What are the cheapest cars to insure?

The least expensive cars to insure are typically those with fewer and less costly claims. However, car insurance rates vary by model based on a variety of factors, including safety features, the cost to repair the vehicle, and the cost of the vehicle itself. Your insurance rate is also determined by your age, driving history, coverage selections, and other factors besides the type of vehicle you own.

Cheapest Cars to Insure

Information about loss data and insurance rates

The sections below list specific car models that may be cheaper to insure based on how many fewer bodily injury claims, or "losses," they have compared to the average for all passenger vehicles. This is shown as a percentage below the average loss rate. The lower the percentage, the fewer claims the specific model has been involved in. Note that these car models may have different percentages for other types of claims, such as comprehensive or collision coverage claims.

These percentages are calculated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI) and don't directly reflect insurance rates. The car models listed are intended to be a starting point for someone who is looking for a vehicle that might have cheaper car insurance rates for insurance policies.

The sections below also show average insurance rates for specific vehicle classes including SUVs, pickups, and sedans. These averages are based on the cost of a policy with liability coverage, medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive car insurance coverage, and auto collision coverage, as reported in AAA's 2021 edition of the "Your Driving Costs Brochure."

What are the cheapest SUVs to insure?

As far as insurance rates for specific SUV models go, the ones listed below could possibly be cheaper. However, these models are ranked based on how many fewer bodily injury claims they have than the average passenger vehicle; they don't reflect the average cost to insure them.

Vehicle model (2018-2020 model years)	Size and class	Claim frequency^*
Hyundai Palisade 4dr + 4WD	Size and class Midsize SUV	Claim frequency^* -67%
Subaru Ascent 4dr + 4WD with EyeSight	Size and class Midsize SUV	Claim frequency^* -61%
Subaru Forester 4dr + 4WD with EyeSight	Size and class Small SUV	Claim frequency^* -60%
Kia Telluride 4dr + 4WD	Size and class Midsize SUV	Claim frequency^* -55%
Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr + 4WD	Size and class Small SUV	Claim frequency^* -51%
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 4dr + 4WD	Size and class Small SUV	Claim frequency^* -42%

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI).

How much is car insurance for an SUV?

The average annual cost to insure an SUV in 2021 ranged from $1,296 for a medium/midsize SUV (e.g., Chevrolet Traverse) to $1,298 for a subcompact SUV (e.g., Jeep Compass), according to AAA . So if you're in the market for an SUV, there's a chance your insurance costs won't vary too much based on the size of the vehicle.

What are the cheapest trucks to insure?

The pickup truck models below may be some of the cheapest trucks to insure but remember that these are just models that have fewer bodily injury liability claims than the average passenger vehicle. Learn about buying a truck vs. an SUV.

Vehicle model (2018-2020 model years)	Size and class	Claim frequency^*
Toyota Tacoma Xtra cab 4WD	Size and class Small pickup	Claim frequency^* -35%
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab LWB 4WD	Size and class Small pickup	Claim frequency^* -34%
Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab 4WD	Size and class Small pickup	Claim frequency^* -33%
Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4WD	Size and class Large pickup	Claim frequency^* -32%
Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4WD	Size and class Large pickup	Claim frequency^* -31%
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD	Size and class Large pickup	Claim frequency^* -19%

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI).

How much is insurance for a pickup truck?

The average annual cost to insure a pickup truck ranged from $1,313 for a small/midsize pickup (e.g., Honda Ridgeline) to $1,379 for a large/half-ton pickup (e.g., Toyota Tundra) in 2021, according to AAA. Compared to SUVs, you may pay more on average to insure a pickup truck, based on AAA's data.

What are the cheapest sedans to insure?

If you're looking for a medium-sized sedan (or midsize four-door car) that could be less expensive to insure, the models below might be a good place to start. As with the other sections, these vehicles are ranked by how many fewer bodily injury liability claims they've been involved in and don't reflect the cost to insure them. Learn about buying a sedan vs. an SUV.

Vehicle model (2018-2020 model years)	Claim frequency^*
Honda Accord Hybrid	Claim frequency^* -29%
Hyundai Sonata	Claim frequency^* -21%
Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid	Claim frequency^* -18%

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI).

How much is insurance for a sedan?

According to AAA, the average annual cost to insure a medium-sized sedan (e.g., Honda Accord) in 2021 was $1,403. Based on AAA's data, your average midsize four-door car may cost more to insure than the average SUV or pickup truck.

Why do car models impact insurance rates?

Insurance companies consider a variety of factors when setting rates, but when it comes to the type of vehicle you drive, here are some items they consider:

Repair or replacement costs

Your car's make and model is a significant factor. Certain high-end luxury vehicles may require more expensive parts and additional labor to repair, possibly resulting in higher premiums. If your car also retains its value well or depreciates slowly, you may pay more for insurance to cover the higher cost of replacing it. Learn more about car depreciation.

Vehicle safety ratings

Vehicles with high safety ratings and anti-theft features may earn more auto insurance discounts, or simply be involved in fewer accidents. A vehicle's high safety rating may be due partly to certain safety features, like automatic emergency braking. While these features could result in cheaper car insurance rates for some coverages, they may also increase others due to the cost to repair their high-tech components.

Risk of causing damage

If a large SUV gets in an accident, it may cause more damage and injury than a compact sedan. And taller vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and vans are more likely to roll over. The greater risk of costly damage or serious injury means a greater risk for the insurer, which may result in higher premiums.

These are just a few factors that can affect your insurance rate. Learn more about other car insurance cost factors.