Does the Color of Your Car Affect Your Risk of Vehicle Damage?

Published On: June 18, 2024

It’s no secret that the color of your car is considered a reflection of your personality and taste. However, did you know that your chosen car color may also have an impact on your risk of being in a collision?

While car color isn’t considered a determining factor, studies have shown that certain car colors are more prone to accidents than others. From monochromatic hues to bright and vibrant colors, here is a look at how the color of your car can affect your risk of vehicle damage and your need for dent repair.

Black & White

Black and white are both common colors for cars, yet they couldn’t be more different from each other. According to a study by Monash University Accident Research Centre, black cars are 47 percent more likely to be involved in a collision than other colors, while white cars are the least likely to be in a crash.

The reason behind this is primarily the contrast between the car’s color and its surroundings. Black cars tend to blend in more with the road, making them harder to see, especially during low-light conditions. White cars, on the other hand, tend to stand out, making them more visible to other drivers and, therefore, less likely to be accidentally hit.

Hues of Gray

Shades of gray, such as silver, charcoal, and pewter, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These colors have a sleek and modern appeal and are often associated with luxury vehicles. However, the bumper repair risk factor associated with gray cars depends on the exact hue.

Silver cars, for example, are less likely to be in a crash due to their ability to reflect light and remain visible in well-lit conditions. Darker grays, on the other hand, run a higher risk of damage for a similar reason as black vehicles — they can be harder to spot in overcast or dark conditions.

Bright Colors

Following this logic, bright vehicles should be the least likely to be in accidents since they’re hard to miss. However, there are also pervasive rumors that insurance companies charge more to cover red cars because they’re much more likely to be in an accident. So, which is true?

The same Monash University study found that red cars are more likely to be in an accident than low-risk white cars. However, insurance companies will generally never take car color into consideration when issuing coverage, and the likelihood of crashing a red car was about the same as for gray cars. Other vibrant hues, however, such as blue and yellow, were shown to be safer, likely because of their high visibility. 

Despite the variation in crash likelihood, receiving damage to your vehicle is a nearly universal experience regardless of color. Whether your vehicle is white, black, red, gray, or anything in between, if you’re in need of dent repair, Bumper Buddies can help. We have decades of experience performing quick, cost-effective, and high-quality mobile dent repair on vehicles of all makes, models, and colors. We use computer-matched PPG paints for all of our repairs, ensuring that you receive a seamless blend with your original paint job, so no one will ever know where the damage occurred. To learn more about our mobile auto body repair services, give us a call today at 888-711-5074, text us at 949-799-1413, or contact us online for a free quote.

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