What Are the Cheapest Cars to Insure?

The cheapest cars to insure tend to be mid-size or compact SUVs and crossovers, with the Subaru Outback taking the top spot.
Written by Amy Bobinger
Edited by Kathleen Flear
Reviewed by Brice Regling
The cheapest cars and trucks include models from Subaru, Ford, Honda, Jeep, and Toyota. But no matter what you drive, you can save on your
car insurance
costs by shopping around for quotes.

The 10 cheapest cars to insure in 2023

Make/model
Average annual cost to insure
$1707
$1824
$1826
$1832
$1941
$1943
$1951
$1973
$2036
$2112
Methodology: How we picked the cheapest cars to insure
We used internal data to compile the average car insurance rates for some of the nation’s most popular cars, then averaged those numbers with the findings from industry leaders like MarketWatch, Forbes, Car and Driver, and Experian to find the vehicles with the cheapest average insurance rates nationwide.

Comparison shop to find the lowest price on insurance

Even if you choose one of the cheapest cars to insure, your prices could be higher or lower than average. That’s because your insurance rates are based on more than the value of your car. 
In addition to what you drive, car insurance companies consider factors like your age, where you live, and your driving record, along with your insurance choices, including the coverage levels, deductibles, and discounts on your policy.
No matter what you drive, the best way to save money on car insurance costs is to compare rates from several insurers. All insurance companies weigh these factors differently, so you could pay very different rates from one insurer to the next—by comparing rates, you increase the odds that you’ll find the best insurance company for you.
app screenshot
With
Jerry
, it’s easy to compare quotes and find the best rates on your car insurance.
And if you choose a car that’s already cheaper than average to insure, the savings can really add up.

5 ways your car impacts your insurance rates

1. Value

Think beyond just choosing an affordable make and model—pay attention to the trim level of the vehicle, too. 
Base trims tend to cost less to insure. To keep your costs low, consider skipping optional upgrades like a premium sound system, leather seats, and a sun or moonroof. These add-ons will increase the value of the car, but they’ll also raise your insurance costs.
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SHOP SMART
A mid-tier trim with solid safety features can be a good balance between an ultra-cheap base trim and a luxurious top-of-the-line trim.

2. Type of car

Family cars like smaller SUVs and minivans tend to cost less to insure—in part because drivers who choose these vehicles are often adults who take less risks on the road, and also because they’re fairly inexpensive.
On the other hand, sports cars, luxury cars, and electric vehicles tend to cost more to insure, largely due to the expense of repairing or replacing them after an accident.

3. Safety features

Newer cars are generally equipped with the latest safety technology—and that can help lower your insurance rates. But you can also save by choosing an older model that’s rated highly for safety. Here are some things to check:
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Expert Insurance Insight

avatar
Vice President of Insurance Operations, Jerry
Check the safety systems in your car—there may be discounts based on certain features.

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
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DID YOU KNOW?
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.
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BIG PICTURE
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.

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