IIHS Report: Small Cars Can Be Costly to Repair

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that small cars may save on purchase price and fuel, but there is a real reason why their insurance premiums aren't also tiny-accidents cause significant damage and consequently injury risk. In its latest test-based report, the IIHS found that none of seven small cars rated "good" under a new system to evaluate repair costs necessitated by low-speed impacts, putting a dollar value on common accident scenarios. (Learn how the IIHS conducts crash tests on new cars.)

These are the first bumper test results released under a new Institute ratings protocol that's based on repair costs averaged and weighted to reflect real-world damage patterns. The new ratings protocol represents the common damage that insurance claims centers process daily, and it is based on four bumper tests representing full-width and corner crashes at low speeds. Weighted average repairs must be less than $500 for a good rating, less than $1,000 for acceptable, and less than $1,500 for marginal. Repairs of $1,500 or more earn bumpers a poor rating.

With the rules established, the tests identified the Kia Rio as the worst performer with $9,380 total damage, earning it a poor rating. The Rio's repair bill is worse than those of most other small and midsize cars and minivans the Institute has tested. This minicar racked up about $3,700 damage, or 30 percent of its purchase price, in the full-front test alone. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Mini Cooper also earn poor ratings for bumper performance.

The Smart Fortwo is best overall, with $3,281 total damage in four tests. Costs are relatively low for this microcar because its prepainted plastic body panels are dent-resistant, inexpensive, and easy to replace. The Chevrolet Aveo, a minicar, is next best, with $4,490 total damage.

"You should be able to drive your car home after a low-speed crash, but too often vehicles are sidelined by only minor impacts," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "Damage to sheet metal, air-conditioning condensers, and safety equipment like headlights should never happen when your car is bumped at just three to six miles an hour. Bad bumpers add up to one big headache for consumers."

Any accident can be expensive, inconvenient, and dangerous. Safety should play a key role in choosing your next vehicle, placing special emphasis on crash-test performance and key equipment: ABS, side and side-curtain airbags, and stability control. (This information is available in the autoMedia buyer's guide.) Repair cost is an interest consideration, though more difficult to compare.The IIHS does have some data available on vehicles, separated by class. (See an expanded list of repair costs from IIHS.)

Before buying, always consult with your insurance company to get an estimate of annual premiums. These will be influence by repair costs, as well as vehicle cost and average driver claim risk. (Learn what you need to know about car insurance before you buy.)