Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026

The cheapest cars to insure in 2026 are the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester, with annual premiums of $364 and $367 through Nationwide.

Nationwide's CX-5 rate is the lowest among compact SUVs. Its Forester rate is also lower than the average compact SUV, thanks to its high safety ratings and recognition as a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Impreza saves drivers 63% compared to the national average sedan cost at $376 from GEICO, making it another strong value pick. The average sedan rate is $1,019 per year. Use the table below to explore the cheapest cars to insure by make, model, vehicle type and insurer.

The Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 are the cheapest SUVs to insure. Nationwide covers both at $1,035 and $1,071 per year for full coverage.

Compact SUVs like these cost less to insure than standard or luxury models, saving you about $100 annually compared to midsize SUVs and up to $500 compared to high-end models. Despite their size, SUVs have strong safety records and lower repair costs, which helps keep premiums down.

The MINI Cooper is the most affordable sedan to insure with GEICO at $374 per year for minimum coverage. The Subaru Impreza follows with a State Farm minimum coverage policy costing an average of $376 per year.

For full coverage policies, the Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy are the most affordable sedans to insure with Nationwide at $1,049 and $1,157 per year.

On average, SUVs are cheaper to insure than sedans. That's partly because larger vehicles are generally safer. The Highway Loss Data Institute found that SUVs have lower bodily injury claim rates than smaller cars. If insurance savings matter, size could work in your favor.

The most affordable pickup truck to insure is the Honda Ridgeline with Nationwide at $382 per year for minimum coverage. The most affordable pickup truck to insure with full coverage is the Nissan Frontier with State Farm at $1,121 per year.

Truck insurance costs vary more by model than by size. For instance, the Toyota Tacoma is cheaper to insure than the Subaru Legacy sedan, though they fall under different categories. While pickups cost more upfront, models like the Frontier and Tacoma can help you save on premiums. Just be sure to factor insurance into your total cost of ownership.

The most affordable sports cars to insure are the Audi R8 with GEICO at $365 per year for minimum coverage and the Chevrolet Corvette with Nationwide at $1,221 per year for full coverage.

Their speed-focused design increases accident risk, and costly parts make repairs more expensive, both of which drive up liability and collision coverage rates. To get the cheapest sports car insurance, compare quotes from at least three providers using similar coverage levels. Insurers evaluate risk differently, so your cheapest option may not be the same as someone else's.

The most affordable electric cars to insure are the Tesla Model X at $415 and the Chevy Bolt and the Nissan LEAF at $431 per year with State Farm.

The cost to insure an electric car is now nearly on par with gas-powered vehicles; both average about $1,600 annually. While EV insurance may still be slightly higher in some cases, fuel savings, lower maintenance and government incentives can make up the difference.

Used cars are usually cheaper to insure than new ones, and older models still have the edge. Our analysis of state minimum coverage rates shows several 10-year-old vehicles cost under $400 per year, led by the MINI Cooper at $360 annually with State Farm.

Rates for 5-year-old vehicles are slightly higher but still competitive. The Audi R8 has the lowest premium at $354 per year with GEICO, followed by models like the BMW i8, Subaru BRZ and MINI Cooper, all priced below $370.

Compact SUVs and minivans are the cheapest to insure, with average annual premiums ranging from $1,400 to $1,600. Sedans and midsize SUVs sit in the midrange. Luxury vehicles can cost over $3,000 per year to insure.

Sports cars and luxury EVs tend to be the most expensive overall, but EV insurance rates are beginning to drop as they become more common. Use the table below to compare average insurance costs by car type.

Choosing a car that's affordable to insure starts before you step onto the dealer lot. The right vehicle can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on insurance premiums, making it one of the smartest financial decisions you can make when car shopping. By targeting vehicles with strong safety records, reasonable repair costs and low theft rates, you can find the cheapest cars to insure without sacrificing quality or features.

Finding the cheapest cars to insure involves more than just choosing the right vehicle. Smart discount strategies can reduce your premiums substantially, making even moderately priced cars among the cheapest cars to insure for your specific situation.

Insurance companies use certain algorithms to assess risk, and your vehicle is one of the biggest factors in determining your premium. Each car has a different risk profile based on historical data about accidents, theft rates and repair costs. This means two identical drivers can pay vastly different premiums simply because they drive different vehicles.

Every car insurance company has a unique way of calculating rates. You'll get different quotes for the same coverage, even with the same car and driving history. Always compare rates from multiple companies to find the best deal for you.

Vehicle selection impacts insurance costs, with the Mazda CX-5 ($364 per year) and Subaru Forester ($367 per year) having the most affordable premiums due to their excellent safety ratings and reasonable repair costs. Compact SUVs and minivans have the lowest rates ($1,400 to $1,600 annually).

Your personal factors, such as driving record, credit score and location, influence premiums more than vehicle type. To maximize savings, compare quotes from multiple insurers and consider bundling policies. For older cars, evaluate whether comprehensive coverage remains cost-effective based on the vehicle's current value.

Choosing the right car can impact your car insurance costs. MoneyGeek answered common questions about finding the cheapest car to insure:

Finding the cheapest car to insure means understanding how insurance companies price different vehicles, and most car buyers don't realize how much their choice affects their monthly premiums. We designed this analysis to help you identify models that won't break your budget on insurance costs.