How cheap is car insurance for a Volkswagen Eos?

The Volkswagen Eos convertible can turn heads, whether its retractible hardtop roof is down or up. If you’re thinking of buying an Eos and would like to know what it costs to insure, you can enter your zip code in the box to begin your comparison. Before doing so, however, take a few moments to read about the Volkswagen Eos and learn more about its features, what reviewers are saying, and insurance considerations.

Reviews, Features and Comparisons

Although upscale and sophisticated, the Eos is not a luxury convertible akin to the BMW 3-series convertible or the Lexus IS, nor is it as humble as the Chrysler Sebring, nor as quirky as the smaller Mini Cooper convertible. The Eos is positioned between several competitors and offers advantages and drawbacks when compared with each. Its list price starts around $34,000 for the 2011 base model, so this is unquestionably an upscale car. However, it is thousands less than the Lexus and BMW models just mentioned, and $10,000 more than the Ford Mustang or Mini Cooper convertibles at the lower end of the spectrum.

Reviewers are generally dissatisfied with the cramped rear seats and poor cargo space, so practicality is not the focus of the Eos. Its main feature and strongest selling point is a hardtop retractible roof made of five panels that convert to open-air driving in twenty-five seconds. The roof includes an integrated, generously-sized sunroof and even has heated rear glass. This hardtop roof is unique outside the luxury convertible category.

Another source of compliments from reviewers is the interior finishing. The base model Komfort comes with a power driver seat, heated seats in front, dual-zone auto climate control, and Bluetooth. The upgrade model is called Lux and adds larger wheels, wood interior trim, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat. VW has just added a premium upgrade called the Executive featuring sport suspension, navigation and a topnotch sound system.

The Eos receives compliments from some reviewers for good handling and a solid feel, but others are quick to remind the reader that this car has the mediocre performance of a ‘boulevard cruiser’ rather than the star quality of a roadster. These observations help explain the Eos’s price point: it is not a luxury convertible but it does possess features that set it apart from less expensive competition.

The Eos comes standard in a front-wheel drive 2.0-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder version with six-speed manual transmission. An automatic six-speed option with electronic gear shift is also available.

Safety Features and Ratings

The Eos comes with reassuring safety features such as head and thorax air bags in front and supplemental restraints in front and back. Other assets are its four-wheel anti-lock braking system with hydraulic brake assist, traction control with electronic differential lock, electronic stabilization program, engine drag torque control, anti-slip regulation, clutch starter interlock, anti-intrusion side-impact door beams, LATCH child restraint system, emergency trunk release, tire pressure monitoring and rollover protection.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal government’s crash testing agency, has not evaluated the Eos. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did undertake testing and assigned a top score of “good” in front and side impact tests and the second-highest “acceptable” for head/neck restraints and driver torso. Rear passenger head protection was problemmatic but did not result in life-threatening injury.

The NHTSA has new stricter crash testing criteria as of 2011. Consumers can check their website www.safercar.gov throughout the year for new test results and explanations of the enhanced safety standards for all vehicles.

Insurance Costs and Considerations

Despite favorable crash test results and an impressive array of safety features, the Volkswagen Eos is a convertible and thus a statistical insurance risk. Therefore its insurance rates are higher than conventional midsize sedans. The average insurance premium nationwide for a 2011 Eos is $1712 per year for the base model Komfort and $1768 for the Lux upgrade. These averages are your starting point; a number of variables will come into play that affect the rate you will ultimately be charged. These include the state and town in which you live, driver age and driving record, credit history, annual mileage, whether the car will be used for regular commuting, and multi-policy discounts.

These variables can have a substantial effect. For example, the Komfort insures on average for $1074 per year in Maine, but costs $2680 per year in Louisiana. These two state typically represent the extremes, so you will find most other states have rates averaging somewhere between these.

Another factor affecting price is the vigorous competition among insurance companies for each and every customer. As a consumer this is to your advantage only if you make the effort to compare rates and terms to get the best policy for your needs. To begin comparing rates for a Volkswagen Eos, simply enter your zip code in the box.

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