Cheapest Cars to Insure in the U.S. (2026 Guide)

Are you planning to buy a new car and wondering how the make and model will affect your insurance premium? Cars that are small, less expensive to repair and replace, and packed with safety features typically get the lowest insurance premiums. 

The cost of cheap car insurance online varies with your driving history. In the US, certain mid-size and compact models rank among the cheapest cars to insure, especially with smart coverage choices and a good driving history. 

What are the Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026?

Confused about what the cheapest car insurance plan is? And what are the cheapest cars to insure? Instead of cheap insured cars for young drivers and experienced drivers, let's learn about the top 10 cheapest cars to insure. 

1. Buick Envista

The Buick Envista is one of the cheapest car models to insure, with an average cost of $161 monthly. This car uses a small-displacement cylindrical engine and a front-wheel-drive configuration to lower manufacturing costs.

2. Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback is another affordable car to insure, with all coverage benefits at $163 per month. Some insurance companies offer car insurance for this model; the average cost is $107 per month.

3. Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen Taos has an average car insurance rate of $163 every month, making it one of the cheapest compact SUVs. With most Insurance companies, you can get insurance for this car at an average of $107 monthly.

4. Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester drivers pay around $166 monthly to insure. This is the cheapest SUV for plan coverage. You can get car insurance at a low cost for this SUV for around $126 per month.

5. MINI Convertible

The Mini Convertible's body style results in a higher premium despite being a convertible. The average cost of car insurance for this is $167 per month. Some insurers provide the cheapest option at $119 per month for insurance of the Mini Convertible. 

6. Volkswagen Tiguan

Cheap auto insurance with full coverage for this model costs around $167 monthly on average. Budget-conscious drivers who are seeking the lowest rates for this SUV can get it for around $105 monthly.

7. Subaru Crosstrek

Car insurance at a low cost for this model comes at $168 monthly, keeping it competitive amongst small crossovers. You can get the cheapest coverage at $114 per month for the Subaru Crosstrek.

8. Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer car insurance for this model averages around $167 monthly. This car is actually an affordable small SUV to insure with the policy.

9. Ram 1500

Full-size coverage for this truck is expensive to insure, costing around $177 per month, thus making it one of the cheapest trucks for insurance coverage. $120 per month is the lowest rate for Ram 1500.

10. MINI Cooper

An individual pays around $170 per month on average for the insurance of a Mini Cooper. According to Top Insurance Carriers, the car insurance premium for a Mini Cooper costs a minimum of  $119 per month.

A-MAX Insurance offers insurance plans in all states, over 250 offices across Texas and California, and you can compare online. Here are the cheapest cars to insure, types, their average and annual car insurance costs. 

What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in the US for High-Risk Drivers? 

1. Average Insurance Costs Considering Location

Where you live plays a huge role in determining your car insurance premium. Insurance regulations, population density, and even local repair costs all come into play.

• Rural Roads, Unique Risks: If you live in a rural area, you might face higher premiums due to the increased risk of wildlife collisions.

• Regional Repair Costs: The cost of your car repair or medical care can vary significantly, depending on one region to another. 

• City Driving, City Risks: Big cities often mean more traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more vandalism. These factors can drive up insurance costs.

• Weather Wills It: Some states are more prone to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, or hailstorms. If you live in one of these areas, your insurance costs might be higher due to the increased risk of damage to your vehicle.

For instance, in a home to more than 27,000,000 drivers, in California, high-risk drivers pay higher premiums. Minimum liability requirement in California is 30/60/15, $30,000 to a person, $60,000 for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property or car damage.   

2. Average Insurance Costs Considering Driving History 

Drivers who keep their driving record spotless – no accidents, no tickets. This insurance typically pays around $2,133 per year for cheap auto insurance. On the flip side, if you're a high-risk driver with a history of moving violations or accidents, expect to pay more. Insurers see you as a bigger risk and increase your premium rate to compensate.

How Does Vehicle Type Impact Car Insurance Cost?

