The cheapest cars to insure in 2024

The cheapest cars to insure in 2024

While many factors, like age and driving record, affect insurance rates, drivers may not realize that their vehicle also impacts rates. The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and the likelihood of filing a claim can significantly increase car insurance rates. 

Expensive or luxury cars cost more to repair or replace, which increases insurance rates.

"The more complex (and often luxurious) a car is, the more expensive it is to repair.  This is because when something goes wrong, the number of components that must be replaced, repaired, and ultimately calibrated is more which increases the cost.  In addition, some parts on high performance cars with larger engines are more expensive," says Kathleen Long, chief revenue officer at RepairPal, an auto repair shop network.

Complex safety systems can raise repair costs, but they can also reduce insurance costs thanks to lowered risk of injury.

"Sometimes, the materials used to fabricate the car are also more costly, especially those that keep you safest in a collision because they are sensitive to heat and must be replaced instead of simply repaired," Long says.

So, what is the cheapest car to insure? The Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Chevrolet TrailBlazer are the top three cheapest cars to insure in 2024.

This table shows the cheapest new cars to insure in 2024.

The cheapest sedans to insure

Sedans are typically more expensive to insure than SUVs, but the make and model you choose can significantly affect rates.

The best sedan for cheap insurance is the Subaru Legacy, which has an average monthly rate of $157. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Black Edition is the most expensive sedan to insure, with an average monthly insurance rate of $306.

Take a look at common sedans and their average insurance rates for a full coverage policy here.

The cheapest SUVs to insure

Smaller SUVs are the cheapest to insure vs. larger models. The cars with the cheapest insurance rates in the SUV category are the Honda HR-V, averaging $139 a month, and the Mazda CX-30, averaging $140 a month. Take a look at average full coverage insurance rates for the cheapest popular SUV models here.

The cheapest trucks to insure

The Ford Maverick is the cheapest truck to insure, averaging $146 monthly. On the other hand, the most expensive truck to insure is the Ford F-450, at $251 monthly. Insuring a truck is more expensive because the vehicle is heavy and can cause more damage in an accident, leading to more expensive claims.

Larger, heavy-duty trucks have higher insurance rates than light-duty models. Below you’ll find the average cost of full coverage insurance for popular truck models.

Vehicles with expensive auto insurance

The Maserati Quattroporte is the most expensive vehicle to insure on our list, with an average monthly insurance rate of $514 a month.

If you’re looking for the best vehicle for cheap insurance, you won’t find it on this list. Exotic and luxury vehicles come with much higher car insurance rates. Insuring these vehicles is more costly because repair costs are significant, mainly due to fewer available high-end parts.

This table shows some of the most expensive vehicles to insure at full coverage rates.

Why are some vehicles more expensive to insure?

Car insurance for certain vehicles is more expensive for several reasons, including:

• Cost of replacement parts. Specialty or custom parts cost significantly more to replace or repair.
• Labor costs. Cars with high-end features may require specialized mechanics, increasing repair costs.
• Likelihood of claims. Drivers with sports cars may drive faster or recklessly and cause more accidents.
• Cost of the vehicle. More expensive cars cost more to replace if stolen or totaled in a covered accident.
• Safety and security features. High-tech safety and security systems cost much more to repair or replace.

" Many common parts that used to be able to easily be replaced are now loaded with sensors, cameras and other electronics which help to keep the car operating at peak condition and help you to drive safely but ultimately cost more if the part is damaged," Long says.

How to get cheap car insurance

While car insurance can be expensive, there are ways to get the cheapest rates available.

First, consider your vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new or used car, consider buying one of the most affordable cars to insure. Since the vehicle’s cost, age and safety features affect insurance rates, check out the list above of good cars for cheap insurance.

Next, review your policy. Your coverages, deductibles and discounts affect your rates. Consider lowering coverage, raising deductibles and asking for all available deals for the cheapest rates.

Finally, consider your personal factors. Your age, driving record, location and credit score all impact your rates. Drive more conscientiously to avoid adding infractions to your driving record, and take a safe driving course to lower rates. Additionally, improving your credit score helps lower rates.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates through Quadrant Data Services for 1,439 makes and models for a full coverage policy with liability limits of 100/300/100 and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit.

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