What cars aren't expensive to insure?

[MacJames]

Vehicles that are not expensive to insure typically have strong safety ratings, lower repair costs, and lower theft rates. Models like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Outback consistently rank among the least expensive to insure. The primary factors are their advanced standard safety features which reduce accident risk, and their widespread availability of affordable parts which lowers claim costs for insurers. This combination results in significantly lower average annual premiums compared to sports cars, luxury vehicles, or models with high theft rates.

Industry data from insurers like State Farm and GEICO shows a clear pattern. The cheapest cars to insure are often mid-size SUVs, minivans, and select sedans that prioritize practicality and reliability over high performance. Their design and market positioning lead to fewer and less severe insurance claims, which insurers reward with lower rates.

The table below outlines estimated annual insurance costs for some of the most affordable models based on a composite of major insurer quotes for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record. These figures are for comprehensive comparison; your final premium will depend on your personal profile.

Vehicle Model	Key Factors for Low Insurance Cost	Estimated Avg. Annual Premium*
Mazda CX-5	Top safety scores, widely available parts, low theft rate.	$1,450 - $1,650
Honda CR-V	Exceptional reliability, low injury claim frequency, high resale value.	$1,480 - $1,680
Subaru Outback	Standard All-Wheel Drive safety, proven durability, low claim severity.	$1,500 - $1,700
Chrysler Voyager	Minivan class has low risk profile, very low collision claims.	$1,420 - $1,620
Subaru Crosstrek	Youth-friendly yet safe, strong crash test results, moderate repair costs.	$1,520 - $1,720

*Premiums are illustrative and vary by driver history, location, and coverage limits.

Safety is the most influential factor. Cars with Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) almost always enjoy lower insurance costs. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and good headlight ratings directly prevent accidents, which insurers heavily favor.

Beyond safety, vehicle price and repair costs are critical. A Hyundai Tucson or Kona has a lower MSRP than many rivals, and their parts are inexpensive and readily available. This makes them cheaper to fix after a fender bender, leading to lower collision and comprehensive coverage costs. High theft rates, common for some pickup trucks and older Honda models, will conversely increase premiums.

For the lowest possible rate, focus on models with a history of reliable performance, high safety marks, and moderate horsepower. Avoiding high-performance trims, hybrid/electric variants in their first model years, and vehicles with expensive proprietary technology can also keep insurance costs manageable.

[DelFinn]

I just went through this process last month. My agent told me straight up: "If you want lower rates, stop looking at flashy cars and check the IIHS safety awards list." I ended up choosing a Honda CR-V. The quote was nearly $300 a year less than for the similarly priced SUV I was originally considering. The reason? The CR-V has a ton of standard safety tech that prevents minor accidents, and apparently, its headlights are some of the best-rated, which matters more for insurance than I ever thought. It wasn't about the car being "cheap"—it was about it being smart and safe to own.

[GabrielMarie]

As a parent, my non-negotiable is safety. But I also have a household budget. When we needed a new car, I dug into why some cars cost less to insure. It’s not random. Insurers have mountains of data on which cars get into fewer accidents, which cause less damage when they do, and which are less likely to be stolen. Our Subaru Outback is a perfect example. Its all-wheel-drive system and eyesight safety features are standard. This means it’s statistically less likely to be in a crash. For the insurance company, that’s a lower risk. Lower risk for them translates directly into a lower premium for me. It’s a direct financial reward for choosing a safer vehicle for my family.

[LaLuna]

Forget the sticker price for a second. The real cost of a car includes insurance. Cars that aren’t expensive to insure share a few traits. They’re usually not super fast or powerful. They have great crash test scores from organizations like the IIHS. Their parts are common and cheap to replace. Think about it from the insurer’s view: if your car is less likely to crash and cheaper to fix when it does, they’ll charge you less. Popular models like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson fit this bill perfectly. They’re safe, sensible, and incredibly common on the road, which keeps repair networks efficient and costs down.

[BellaLee]

I work in auto body repair, so I see which cars roll in and how much they cost to fix. That repair cost is a huge part of your insurance bill. The cars that give insurers—and owners—the least headache are ones with simple, widely used parts. A Chrysler Voyager minivan? We can get those parts overnight, and the labor is straightforward. A Mazda CX-5? Very similar story. Contrast that with a luxury car or a new electric vehicle with aluminum body panels and specialized sensors. A minor bump can mean weeks of waiting for parts and a repair bill five times higher. Insurers price that risk into your premium. So, if you want affordable insurance, choose a car that’s affordable and simple to repair. It’s that direct. Popular, mid-range SUVs and minivans are your best bet because the entire repair ecosystem is built around them, keeping costs predictable and low.