There is no surprise that all luxury and sports vehicles are typically the priciest to insure. You know why? These cars are more expensive to repair, and are designed to go fast (speed and design). 

Trucks also tend to be costlier to insure, mainly because they are worth more. So if something happens, it will cost more to replace any part. Bigger vehicles can also hike up your insurance costs, simply because they have the potential to cause more damage in an accident. 

And if you have fancy or hard-to-find parts, that is gonna impact what your insurer has to pay out if you make a claim. Here's how insurance costs break down for different types of vehicles in the United States:

• Compact SUV with front‑wheel drive: $1,292 

• Medium‑sized SUVs: $1,296

• Subcompact SUVs: $1,298 

• Pickup truck (Mid-sized): $1,313 

• Sedan (Small): $1,353 

• Hybrid vehicle: $1,365 

• Large pickup truck: $1,379 

• Electric vehicles: $1,381 

• Sedan (Medium): $1,403 

Why are Some Vehicles Cheaper to Insure in 2026? 

When it comes to car insurance, some vehicles are way cheaper to insure than others. Here is why:

1. Safety Ratings and Features

Cars with top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, plus advanced driver-assistance systems, tend to cost less to insure. Why? Safety features reduce severe injuries and property damage, which results in fewer payouts for insurers.

2. Vehicle Type, Size, and Weight

Very small cars can increase the risk of injury, potentially raising insurance costs. Heavy vehicles like pickup trucks can cause more damage in collisions, resulting in higher rates. 

3. Repair and Replacement Costs

Mainstream cars with widely available parts and affordable price tags are cheaper to fix or replace. Insurers do not have to charge the maximum to cover potential claims.

4. Vehicle Age and Value

Older and depreciated cars cost less to replace, making them cheaper to insure. Discontinued models, such as the RSX or older Caravans, are budget-friendly if parts remain accessible.

5. Theft Rates

If your car is at high risk of being stolen, your comprehensive premium will be higher. New car models that are frequently stolen or targeted for parts will likely have higher premiums.

6. Claim Frequency and Severity

If you previously claimed lots of high injury payouts or at-fault collisions, your insurance premiums rise. But if claims are rare and low-cost, rates become low. 

How to Lower Car Insurance Costs in 2026?

1. Clean Driving History

Avoid at-fault accidents, speeding accidents, riding at extremely high speeds, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to save a hundred dollars per year. A-MAX Insurance offers an accident-free or good driver discount to individuals with a clean driving history.

2. Leverage Discounts

Most insurers offer discount options, including multi-car, safe driver, good student, bundling, low mileage, and military discounts. Discuss car insurance discounts to lower your insurance cost.

3. Improve Your Credit

In many states of the US, insurance companies consider credit-based insurance scores. A person with a good credit rating can receive a lower premium insurance over time.

4. Adjust Coverage for Older Vehicles 

As your vehicle gets older and depreciates, insurance companies can increase deductibles. You can drop collision and comprehensive coverage and switch to liability benefits that lower your insurance costs.

What Makes Cars More Expensive to Insure in the US? 

If a car is pricey to repair, has a high-end interior, or is prone to multiple claims, you have to pay a lot for coverage. Luxury interiors, performance engines, costly materials, and advanced electronics in a car can raise claim costs and make it more expensive to insure. 

For example, the Tesla Cybertruck's average car insurance cost is $283 per month, and the Tesla Model 3's insurance premium is $259 per month. These costs are roughly 90% higher than the national average of full coverage insurance.

These cars are costly to insure because 

• Acceleration and performance can encourage higher driving risk, increasing claim severity and frequency. 

• They have high MSRPs, and their body materials and parts, like EV battery systems and aluminium, are expensive to replace or repair. 

• Luxury interiors and advanced technology increase the price and repair cost, even for minor crashes.

Final Words

Luxury branding, high-performance engines, driver-assist systems, and complex electronics that are pricier to recalibrate drive higher insurance costs. Additionally, elevated theft risk, imported or rare parts, and multiple insurance claims can increase your insurance cost for any car.

Published: March 30, 2026