4. Frequency and cost of claims
Insurance companies look at how often claims are filed for specific models, as well as the average cost of those claims. A car might cost more to insure if:
The model is frequently targeted by thieves
It tends to require expensive repairs after even minor accidents
It’s difficult to drive, leading to more frequent collisions
Bigger, heavier SUVs and trucks sometimes cost more to insure because of the damage they can cause to other vehicles in an accident.
5. Repair costs
Popular vehicles with inexpensive, easy-to-source parts usually cost less to insure, because the cost of repairing them is fairly low. On the other hand, you’ll pay more to insure a vehicle with specialty, hard-to-find, or out-of-production parts.
The car you choose does impact your insurance rates, but that shouldn't be your only consideration. Look for a vehicle that fits your needs and lifestyle and that's safe to drive—but consider avoiding upgrades that you don't need.
Use an insurance shopping app like Jerry
to compare rates from multiple insurance companies to ensure you're getting the lowest insurance prices for the vehicle you chose. FAQs
What kind of vehicles are cheapest on insurance?
Lightweight SUVs, crossovers, and minivans generally have the cheapest insurance, although some pickup trucks also make the list.
What is the cheapest auto insurance?
While state minimum liability insurance will be the least expensive choice for auto insurance, it’s almost never enough protection. Shop around to find a provider who will offer you the best rate for the customized coverage you need on your vehicle.
What car brand has the cheapest insurance?
Subaru takes our top two spots for the cheapest insurance, but with three entries on the top 10 list, Honda earns an honorable mention for the lowest insurance rates.
What is the lowest car insurance price?
Car insurance rates are highly personalized—they’re based on factors like where you live, what you drive, how long you’ve been driving, the coverage you choose, and what your driving history looks like. To find the lowest rate for you, compare quotes from several insurance companies.
Are smaller cars more expensive to insure?
Yes, in many cases, smaller cars are more expensive to insure than mid-size vehicles because they may sustain more damage in an accident.
Are automatics cheaper to insure?
Automatic vehicles tend to have more complicated systems than manuals, so automatics may be more expensive to insure. That said, the popularity of manual vehicles is on the decline—if it becomes difficult to source parts for a particular model, the price of insurance for that vehicle may go up.
Are newer cars cheaper to insure?
Newer cars are more expensive, and as a result, they generally cost more to insure. However, this may be offset somewhat by advanced safety features.
Are sedans cheaper to insure than SUVs?
SUVs are among the cheapest vehicles to insure—mid-size SUVs and crossovers make up most of the top 10 cheapest vehicles to insure.
What car is the most expensive to insure?
Rare luxury vehicles and sports cars are among the most expensive to insure.
How do I lower my car insurance premium?
Request quotes from at least 3–5 insurance providers to find the lowest car insurance rates available to you. You can also sign up for discounts to save on your insurance premiums.