)
J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
)
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
Your vehicle plays a significant role in how much you pay for car insurance. From its value to its crash-test rating, your car’s details can raise and lower premiums.
Models with good safety ratings, low theft rates, and cheap repair or replacement costs tend to have lower-than-average car insurance premiums.
Here’s our guide to the cheapest cars to insure, plus tips for saving money on your car insurance premiums.
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest car to insure this year, with an average monthly premium of $100, according to Compare.com data.
Your car insurance rates reflect your vehicle’s value, safety ratings, and size. Low-cost models with good crash protection and moderate engine size are cheaper to insure.
To find a budget-friendly policy, choose a safer, lower-value vehicle, compare multiple quotes, and revisit your coverage at each renewal.
Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure
Compact SUVs and midsize crossovers tend to be the cheapest cars to insure due to their strong safety ratings, low repair costs, and wide availability of parts. But the type of car you drive is only one of many factors that influence your car insurance rate. Your driving record, location, and coverage levels also affect costs.
Here are the cheapest car models to insure, according to Compare.com data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | $100 |
| Subaru Outback | $101 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $108 |
| Subaru Ascent | $109 |
| Honda Passport | $112 |
| Honda CR-V | $112 |
| Honda Ridgeline | $113 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $113 |
| Chrysler Voyager | $113 |
| Ford Ranger | $113 |
Companies Currently Offering the Cheapest Car Insurance
Car insurance premiums vary by driver, vehicle, location, and other factors. Even so, some auto insurers consistently offer lower rates than competitors.
The companies in the table below offer the lowest average car insurance rates, according to data from Compare.com.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $76 |
| Auto-Owners | $79 |
| NJM | $94 |
| USAA | $98 |
| State Farm | $107 |
| Mile Auto | $112 |
| Erie | $122 |
| Safeco | $138 |
| Allstate | $139 |
| GEICO | $140 |
| American Family | $148 |
| Root | $149 |
| Direct Auto | $159 |
| Mercury | $160 |
| Metromile | $162 |
| Anchor | $165 |
| Elephant | $165 |
| Progressive | $170 |
| National General | $173 |
| The General | $173 |
| CSAA | $175 |
| Nationwide | $179 |
| Travelers | $185 |
| Clearcover | $190 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $198 |
| Bristol West | $203 |
| Liberty Mutual | $209 |
| Farmers | $210 |
| Chubb | $214 |
| GAINSCO | $215 |
| Shelter | $230 |
| Dairyland | $232 |
| 21st Century | $234 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $243 |
| The Hartford | $244 |
| State Auto | $258 |
| Amica | $435 |
Cheapest Cars to Insure by Brand
While there’s no universal vehicle brand with the cheapest car insurance rates, some tend to have lower premiums than others. Brands like Subaru, Buick, GMC, Jeep, and MINI offer models with strong safety features, low repair costs, or relative reliability.
For example, Subaru and Buick earned Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[1] Jeep, GMC, and Subaru models have some of the lowest collision losses.[2]
The table below lists the cheapest car models for each brand, according to data from Compare.com.
Make | Cheapest Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Acura | RDX | $118 |
| Audi | Q5 | $147 |
| BMW | X2 | $160 |
| Buick | Encore | $116 |
| Cadillac | XT5 | $128 |
| Chevrolet | Equinox | $117 |
| Chrysler | Pacifica | $116 |
| Dodge | Durango | $151 |
| Ford | Ranger | $113 |
| Genesis | GV70 | $150 |
| GMC | Acadia | $119 |
| Honda | Passport | $112 |
| Hyundai | Santa Cruz | $113 |
| Infiniti | QX60 | $145 |
| Jaguar | F-Pace | $190 |
| Jeep | Renegade | $120 |
| Kia | Soul | $117 |
| Land Rover | Discovery Sport | $143 |
| Lexus | RX | $133 |
| Lincoln | Nautilus | $125 |
| Mazda | CX-5 | $117 |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLS | $165 |
| MINI | Cooper | $139 |
| Mitsubishi | Outlander | $137 |
| Nissan | Murano | $121 |
| Subaru | Forester | $100 |
| Tesla | Model Y | $243 |
| Toyota | RAV4 | $120 |
| Volkswagen | Tiguan | $126 |
| Volvo | XC40 | $129 |
Cheapest Cars to Insure by Vehicle Type
Vehicle type, or class, plays a major role in car insurance rates.[3] Different vehicle classes indicate varying average sizes, values, theft rates, repair costs, and engine types.[4] Within each class, a car’s value and safety record also affect rates.
Here’s how rates compare across major vehicle types.
SUVs
SUVs come in a wide range of sizes, from large, truck-like models to smaller cars more like station wagons. Small SUVs with strong safety ratings tend to have the lowest premiums.
