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Cheapest cars insure at hundreds less per year than the national average. That matters more than ever. The average full-coverage premium in the United States hit $2,329 per year in 2025, according to industry data. However, certain models consistently cost far less to cover.
Compact crossovers and midsize SUVs dominate the cheapest cars insure lists year after year. For example, the Mazda CX-5 averages roughly $1,912 per year for full coverage. That is nearly $400 below the national average. Choosing the right vehicle before you buy can save thousands over the life of a loan. In most cases, the cheapest cars insure well because they combine high safety ratings with low repair costs and low theft rates.
Why Some Cars Are the Cheapest Cars Insure Buyers Can Find
Insurance companies price premiums based on risk. Several vehicle-specific factors determine how much you pay. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA play a major role. Cars that earn Top Safety Pick+ status tend to generate fewer and less severe claims. As a result, insurers charge less to cover them.
Repair costs also matter significantly. Models with widely available, affordable parts cost less to fix after a collision. Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai vehicles use common parts that most body shops stock. Luxury brands and performance vehicles require specialized parts. Those higher repair bills translate directly into higher premiums.
Theft rates are another key factor. Vehicles that appear on high-theft lists carry increased comprehensive premiums. For example, certain Kia and Hyundai models lacking electronic immobilizers saw premiums spike in recent years. Typically, the cheapest cars insure at low rates because they are rarely stolen and cheap to repair.
Top Models Among the Cheapest Cars Insure in 2025–2026
Compact SUVs and crossovers consistently outperform sedans on insurance cost. SUVs average about $2,553 per year for full coverage. Sedans average $3,221 per year. That is roughly a 21% difference. The table below shows some of the most affordable models to insure.
| Vehicle | Avg. Annual Full Coverage | Savings vs. National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | $1,912 | $417 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,916 | $413 |
| Hyundai Kona | $1,925 | $404 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,929 | $400 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $1,933 | $396 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $1,941 | $388 |
| Mazda CX-30 | $1,945 | $384 |
| Kia Niro | $1,950 | $379 |
However, trucks also offer affordable options. The Honda Ridgeline averages about $382 per year for minimum coverage. The Nissan Frontier comes in at roughly $397 per year. The Toyota Tacoma averages around $408 per year. These pickups are among the cheapest cars insure for drivers who need hauling capability.
One pattern stands out clearly. Mid-range Japanese and Korean brands dominate the cheapest cars insure rankings. Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia appear repeatedly. These manufacturers build vehicles with strong safety features and affordable repair costs. In most cases, they also have lower theft rates than domestic or luxury competitors.
How to Find the Cheapest Cars Insure at the Lowest Rates
Start your search before you visit a dealership. Get insurance quotes on any vehicle you are considering. Rates vary dramatically by model, not just by category. A specific trim level can cost more to insure than the base model. Contact at least three insurers for comparison quotes.
Check the IIHS Top Safety Pick list before making a decision. Models on this list typically earn lower premiums. For example, the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota Camry all earned Top Safety Pick+ status for 2025. The Insurance Information Institute also recommends comparing insurance costs as part of the car-buying process.
Avoid vehicles on high-theft lists. Ask your insurer about available discounts for anti-theft devices, advanced safety features, and bundled policies. Choosing from the cheapest cars insure category is only the first step. Pairing that choice with good driving habits and smart policy shopping maximizes your savings. Typically, drivers who combine a low-cost vehicle with multi-policy discounts save 15% to 25% on premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vehicle is cheapest to insure?
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Compact SUVs and crossovers are generally the cheapest cars insure in the current market. They average about $2,553 per year for full coverage. That is roughly 21% less than the average sedan. However, specific models matter more than broad categories.
Why are SUVs cheaper to insure than sedans?
SUVs typically have higher safety ratings and better crash-test performance. As a result, they generate fewer severe injury claims. In most cases, their parts are also widely available and affordable to replace.
Should I get insurance quotes before buying a car?
Yes. Among the cheapest cars insure, annual premiums can still vary by hundreds of dollars between models. Getting quotes before you buy helps you factor insurance into your total cost of ownership. For example, the difference between a Mazda CX-5 and the national average is over $400 per year.
Do safety features actually lower insurance costs?
They do. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring reduce accident severity. Insurers recognize this with lower premiums. The cheapest cars insure well partly because they include these features as standard equipment.
Compare Insurance Rates
Ready to see if you could be paying less? Compare quotes from top insurers in your area. Getting multiple quotes is the most effective way to find a better rate.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- Federal Trade Commission — Auto Insurance: consumer.ftc.gov
- USA.gov — Car Insurance: usa.gov/car-insurance
Content last reviewed May 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.