Domestic Luxury Automaker Comparison: Cadillac Cheaper to Insure than Lincoln

by Andrew Evans | Automobile.com | 6/22/2012

Lincoln and Cadillac are formidable opponents in the American luxury vehicle market, each featuring a passionate fan base. Both are owned by larger domestic auto manufacturers (Lincoln is the luxury brand of the Ford Motor Company and General Motors produces Cadillac vehicles). Both brands sell popular coupes, sedans, sports utility vehicles and hybrids - so what sets them apart? Our latest insurance cost comparison study shows Lincoln drivers pay an average of 22.3% (or $236.43) more each year to insure their vehicles compared to Cadillac drivers. This translates into an average of $1296.94 spent on insuring Lincoln vehicles and $1060.51 spent on Cadillac models.

When sizing up the two domestic luxury automakers, the cost-to-insure disparity is a distinct difference amidst a sea of similarities. Both companies are headquartered in Michigan, were founded within 15 years of each other. And yet, there are a plethora of forums and enthusiast websites devoted to pitting Lincoln against Cadillac, suggesting an ardent debate among respective brand followers.

Another possible distinguishing factor between the two brands has to do with safety. The Cadillac CTS and SRX feature the coveted NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating for model years 2011 and newer while the competing Lincoln models do not. Car insurers often use safety reports as a major determining factor in the total policy cost.

In terms of sales, Cadillac currently enjoys a significant sales advantage over Lincoln. The Car Connection reported Cadillac sold 152,389 units compared to 85,643 units for Lincoln in 2011. In a measure to shrink the sales disparity, Ford is planning on expanding the Lincoln lineup from five to seven unique model offerings by 2015, according to The Wall Street Journal. Further speculation about Lincoln's role arose when Ford decided to phase out the mid-level luxury arm Mercury in 2010.

So what can Lincoln owners (or prospective owners) do to lower insurance costs? Begin by comparing insurance quotes through a reputable website such as Automobile.com. Be sure the source is unbiased and not affiliated with a specific automaker or brand. Comparing quotes allows the consumer to customize a policy and see if one insurer provides better coverage at a lower cost than competitors. Additionally, Lincoln owners should be sure to take specific models into consideration before rushing to judgment about insurance costs. For example, a base Lincoln Navigator sports utility vehicle may be cheaper to insure than a competing Cadillac Escalade with a larger engine.

Furthermore, comparing safety ratings between makes and models should be a top priority for the prospective car buyer. Finally, drivers should keep an eye on future Lincoln models introduced in the next couple years. It seems Lincoln is making a concerted effort to advance the brand which might translate into vehicles that closely aligned with Cadillac in terms of insurance costs.