Best Car Models with the Lowest Insurance Rates

When buying a car, most people consider the sticker price, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs. But one factor that’s often overlooked is how much it will cost to insure that vehicle. Insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the car model, and selecting the right vehicle can help you save hundreds of dollars annually.

Certain vehicles tend to have lower insurance costs due to factors like safety ratings, repair costs, theft likelihood, and driver demographics. In this article, we’ll explore the best car models with the lowest insurance rates and explain why these cars are so affordable to cover.

What Affects Car Insurance Rates?

Before diving into the list of affordable models, it’s helpful to understand what affects insurance premiums. Insurers assess risk using many factors, including:

Vehicle make and model
Driver’s age, location, and driving record
Repair and replacement costs
Crash test ratings and safety features
Likelihood of theft
Claims history for that model

Cars that are less expensive to fix, less likely to be stolen, and have high safety ratings typically have lower premiums. Now, let’s look at the models that check all these boxes.

Best Car Models with the Lowest Insurance Rates

Here are some of the top-rated vehicles known for their low insurance costs, based on recent industry data:

Car Model	Average Annual Insurance Cost	Key Factors for Low Rate
Subaru Outback	$1,200	Excellent safety ratings, moderate repair costs
Honda CR-V	$1,220	Low theft rate, popular with safe drivers
Mazda CX-5	$1,240	Strong safety features, low accident rates
Hyundai Tucson	$1,250	Affordable parts, compact SUV classification
Toyota RAV4	$1,260	High reliability, good crash performance
Jeep Wrangler	$1,270	Simple build, less costly to repair
Ford Escape	$1,280	Lower-than-average repair frequency
Honda Odyssey	$1,290	Family-friendly vehicle with high safety
Subaru Forester	$1,295	AWD with top crash-test ratings
Chevrolet Equinox	$1,300	Common parts and low claims record

Note: Insurance rates vary by location, provider, and individual circumstances.

Why These Cars Are Cheaper to Insure

1. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback tops many lists due to its consistent safety performance, all-wheel drive system, and practical design. Insurers also favor the fact that it attracts responsible drivers, often families or older individuals, reducing the likelihood of risky behavior.

2. Honda CR-V

The CR-V combines affordability, reliability, and excellent crash safety ratings. Its low theft rate also keeps premiums down. As a favorite among families and mature drivers, it has a good track record of low insurance claims.

3. Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s compact SUV delivers sporty performance while maintaining top safety scores. Its drivers tend to have fewer accidents, and repair costs are manageable, making it a budget-friendly option for insurance.

4. Hyundai Tucson

With a solid reputation for reliability and value, the Tucson offers competitive insurance rates. Its extensive list of safety features, including standard forward collision warning and lane assist, contributes to its lower risk profile.

5. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is known for its durability and high resale value, which appeals to both consumers and insurers. Advanced safety tech like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control make it a lower risk for accidents.

6. Jeep Wrangler

Thanks to its rugged, simple construction and affordability, the Wrangler is less expensive to repair than many other SUVs. Its insurance rate is helped by its relatively low theft rate and owner demographic.

7. Ford Escape

This compact SUV is widely available and easy to repair. Owners typically benefit from lower insurance rates thanks to its strong safety ratings and reasonable replacement parts.

8. Honda Odyssey

Minivans like the Odyssey often attract careful drivers and families, who statistically file fewer insurance claims. Its top safety marks and family-friendly reputation help reduce premiums.

9. Subaru Forester

Much like the Outback, the Forester includes all-wheel drive as standard and performs well in crash tests. It also features EyeSight driver assist technology that reduces accident risk.

10. Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox balances affordability and safety, which insurers reward with lower premiums. Its broad market appeal and low claims history also play in its favor.

How to Further Reduce Insurance Costs

Even with a low-cost vehicle, there are additional ways to save on insurance:

Bundle policies: Combine home and auto insurance for a discount.
Increase deductibles: Opt for a higher deductible to lower monthly premiums.
Maintain a clean record: Avoid tickets and accidents to keep rates low.
Ask for discounts: Many providers offer savings for good students, safe drivers, or using tracking apps.
Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers annually.

Final Tips When Choosing a Car

If your goal is to keep insurance costs down, here are some tips to keep in mind when car shopping:

Avoid high-performance sports cars – They often carry higher premiums.
Look for high safety ratings – Cars with features like anti-lock brakes, backup cameras, and lane assist typically cost less to insure.
Check the theft rate – Some vehicles are targeted more than others.
Get insurance quotes first – Before finalizing your purchase, request a few insurance quotes on the model you’re considering.

Conclusion

Choosing a vehicle with low insurance rates is a smart financial move that can lead to significant savings over time. While many factors influence insurance costs, selecting a safe, reliable, and repair-friendly model makes a noticeable difference.

Vehicles like the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 offer excellent value not only in fuel economy and reliability but also in insurance affordability. When combined with smart driving habits and insurance shopping, owning one of these cars can be both budget-conscious and worry-free.

Read More: