There are many things that can affect insurance premiums. Generally speaking, sports cars and luxury makes are the most expensive types of cars to insure, given their prices and the likelihood that an owner would file a claim. As a result, one would think that small, humble sedans would be the cheapest to insure, but even they have their pitfalls. Some of the most popular sedans, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, are among the most frequently stolen cars, meaning that insurance companies feel the need to raise their rates.
The cars that are the least expensive to insure usually consist of compact to midsized crossovers and SUVs, minivans, and small pickups. Much of this has to do with reliability, cost of repairs, and the type of driver who typically drives them. Below are 10 cars with the lowest premiums, and some may surprise you.
10 Chevy Equinox
Chevy’s entry-level crossover may not be the most flashy or impressive, but those are the sort of things that insurance companies love. It seems to be an unwritten rule that the cheapest cars to insure are the ones that are the least fun to drive, since the people who drive them usually aren’t the accident prone. It also helps that crossovers like the Equinox are inexpensive, and therefore they’re easy to fix at the body shop, saving the insurance company lots of money.
9 Subaru Forester
This won’t be the last Subaru on this list, and for good reason. Subarus tend to be some of the safest cars, and while that’s not universal across all of their models, this good reputation helps keep their premiums down. The Forester is also one of the least expensive models in Subaru’s lineup, and its classification as a good family car also help it in the long run. We’ll get into more detail as to why this helps keep insurance down. The Forester also benefits from its signature reliability, meaning it won’t spend much time in the shop.
8 Toyota Tacoma
As far as insurance goes, pickups can be a mixed bag. While most trucks are reasonable to insure, others, especially bigger, more expensive models, can cost a whole lot more. Small to medium sized trucks tend to be the least expensive to fix, since they’re cheaper and built to be tough and reliable. The Tacoma is a good example of a pickup that excels in the cheap insurance department, as it’s not only rugged and reliable, but also easy to replace. It helps too that people who drive pickups for work aren’t going to be too concerned with minor dents and scratches, especially when on a construction site or around heavy machinery.
7 Honda C-RV
Honda’s popular midsize crossover is a reliable, reasonably priced vehicle that’s made by one of the most trustworthy companies in existence. Of course it’ll be easy to insure, especially since older drivers with families are more likely to drive them. Older drivers tend to be more experienced than young guns, and are less likely to take risks or make careless mistakes while behind the wheel. Drivers with families also have to worry about their precious cargo, like children and babies, and therefore need to be more cautious when behind the wheel. The C-RV is a prime example of a good ol’ family car, which you’ll notice is becoming a trend on this list.
6 Ford Escape
The Escape is one of Ford’s best selling cars, loved by families and companies who use them as fleet vehicles. At this point, you probably know the pattern. The Escape is at a good price range, its abundance means that it’s easy to find replacement parts, and the people who drive them aren’t going to take it drifting or drag racing. It’s about as basic as a car can get, but that’s why insurance companies love to cover it.
5 Jeep Compass
Jeep as a whole has some of the lowest insurance premiums of any car company. This is probably because nearly all of their models, save from a few, consist of midsized crossovers. The Compass is no exception, as not only is it the least expensive Jeep, but it’s also one of the most regularly bought. It’s position as a people carrier may be a fair cry from the Wrangler, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less popular. The Compass also has an optional 4x4 drive powertrain, which improves its stability in compromised conditions. Insurance companies like that, as it means you’ll be less likely to skid off the road and into a tree during the winter.
4 Mazda CX-3
Many critics call this crossover one of the better midsize models you can buy, if only because of its sporty looks and nice interior. Unlike other cars on this list, Mazda didn’t decide to throw in the towel when it came to styling. The CX-3 is one of the better looking crossovers, which should make it more appealing to younger drivers. If that is the case, insurance companies haven’t noticed. They still treat it like any crossover that boomers and soccer dads drive, which is great for CX-3 owners, whether they be young people or the young at heart.
3 Subaru Outback
Subaru is back, this time with a car that is the stuff of legends. The Outback’s semi-off road abilities, bolstered by its formidable AWD drivetrain, make this one of the safest cars to drive. Rain or shine, it’s a car that’ll get its drivers to where they need to be, and perhaps then some. As we said, car insurance companies drool at the sound of 4x4 or all wheel drive, as it means the car is less likely to end up in a ditch and need to be replaced. The Outback is also known for its reliability, which, coupled with its toughness, makes for a car that could very well last forever. Outbacks really are the cockroaches of the auto industry (but in a good way).
2 Honda Odyssey
It’s every young, married couple’s worst nightmare. One moment, they’re looking into the eyes of their significant other at the alter. The next, they’re looking down the barrel of a mortgage, a life insurance policy, and a Honda Odyssey. But hey, at least it’s cheap to insure. The Odyssey, and most other mini-vans for that matter, are super inexpensive to insure, since, as we’ve covered, parents are less likely to drive like lunatics when their little bundles of joy are on board. The Odyssey has a decent reputation for reliability, safety features, and longevity, meaning that it’s one of the most popular vans on the market, and a breeze for insurance companies to cover. Another popular choice is the Chrysler Pacifica, which is just as cheap to insure, but with slightly more class (of what is possible to get out of a mini-van).
1 Jeep Wrangler
No, we’re not joking. The Jeep Wrangler really is one of the cheapest cars to insure. While most people view the Wrangler as a tough, off road beast, driven by risk takers and adrenalin junkies, it is also one of the easiest cars to repair. Everything from the doors, to the roll cage and the bumpers can be taken off and swapped out on the fly. This means that if a piece gets damaged, it can easily be removed and replaced, and because there’s an abundance of aftermarket parts for Wranglers, most people can repair them at home and skip the body shop. Jeeps are also extremely tough, and its suspension gets it through any road or weather condition. In other words, it’s the sort of car that every insurance company wishes all cars were like.