If you are shopping for a new or used car, the sticker price is only part of the cost.

Insurance can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year to the cost of owning a vehicle.

In some cases, the difference in insurance cost between two similar vehicles can exceed the difference in monthly car payments.

That is why many buyers want to know which are the cheapest cars to insure.

In general, vehicles with strong safety ratings, lower repair costs, lower theft rates, and less horsepower tend to have lower insurance premiums.

Cars that are practical, family-oriented, and statistically involved in fewer severe claims are usually cheaper to insure than sports cars, luxury cars, or vehicles with expensive parts.

Quick Answer: Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026

The cheapest cars to insure are usually safe, practical vehicles like small SUVs, family sedans, and minivans.

Models such as the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Honda Odyssey, and Mazda CX-5 are often among the most affordable vehicles to insure.

Why Some Cars Are Cheaper to Insure

Insurance companies price vehicles based on risk.

Some of the biggest factors include:

• Repair costs: Cheaper and more available parts usually mean lower claims.
• Safety ratings: Vehicles with better crash protection may reduce injury claims.
• Theft rates: Frequently stolen vehicles cost more to insure.
• Horsepower and speed: Faster cars tend to have more accidents and larger claims.
• Claim history: If a model is often involved in expensive claims, rates rise.
• Driver demographics: Some cars are statistically driven by higher-risk drivers.

This is why a modest crossover may cost far less to insure than a sports sedan, even if the purchase prices are similar.

Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026

Vehicle	Why It’s Affordable to Insure
Subaru Outback	Excellent safety and practical use
Honda CR-V	Popular, safe, and moderate repair costs
Subaru Forester	High safety ratings and low-risk profile
Toyota RAV4	Reliable with common replacement parts
Honda Odyssey	Family-focused and lower-risk drivers
Mazda CX-5	Strong safety and moderate claims
Ford Escape	Mainstream parts and moderate repair costs
Toyota Camry	Reliable and common sedan
Honda Accord	Strong safety and lower-risk demographics
Subaru Crosstrek	Affordable crossover with strong safety

Cheapest SUVs to Insure

Compact and midsize SUVs are often among the cheapest vehicles to insure.

They tend to offer:

• better visibility
• strong safety features
• family-oriented demographics
• lower claim severity than sports cars

Some of the cheapest SUVs to insure include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Crosstrek.

Cheapest Sedans to Insure

Sedans are often cheaper to insure than luxury SUVs and performance vehicles.

Affordable options often include:

• Toyota Camry
• Honda Accord
• Subaru Legacy
• Hyundai Sonata

These cars are often safe, practical, and cheaper to repair.

Cheapest Minivans to Insure

Minivans can be surprisingly cheap to insure because they are often driven conservatively.

Examples include:

• Honda Odyssey
• Toyota Sienna
• Chrysler Pacifica

Insurance companies may view these as lower-risk family vehicles.

Cheapest Cars for Teen Drivers to Insure

Teen drivers are expensive to insure, but choosing the right vehicle can help.

Cars for teens should prioritize:

• high safety ratings
• lower horsepower
• lower theft rates
• lower repair costs

Vehicles often considered affordable for teen drivers include the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.

We will cover teen-driver insurance costs in more detail in an upcoming article.

Cars That Are Expensive to Insure

Some vehicles cost far more to insure.

Examples include:

• sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang GT
• luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche models
• high-performance EVs
• vehicles with high theft rates

Even if these vehicles have safety features, expensive repairs and higher claim severity can drive premiums up.

Electric Vehicles and Insurance Costs

Electric vehicles can sometimes cost more to insure because battery repairs are expensive.

Limited repair networks and higher replacement part costs can also increase premiums.

However, some EVs may still qualify for discounts or have lower rates depending on claim history.

How to Lower Your Insurance Costs

Even if you already own an expensive-to-insure vehicle, there are ways to save.

• raise your deductible
• bundle home and auto insurance
• shop multiple insurers
• ask about low-mileage discounts
• ask about safe-driver discounts
• improve your credit score where applicable

If you are already asking why your car insurance is so high, this may help.

You can also read our guide on how to lower car insurance.

Should You Buy a Cheaper Car to Save on Insurance?

Sometimes.

If insurance quotes are dramatically different, choosing a lower-risk vehicle may save thousands over several years.

Before buying, it is smart to get insurance quotes for multiple vehicles.

The Bottom Line

The cheapest cars to insure are usually practical, safe, and relatively inexpensive to repair.

Small SUVs, family sedans, and minivans often have the lowest insurance premiums.

Before buying a car, compare both the purchase price and insurance cost to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest car to insure?

Vehicles like the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V often rank among the cheapest.

Are SUVs cheaper to insure?

Many compact SUVs are relatively affordable to insure.

Are sports cars expensive to insure?

Yes, due to higher accident rates and repair costs.

Are electric cars more expensive to insure?

They can be because of higher repair costs.

Should I get quotes before buying?

Yes. Insurance costs vary widely by vehicle.