Based on 2024 industry insurance data and claims analysis, the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 consistently rank as the cheapest SUVs to insure, with average annual premiums between $1,350 and $1,550. These models combine strong safety credentials, lower repair costs, and lower theft rates, which are the primary factors insurers use to calculate lower premiums for drivers.
A vehicle's insurance cost is determined by its likelihood of generating a claim and the potential cost of that claim. Insurers analyze historical data on collision claims, theft frequency, and the expense of parts and labor. Therefore, the cheapest SUVs to insure are not necessarily the lowest-purchase-price models, but those that perform best in risk assessment.
The top-performing models share key characteristics. First, they all have top-tier safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often earning the "Top Safety Pick+" designation. Advanced driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking are now standard on most trims, which directly reduces the risk and severity of front-to-rear collisions, a very common claim type.
Second, these SUVs have readily available and reasonably priced parts due to their high sales volume. A Honda CR-V bumper, for instance, is cheaper and faster to source and replace than a luxury model's equivalent part. Lower repair costs directly translate to lower comprehensive and collision coverage premiums.
Finally, their popularity with families and older demographics, rather than with high-risk driver groups, contributes to a favorable claims history. Vehicles with high theft rates see dramatically higher premiums. According to industry theft data, the models listed here are not commonly targeted, further reducing risk.
| SUV Model (2024) | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium | Key Cost-Saving Factor |
|---|
| Subaru Forester | ~$1,350 | Standard all-wheel-drive and EyeSight safety suite lead to fewer injury claims. |
| Honda CR-V | ~$1,450 | Extremely low frequency of expensive injury claims and low repair costs. |
| Mazda CX-5 | ~$1,500 | High safety scores and low theft rates minimize risk for insurers. |
| Honda HR-V | ~$1,525 | Subcompact size and non-performance orientation keep risk profile low. |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | ~$1,600 | Strong safety structure and standard safety features mitigate claim severity. |
Note: Premiums are national averages for a single 40-year-old driver with a clean record. Your personal rate will vary based on age, location, driving history, credit score, and chosen deductible.
To get the cheapest rate, prioritize SUVs with the highest possible IIHS safety ratings, standard automated safety features, and a history of low theft. While the models above are leaders, always get personalized quotes, as the "cheapest" model can vary by insurer and your individual driver profile.