For example, the Subaru Forester has lower-than-average losses in collision, property, and bodily injury claims, which factors into its low rates. The table below lists the cheapest SUVs to insure, according to our data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | $100 |
| Subaru Outback | $101 |
| Subaru Ascent | $109 |
| Honda Passport | $112 |
| Honda CR-V | $112 |
Hatchbacks and sedans
Like SUVs, the hatchbacks and sedans with the best safety ratings also tend to have some of the best car insurance rates. The Kia Soul comes in with the lowest average premiums of this group. Here are the cheapest hatchbacks and sedans to insure, according to Compare.com data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Kia Soul | $117 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $125 |
| Subaru Legacy | $125 |
| Subaru Impreza | $126 |
| Mini Cooper | $139 |
Pickup trucks
With pickup trucks, smaller, cheaper models with strong safety ratings tend to have lower premiums. All the cheapest trucks to insure, like the Honda Ridgeline, are classified as small pickups by the IIHS. Check out the table below for the trucks with the cheapest insurance, according to Compare.com data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Honda Ridgeline | $113 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $113 |
| Ford Ranger | $113 |
| Ford Maverick | $122 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | $123 |
Minivans
Minivans have relatively low collision losses when compared to other large vehicles, according to the IIHS. Lower repair costs and vehicle value likely explain why the Chrysler Voyager and Honda Odyssey have the lowest insurance premiums. Here are the cheapest minivans to insure, according to our research.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Chrysler Voyager | $113 |
| Honda Odyssey | $113 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | $116 |
| Kia Carnival | $119 |
| Toyota Sienna | $123 |
EVs and hybrids
Not all EVs and hybrids are the same. Some cost less, while others might have better safety ratings. For example, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has average collision losses and a reasonably low starting price. Check out the table below for the cheapest EVs and hybrids to insure, according to Compare.com data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | $126 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $137 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV | $139 |
| Toyota Prius | $140 |
| Toyota bZ | $146 |
Why Some Cars Are Cheaper to Insure
)
Many details about your vehicle affect your car insurance premiums. Here are some of the most significant factors and why they matter.
Lower value: Cars worth less are cheaper to insure. Companies pay less to repair or replace cheaper vehicles, so they don’t charge as much to cover them.
Better crash testing: Vehicles that protect passengers in an accident lower the risk of damage or injuries. That’ll reduce costs for bodily injury, medical payment, or personal injury protection coverage.
Size: Smaller vehicles typically cause less damage in crashes, which reduces premiums for collision and property damage coverage.
Theft rates: You’re less likely to file a theft claim if your car has a relatively low theft risk. Because of this, cars with a low theft risk often have reduced premiums for comprehensive coverage, which covers theft.
Claims history: Vehicles with low claims frequency, severity, and costs usually have lower overall premiums.
How to Choose a Budget-Friendly Car Insurance Policy
)
You have many options to try to lower your auto insurance rates. Here are some of the easiest ways to get the cheapest premiums.
Start with a cheaper-to-insure vehicle. You’ll pay less for coverage if your car is relatively inexpensive. Look for vehicles with a lower manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and higher safety ratings.
Shop around. You should get rates from at least three insurers to find the best price. Use an insurance-comparison site to compare multiple companies quickly.
Look for discounts. Car insurance discounts, especially bundling discounts, can dramatically reduce your insurance rates. Check what discounts you might qualify for with your insurer.
Raise your deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your car insurance premium will be. But make sure you can afford the extra cost if you file a claim, because you’ll pay more out of pocket.
Compare quotes regularly. You should compare rates at the end of every policy term to make sure you still have the best price for your coverage.
Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure
Vehicles with frequent insurance claims or a higher average claim value typically have higher car insurance premiums.
The following details about your car usually indicate that it’s a higher risk for insurance companies.
Higher price: Vehicles with higher values also mean higher potential payouts for insurance companies.
Larger engines: Bigger engines mean higher speeds, which correlate with an increased risk of accidents.
Higher theft rates: The greater the chance that someone steals your car, the greater the risk of a theft-based insurance claim.
Here are the most expensive models to insure, according to Compare.com data.
Model | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| BMW M4 | $446 |
| BMW M3 | $379 |
| Tesla Model S | $307 |
| Tesla Model X | $301 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | $299 |
Cheapest Cars to Insure FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the cheapest vehicles for car insurance.
Which car is the cheapest to insure?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest car to insure, with an average monthly premium of $100, according to Compare.com data. The Subaru Outback has the second-cheapest rates, at an average of $101 per month.
Is a used car cheaper to insure?
It depends. The value of a vehicle affects how much it costs to insure. Typically, new cars are more valuable than used cars. But it isn’t always so straightforward. For example, a used luxury vehicle can cost more to insure than a budget new vehicle.
Does car color affect insurance?
No. The color of your car has no effect on auto insurance costs. Your rates are primarily determined by factors like your age, location, and driving record.
Are smaller cars cheaper to insure?
Not necessarily. Whether a small car costs less to insure depends mainly on its value, engine size, safety rating, theft rates, and claim rates. A small sports car would typically cost more to insure than a midsize SUV.
Does car age affect insurance costs?
Yes. As cars age, their value depreciates. Vehicles with a lower overall value usually have lower car insurance premiums.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Related Articles
)
Average Pickup Truck Insurance Cost Per Month I Compare.com
)
Are Older Cars Cheaper to Insure?
)
Insurance Rates by Car Make and Model
)
Luxury Car Insurance Quotes (Real 2025 Rates)
)
Cheap Car Insurance for SUVs (2024)
)
How Insurance Rates Differ by Car Model
)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Vans (2024)
)
Cheap Car Insurance for Trucks (2024)
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "2025 Top Safety Picks."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Insurance losses by make and model."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Auto insurance."
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
- Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
)
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
)
)