February 11, 2016

LEAWOOD, KS (February 11, 2016) – One popular insurance commercial has a young woman decrying her love for her car “Brad”, which she totaled, but this depiction isn’t far from true. A recent study by CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts found American drivers do fall in love with their vehicles for a variety of reasons, dote on them with care and customization, then mourn their loss when they are sold or totaled.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, CARSTAR asked American drivers just what it is they love about that hunk of metal that sits in their driveway.

“Drivers have a unique relationship with their cars,” said Dan Young, US President, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. “They name them, they talk to them, they protect them from the elements and damage. It’s no wonder it’s such an emotional time when something happens to their car. It can be heart-breaking to see your crumpled vehicle on the hook of a tow truck. That’s why we’re here. We try to take the stress and emotional duress out of the repair process, handle all the details for you, and get your car back to you in pre-accident condition as quickly as possible.”

So what do Americans love about their cars? The color and style top the list for nearly 50 percent of respondents (48.15 percent), with power and performance following closely behind at 40 percent (40.74 percent). For others, it’s a matter of independence and pride, as 30 percent (29.63 percent) cited the independence their vehicle gives them as their key crush, while nearly 15 percent (14.81 percent) said their pride in paying it off helped inspire their love.

How do drivers’ cars make them feel? Just like a great outfit, a can project confidence. Some 80 percent (80.77 percent) said their cars make them feel confident, an outward reflection of their achievements. Nearly 12 (11.54 percent) percent said their cars inspire their internal Van Halen, making them feel like a rock star. Cars also make drivers feel cool, for eight percent (7.69 percent) and like a race car driver, also at eight percent (7.69 percent).

Americans cars are a reflection of their personal style. Drivers love to customize the cars they love, from simple decorative touches to unique modifications. The majority – at 41 percent -- want their music on the road to match their personality, so upgrade their vehicle technology with a state-of-the-art sound and on-board technology system. Many rank unique tires and rims as their top customization, with 35 percent (35.29 percent) opting for tricked out tread. Tied are colored headlights and undercar light kits and a customized interior at 18 percent (17.65 percent). Nothing says passion like pink headlights, pink seat covers and a pink steering wheel cover! Drivers also want their car’s paint job to show their style, with 12 percent (11.76 percent) opting for special paint and trim jobs, wraps and graphics.

A wrecked vehicle can be a heartbreaking event. When something happens to the vehicle they love, American drivers take it personally. Nearly 50 percent (48.15 percent) said seeing their vehicle totaled in a wreck would break their heart, while 22 percent (22.22 percent) said it would be like losing a best friend. Many drivers would treat it like a bad break-up, as nearly 30 percent (29.63 percent) said they would be angry about their loss. But there were some idealistic car lovers who looked on the bright side – nearly 26 percent (25.93 percent) said it would be an opportunity to fall in love with a new car and nearly 15 (14.81 percent) said they would buy another one just like it.

Click the infographic below or here to view larger and download.