What Are the Cheapest Cars To Insure? (2024 Cost Guide)

There are many factors that affect which cars are the cheapest to insure. These include vehicle model details, auto insurance coverage choices and your personal driving profile. In the sections below, we break down the factors that go into determining car insurance premiums, and how you can reduce your costs.

Vehicle Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Even if you don’t select one of the cheaper models listed above, it’s possible to find affordable auto coverage rates. Car insurance companies consider the following factors when setting premiums:

• Vehicle age: Most people assume older cars receive cheaper auto insurance coverage, but that’s not always the case. Some new cars receive lower premiums due to added safety features, though this is often balanced out by higher repair costs.
• Type of vehicle: Small SUVs and minivans generally receive lower auto insurance rates, while sedans and large SUVs cost more to insure. Cheap car insurance is difficult to find for those with pickup trucks, electric vehicles, luxury models and sports cars.
• Trim level: The nicer your car’s trim level, the pricier your auto coverage will likely be. That’s because premium models have features that cost more to replace.
• Safety features: If your car gets high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it will probably have lower insurance rates. Safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes and seat belts will also reduce your car insurance costs.
• Car theft rates: Certain car models are stolen more frequently than others, as indicated by an annual study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Vehicles that are commonly targeted by thieves will likely have more expensive auto insurance policies.

Choices That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Some decisions a driver makes can influence the cost of their car insurance. Here’s a look at a few of those factors:

• Coverage level: Minimum coverage on your vehicle will cost less than full-coverage car insurance. However, in the event of an accident, you’ll receive less protection for your car if you opt for the state minimum-coverage limit.
• Deductible amount: Those with high deductibles receive lower rates for auto insurance, but they also pay more out of pocket when damages occur.
• Bundled policies: You could pay a lower price if you put other types of insurance, such as homeowners or renters coverage, under the same policy as your car coverage.
• Annual mileage: Insurance companies typically charge lower rates for policyholders who don’t drive as much since spending less time on the road makes them less likely to get into accidents.

Personal Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

If personal factors indicate that you’re a high-risk driver, even the cars with the cheapest auto insurance rates can be expensive to insure. Below are some characteristics that often lead to increased car insurance premiums, depending on the state you live in:

• Driving record: If your driving history contains a recent accident, speeding ticket or DUI, expect to pay significantly more for car insurance. The cheapest rates are usually given to those without traffic violations or recent insurance claims.
• Age, gender and marital status: Teen drivers, younger male drivers and singles of both genders typically pay more for auto insurance, since insurers see these groups as more likely to file claims.
• Credit score: Those with poor credit receive high car insurance quotes because providers consider them high-risk drivers. Drivers with low credit scores often pay even higher rates than those with speeding tickets and at-fault accidents.
• Location: You’ll pay more if you live in an area with high crime, high rates of uninsured drivers or a large number of accidents. Those in urban areas like New York City or southern California typically pay higher rates than residents of rural regions.

Having good credit and a clean driving record can make it easier to get cheap car insurance. While the cars with the cheapest auto insurance rates may have lower costs, if your record indicates potential risks, coverage will likely still cost more than the national average.

Car Insurance Discounts To Help Reduce Rates

You may find cheaper premiums by carefully considering car insurance discounts. Below, we’ll look at some common car insurance discounts that are offered by many providers.

Many providers offer the following discounts to help you save: 

It’s relatively simple to find savings opportunities when you’re selecting a car insurance policy. Since these are just some of the car insurance discounts on the market, contact your potential auto insurance provider to discover more ways to save.