Insurance costs vary dramatically, but certain vehicle types are consistently less expensive for companies to cover. If you’re asking what car cheapest to insure, the answer depends on a mix of factors, but some clear patterns emerge. This guide will walk you through the vehicles that typically cost less to insure and explain exactly why.
You’ll learn how to make smart choices that lower your premiums. We’ll cover specific models, the key features insurers look for, and steps you can take right now.
What Car Cheapest To Insure
The cheapest cars to insure are generally safe, moderately priced, and not built for high speed. Insurers analyze massive amounts of data to set rates. They look at claims history, repair costs, and safety statistics for every make and model.
Cars that are inexpensive to buy, repair, and that protect occupants well score the best. They pose a lower financial risk to the insurance company, and those savings are passed to you in the form of lower premiums.
Key Factors That Make A Car Cheap To Insure
Before listing specific vehicles, it’s crucial to understand what insurers evaluate. Knowing these factors helps you predict costs beyond just the car’s sticker price.
Vehicle Safety Ratings
Cars with top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are cheaper to insure. Good ratings mean fewer and less severe injuries in crashes, leading to lower medical claim costs.
- Look for models with “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick+” awards.
- Important features include standard automatic emergency braking, good headlights, and robust crash structures.
Vehicle Price and Repair Costs
Less expensive cars with readily available, affordable parts cost less to fix. High-end luxury vehicles or models with exotic materials often have sky-high repair bills, which insurers account for.
- Domestic sedans and small SUVs often have lower repair costs.
- Consider the cost of common parts like bumpers, headlights, and windshields.
Vehicle Performance and Theft Rates
High-performance sports cars are statistically involved in more claims. Similarly, models that are frequently targeted by thieves carry higher comprehensive coverage costs. Insurers see both as increased risk.
- Four-cylinder engines are typically cheaper to insure than six or eight-cylinder ones.
- Check the NHTSA’s theft rates database for the models you’re considering.
Top Vehicle Categories For Low Insurance Rates
Based on the factors above, these categories consistently offer some of the most affordable insurance premiums. Focusing your search here is a smart first step.
Small and Midsize Sedans
These are the classic low-cost insurance leaders. They are safe, practical, and have a long history of reliable, low-cost operation. Their commonality keeps repair networks efficient and parts prices down.
- Examples: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Hyundai Sonata.
- They balance size, safety, and sensible performance perfectly for insurers.
Minivans and Family SUVs
Vehicles designed for families are engineered for safety. They are also typically driven more cautiously and for predictable purposes (like school runs and grocery trips), which insurers favor. Their theft rates are also generally lower than flashier vehicles.
- Examples: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V.
- Their primary role as family haulers translates to a lower risk profile.
Small Pickup Trucks
While large trucks can be expensive, smaller pickups like the Ford Maverick or Honda Ridgeline can offer reasonable rates. They are utilitarian, often have good safety features, and aren’t usually driven as aggressively as sports cars.
It’s important to note that coverage needs for trucks can vary if you use them for business, so personal use typically gets the best rates.
Specific Models Known For Low Insurance Costs
While individual rates vary by driver and location, industry data consistently highlights these models as being among the cheapest to insure year after year. Always get your own quote, but this list provides a strong starting point.
- Subaru Outback: Its all-wheel-drive safety, wagon shape, and excellent crash test scores make it a perennial favorite for low premiums.
- Honda CR-V: This compact SUV is incredibly popular, very safe, and has low repair costs, all of which insurers reward.
- Ford Escape: Similar to the CR-V, its commonality and good safety record help keep insurance costs manageable.
- Jeep Wrangler: While repair costs can be moderate, its low theft rate and specific driver demographic often result in competitive insurance pricing.
- Toyota RAV4: Another best-selling small SUV with legendary reliability and high safety scores, leading to favorable insurance assessments.
- Mazda CX-5: Praised for its safety and upscale feel, it nonetheles falls into a low-risk category for insurers.
- Honda Odyssey: As a top minivan choice for families, its safety-focused design and usage pattern lead to low rates.
- Chevrolet Equinox: A common fleet vehicle, its parts are plentiful and inexpensive, a big plus for insurance companies.
How To Get The Cheapest Insurance Rate On Any Car
The car you choose is only one part of the equation. Your personal habits and shopping strategy have a huge impact on your final premium. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best possible rate.
Shop Around and Compare Quotes
Never settle for the first quote you receive. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between companies for the exact same coverage. You should get at least three to five quotes.
- Use online comparison tools for a quick overview.
- Also contact independent insurance agents who work with multiple companies.
- Don’t forget to check with major national providers directly.
Ask About Every Available Discount
Insurance companies offer dozens of discounts, but they won’t always apply them automatically. You have to ask. Common discounts include:
- Multi-policy (bundling home and auto).
- Good driver (clean record for 3-5 years).
- Good student (for young drivers with strong grades).
- Paid-in-full (paying your six-month or annual premium upfront).
- Safety features (anti-lock brakes, anti-theft systems).
- Low annual mileage.
Choose the Right Deductible and Coverage
Opting for a higher deductible on your comprehensive and collision coverage can significantly lower your premium. Just make sure you have that amount saved in case you need to file a claim.
Also, if you drive an older car with a low market value, consider dropping collision coverage altogether. The cost of the coverage might exceed the car’s worth.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
This is the most significant factor within your control. Tickets, accidents, and especially DUI convictions will cause your rates to soar for years. Defensive driving is the best long-term strategy for cheap insurance.
Some states offer programs to remove a ticket from your record by completing a defensive driving course, its worth checking your local rules.
Cars That Are Typically Expensive To Insure
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to seek. These vehicle types almost always come with higher insurance premiums.
- High-Performance Sports Cars: Models like the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger SRT, or any Porsche. Their speed and accident rates drive up costs.
- Luxury Vehicles: Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Tesla. Expensive parts, sophisticated technology, and high repair bills lead to higher premiums.
- Electric Vehicles (Some): While some EVs are cheap to insure, many have high sticker prices and require specialized, costly repairs, which can increase rates.
- Vehicles with High Theft Rates: Some older Honda Civics or full-size pickup trucks can be targets, impacting comprehensive coverage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are older cars cheaper to insure?
Not always. While their value is lower (which can reduce some coverage costs), they often lack modern safety features. This can lead to higher injury-related claim costs, potentially offsetting any savings. Liability insurance, which is required, may not be much cheaper.
What is the cheapest car to insure for a new driver?
For a new or young driver, the cheapest car to insure is a safe, used, modest sedan or small SUV with high safety ratings. Think a used Honda CR-V or Toyota Camry. Avoid anything sporty. The driver’s age and experience are the primary cost drivers, but the right car can help mitigate the high premium.
Are red cars more expensive to insure?
No, this is a common myth. Insurance companies do not factor car color into their pricing algorithms. They care about the make, model, engine size, year, your driving history, and location, but not the color of the vehicle.
How can I check insurance costs before buying a car?
You can call your insurance agent with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the specific car you’re considering for a quote. Many insurer websites also have tools that let you get estimates by providing the make, model, and year. This is a crucial step before finalizing any purchase.
Does a good credit score lower car insurance?
In most states, yes. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores, which correlate with risk. A higher credit score typically qualifies you for lower premiums. It’s one of the many reasons maintaining good credit is financially beneficial.
Finding the answer to what car cheapest to insure requires looking at safety, value, and risk. By choosing a vehicle from a low-risk category, maintaining a clean record, and shopping diligently for quotes, you can secure affordable coverage. Remember to get specific quotes for your final choices, as your personal profile will always be the final determinant of your rate.