Which Cars Cost the Least to Insure

The cars that cost least to insure are usually older, less powerful sedans with strong safety records and low repair costs

Insurance companies charge based on how much it costs them to repair a car after an accident, how often that car gets stolen, and how likely the driver is to file a claim. A Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla from five to ten years ago typically costs less to insure than a new sports car, a luxury sedan, or a pickup truck. The cheapest cars to insure are not always the cheapest cars to buy — a used Honda Accord might cost more upfront than a used Dodge Charger, but the Accord will cost less per month to insure.

The actual dollar amount you pay depends on your age, driving record, location, and the coverage limits you choose. A 25-year-old with a clean record in a rural area will pay far less than a 19-year-old with a speeding ticket in a city. This guide explains which vehicle features and types push insurance costs up or down, so you can understand what you are looking at when you get quotes.

Key Takeaways

• Midsize sedans from Honda, Toyota, and Nissan built five to ten years ago typically have the lowest insurance rates because parts are cheap and repair shops know how to fix them quickly.
• Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and trucks cost significantly more to insure because repairs are expensive, parts are harder to find, and insurers see them as higher-risk.
• A car's safety rating, theft rate, and repair cost matter more to your insurance bill than the car's purchase price.
• The only way to know what a specific car will cost to insure is to get quotes from insurers, because rates vary by model year and trim level.

Why sedan repair costs matter more than the car's price tag

When an insurer quotes you a rate, they are pricing in what it will cost them to fix your car if you crash it. A Honda Civic has cheap, widely available parts and can be repaired at almost any shop in the country. A BMW or Audi needs parts ordered from the manufacturer and specialized technicians, which means a fender-bender costs the insurer three times as much. Even if you never crash, the insurer builds this risk into your monthly payment.

Older model years of common cars are cheaper to insure than newer ones, partly because the parts ecosystem is mature. A 2015 Civic has been on the road for nearly a decade — body panels, engines, and transmissions are in junkyards across the country, so a repair shop can source them fast and cheap. A 2024 Civic is still rare enough that parts may need to be ordered, adding time and cost to any repair.

Sports cars and performance vehicles cost substantially more

A Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Camaro, or Ford Mustang will cost you more to insure than a Toyota Camry, even if you buy the same model year. Insurers charge more for sports cars because they are involved in more accidents — drivers of high-performance vehicles file claims at higher rates. The repair costs are also steeper: a Mustang's parts are pricier than a Camry's, and the labor to fix them takes longer.

This applies even to older sports cars. A 2010 Mustang will cost more to insure than a 2010 Camry, because the insurer's claims data shows Mustang drivers have more accidents and the repairs run higher. The performance reputation follows the car, regardless of age.

Luxury brands and trucks push premiums higher

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus models cost more to insure than mainstream brands at the same price point. A used Lexus might seem like a bargain compared to a new one, but insurance will still be higher than a Toyota of similar age, because Lexus parts and labor are more expensive. Luxury vehicles also attract theft in some markets, which raises comprehensive coverage costs.

Pickup trucks — Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 — typically cost more to insure than sedans of the same year. Trucks are heavier, take longer to stop, and are involved in more severe accidents. They are also stolen frequently in some regions, which raises theft coverage costs. A used truck may look like a good deal at purchase, but the insurance bill will be higher than a sedan.

Safety ratings and theft data affect your rate

Cars with high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) may may have access to for lower rates. A car that protects occupants well in a crash means the insurer pays less in injury claims. However, this discount is usually smaller than the discount you get from choosing a car with cheap repair costs.

Theft rates vary by model and region. A Honda Civic is stolen frequently in some cities, which means comprehensive coverage (the part that covers theft) costs more in those areas. A Toyota Camry is stolen less often overall, so comprehensive is cheaper. Your insurer will know the theft rate for your specific car and zip code, and that data goes into your quote.

How to compare insurance costs before you buy a car

The only reliable way to know what a car will cost to insure is to get quotes. Most insurers let you quote a vehicle by entering the year, make, model, and trim level on their website without providing personal information. You can shop for a car and run quotes on three or four models before you decide which one to buy.

When you get quotes, use the same coverage limits for each car so you can compare apples to apples. If you are comparing a Honda Civic to a Toyota Corolla, get quotes for both with the same deductible and the same liability limits. The difference in the monthly premium is what the insurer charges for the difference in the car itself.

Keep in mind that your personal factors — age, driving record, location — matter as much as the car. A 20-year-old with a speeding ticket will pay more to insure a Civic than a 45-year-old with a clean record will pay to insure a Mustang. The car type is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

Common car models with lower insurance costs

Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Elantra are consistently among the cheapest to insure. These are midsize sedans built in high volume, which means parts are cheap and widely available. Insurance companies have decades of claims data on these models, so they can price accurately and competitively.

Older model years of these cars — roughly 2015 to 2019 — tend to have the lowest rates. They are old enough that parts are plentiful and repair shops are familiar with them, but new enough that they still have modern safety features. A 2018 Civic will almost certainly cost less to insure than a 2024 Civic, and less than a 2024 Mustang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a car's color affect insurance cost?

No. Insurance companies do not charge different rates based on color. This is a common myth. Your rate depends on the car's make, model, year, repair costs, and safety record — not whether it is red or blue.

Will a hybrid or electric car cost more to insure?

Hybrids like the Toyota Prius typically cost about the same as comparable gas sedans to insure, because repair costs are similar and they have good safety records. Electric vehicles are newer, so repair data is limited and parts can be expensive, which sometimes means higher rates. Get a quote on the specific model you are considering.

Is a used car cheaper to insure than a new one?

Usually yes, because older cars cost less to repair. However, a used luxury car or sports car may still cost more to insure than a new mainstream sedan. The make and model matter more than the age. Get quotes on both to compare.

Do I have to tell my insurer what car I drive?

Yes. Your insurer needs the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the year, make, model, and trim to quote you and to cover you. Lying about what you drive can void your coverage if you file a claim. Always provide accurate information.

Can I lower my insurance by switching to a cheaper car?

Possibly. If you switch from a sports car or luxury vehicle to a mainstream sedan, your rate will likely drop. However, the savings have to be weighed against the cost of buying a different car. Get quotes on a few models before you decide whether a switch makes financial sense.