Finding a car that’s affordable to insure can save you hundreds of dollars a year. When it comes to insurance costs, insurers consider multiple factors, including a car's safety features, repair expenses, driver demographics, and theft rates, to determine premiums. With so many options available, identifying cars that strike the perfect balance between affordability and value can feel overwhelming. To simplify your decision, here’s a detailed look at the cars that offer the best insurance rates and why insurers favor them.

What Impacts Car Insurance Rates?

Before we jump into specific models, understanding what affects your car’s insurance rate is essential. Car insurance providers typically examine the following aspects:

  • Safety Ratings: Cars with excellent crash-test scores and advanced safety tech reduce accident risks and injury claims, resulting in lower premiums.
  • Repair Costs: Affordable repair costs or cars that are easier to repair typically lead to lower insurance rates.
  • Theft Rates: High-theft models are more expensive to insure. Choosing a vehicle with robust anti-theft features can help lower costs.
  • Driver Profiles: Vehicles often associated with safe, responsible drivers tend to earn lower premiums.
  • Vehicle Purpose: Cars used primarily for commuting or personal errands, rather than business or long distances, may receive better rates.

Armed with these considerations, here are the car categories and models that are easiest on your budget when it comes to insurance.

Sedans with the Best Insurance Rates

Sedans are generally more affordable to insure than other body styles due to their smaller size, good safety ratings, and reasonable repair costs. Here are some of the most cost-effective options:

1. Honda Civic

  • Why It’s Affordable: The Honda Civic has long been a trusted choice for its reliability and low operating costs. Newer models include a host of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keeping assist and forward collision mitigation, which lower insurance risk.
  • Extra Value: The Civic’s popularity means replacement parts are widely available and affordable, which reduces repair costs post-accident.
  • Ideal Driver: Couples, young professionals, or retirees seeking straightforward, budget-conscious coverage.

2. Toyota Corolla

  • Why It’s Affordable: With exceptional crash-test scores and Toyota's Safety Sense™ tech as standard, the Corolla stands out in safety and reliability. It’s also associated with responsible, low-risk drivers.
  • Cost-Saving Features: Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking all reduce accident likelihood.
  • Best For: Daily drivers prioritizing long-term affordability.

3. Subaru Impreza

  • Why It’s Affordable: Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and EyeSight® system not only improve driving safety but also make the Impreza a hit with insurers. Its low theft rate also works in your favor when calculating premiums.
  • Key Features: Rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision braking, and ample crash-test accolades.
  • Best For: Families or snowbelt drivers who want a small, efficient AWD sedan without steep insurance costs.

SUVs that Lower Insurance Costs

SUVs, often associated with families, tend to have high safety ratings and strong build quality. While larger SUVs can command higher premiums, compact and mid-size SUVs often offer excellent insurance affordability.

1. Subaru Outback

  • Why It’s Affordable: The Outback’s standard AWD and X-MODE, combined with solid crash ratings, make it one of the safest SUVs on the market. Features such as lane-centering assist and automatic emergency braking significantly reduce risk.
  • Special Advantage: Subaru is known for maintaining low theft rates across its lineup, helping further reduce premiums.
  • Best For: Families and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Mazda CX-5

  • Why It’s Affordable: The CX-5 blends sporty performance with class-leading safety systems. Mazda’s focus on creating lightweight, efficient vehicles also keeps repair costs low.
  • Key Features: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and advanced airbags enhance its appeal to insurers.
  • Best For: Young families or professionals who want style and substance.

3. Hyundai Tucson

  • Why It’s Affordable: The Tucson is packed with driver aids, such as SmartSense™ safety tech, which lowers its accident risk profile. It earns superior crash-test ratings and enjoys a broad reputation for dependability.
  • Extra Bonus: Hyundai’s 10-year powertrain warranty often translates to fewer claimable repairs, making it a favorite for cost-effective policies.
  • Best For: Eco-conscious buyers looking for hybrid or plug-in hybrid trims.

Hybrids with Low Insurance Costs

Hybrids and fuel-efficient models can save you money on gas and insurance. Often driven by careful, eco-conscious individuals, these cars tend to be associated with safe driving, which insurers like.

1. Toyota Prius

  • Why It’s Affordable: The Prius boasts excellent dependability, low theft rates, and comprehensive safety features. The hybrid has affordable repair costs thanks to Toyota’s far-reaching parts network.
  • Best Features: Collision warning systems, pedestrian detection, and stability control.
  • Best For: Environmentally conscious drivers who prioritize long-term savings.

2. Honda CR-V Hybrid

  • Why It’s Affordable: Honda’s hybrid version of its popular CR-V model comes with ample safety features and an easy-to-maintain fuel/electric system, keeping coverage costs competitive.
  • Key Features: Road departure mitigation and automatic high beams.
  • Best For: Families who want a roomy yet eco-friendly SUV.

3. Ford Maverick Hybrid

  • Why It’s Affordable: This budget-friendly hybrid pickup delivers strong safety and reliability results while being relatively cheap to repair compared to larger trucks.
  • Key Features: Ford Co-Pilot360™, with pre-collision assist and rearview camera functionality.
  • Best For: Urban drivers or professionals needing light truck capabilities but low operating costs.

Electric Cars Offering Insurance Savings

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, and some models have become cheaper to insure as their technology becomes more mainstream. Here are a few standout EVs:

1. Tesla Model 3

  • Why It’s Affordable: Tesla vehicles, particularly the Model 3, score high on crash tests and include features like Autopilot, which reduces accident potential. Tesla also provides software-based crash-avoidance systems as part of routine updates.
  • Added Value: The battery packs are designed for durability, resulting in fewer claimable repairs.
  • Best For: High-tech drivers who want sustainability at a competitive premium.

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV

  • Why It’s Affordable: Known for its practicality and accessibility, the Bolt EV comes with solid safety ratings and relatively low-cost replacement parts.
  • Best Features: Standard lane-keeping assist and high crash-test scores make it an insurer favorite.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious EV buyers.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 5

  • Why It’s Affordable: Combining futuristic design with dependable safety features, the Ioniq 5 excels at efficiency. Its low-weight battery system reduces potential repair complexity.
  • Best Features: Blind-spot monitoring and a heat-pump system that optimizes cold-weather performance.
  • Best For: Families moving toward electric vehicles.

How to Get the Best Insurance Rates for Your Car

If you’re serious about saving on insurance, the car you choose is only part of the equation. Here are some additional tips for lower premiums:

  1. Ask About Discounts: Insurers often provide discounts for things like safety features, clean driving records, or bundled policies (e.g., car + home insurance).
  2. Compare Rates: Shop around to find the insurer offering the best premiums for your specific car, location, and driving habits.
  3. Drive Safely: Avoid accidents, speeding tickets, or other infractions that could raise your rates over time.
  4. Install Anti-Theft Devices: Even in safe models, additional anti-theft technology can help bring costs down.
  5. Consider Usage-Based Insurance: Some companies offer lower premiums based on your actual driving habits through telematics devices.

By selecting a car with high safety scores, affordable repair costs, and low theft rates, you can lock in excellent insurance rates while still driving a vehicle you love.