this BMW is a smooth ride. The 12-cylinder engine on this four-door sedan means plenty of power for those who like that sort of thing. It averages $2,565.59 a year for insurance.

17. BMW M6

Another powerful BMW, this 10-cylinder two-door coupe offers the option of a carbon fiber roof. That’s hot. But it averages $2,627.27 for insurance each year.

16. Mercedes CL63 AMG

This two-door coupe rides like, well, a Mercedes. You expect to pay a lot for a Mercedes, and you can expect the same for the insurance, which will cost an average of $2,646.92.

15. Mercedes CL65 AMG

Gobble the miles quickly with this 12-cylinder two-door convertible. Stylish and fun, this Mercedes isn’t cheap, and neither is the insurance: An average of $2,653.56.

14. Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series

Just looking at it makes you want to step on the gas and try out those 12-cylinders. The fact that it’s a convertible only adds to the desire to speed along some ocean-side road. Average cost to insure: $2,655.15 a year.

13. Mercedes S600

Apparently, insurers just look at nearly any Mercedes and decide that anyone driving such a cool car needs to pay more in insurance. The S600 averages $2,667.48 to insure. Doesn’t look sporty, but the turbocharged S600 will make you look wealthy.

12. BMW M6

This convertible has plenty of zip, and just screams “sun!” The perfect summer car. It averages $2,689.13 a year in insurance, though.

11. Mercedes CL65 AMG

Zippy and fun with its 12-cylinders, the Mercedes CL65 AMG offers plenty of luxury, easy handling and driving pleasure. Not as much pleasure for the pocket book, but if you can afford the CL65, you can probably afford the average $2,699.74 it costs to insure it each year.

10. Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo

Finally! We’re getting to the Porsches. But if you are looking for a smoother ride, you might want a different 911. But it does accelerate very quickly – even though you might feel as though you’re getting jerked around more than strictly necessary for such an expensive car. Average cost to insure: $2,706.04 a year.

9. Mercedes SL600

Take the Mercedes S600, turn it into a convertible, and add a few more options. Now you’ve got a car that appears ready for a little touring someplace rich and exotic. Average cost to insure: $2,715.86 each year.

8. Porsche Panamera S

For a Porsche, this four-door sedan looks a bit ordinary. Drives well, and offers some decent power with its eight cylinders, but you might want a Porsche to look cooler than this, especially if you’re paying $2,744.78 to insure it every year.

7. Audi R8

Audi makes a great automobile with good performance, and this hot car looks like it could burn the road up,. The insurance price tag, an average of $2,751.55 annually, affirms that insurance companies fully expect drivers of this car to enjoy themselves.

6. Mercedes CL600

Yet another fancy-looking, big-engined offering from Mercedes. Sleek and stylish, this car costs, on average, $2,754.80 to insure each year.

5. Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

Looking for a souped-up ride? This two-door convertible, which sports 10 cylinders, projects sheer machismo. And the insurance price tag is also macho, averaging $2,815.90.

4. Porsche Panamera Turbo AWD

No one’s going to take a Porsche off-road, but the all-wheel drive offers enhanced control on the road as well. With two turbos and eight cylinders, this car looks more like a Porsche should, even with its four doors. Costs an average of $2,837.39 a year to insure.

3. Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe

This two-door coupe might be more fun than the convertible version – and more expensive to insure at an average of $2,851.89 a year.

2. Mercedes S65 AMG

For a car this high up the list, the S65 AMG looks a little stodgy with its four doors. And it seems like eight cylinders would be enough, rather than going for 12. But the Mercedes S65 is a status symbol, and the average $2,863.03 annual premium for the car might also be a status symbol.

1. Porsche 911 Carrera GT2
Looking fresh off the racetrack, it’s easy to see why the 911 Carrera GT2 costs almost $3,000 to insure each year. Handles well, and the Turbo-plus power helps you feel, well, powerful. Average cost for annual insurance is $2,943.78.