If you’re looking for the least expensive cars to insure, you’re not alone. Thousands of consumers compare all kinds of costs related to vehicle ownership, from fuel efficiency to auto insurance premiums, and some cars just wind up ahead. Insure.com and MSN Money have rated more than 300 models for their insurance rates, but these are the highlights. Whether you’re looking for minivan to transport your large family or a sedan for the long commute to work, there’s a vehicle available for you.
1. Small Cars: Kia Rio5
According to the Insure.com data, the least expensive cars to insure in the small cars category are the Kia Rio5 and the Smart Fortwo, with the Kia leading by about $11. The Kia is also the better option if you’re looking for space as well as cost efficiency, and it’s probably safer as well.
2. Midsize Cars: Subaru Legacy
Bottoming the carts for midsize cars is the sleek Subaru Legacy, which is rated extremely high by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is extremely economical with regard to purchase price. It beats out the Pontiac G6 by around $12.
3. Large Cars: Pontiac Grand Prix
In the large cars category, the cheapest cars to insure are a little bit farther apart, with the Pontiac Grand Prix boasting an average rate of $902 and the Volkswagen Passat coming in at $936. However, if you’re interested in a Grand Prix you’ll have to hit the used car dealership because the model was discontinued in 2008.
4. Sports Cars: Mazda MX-5
Miata Sports cars are rarely among the cheapest to insure, and for good reason. People like to drive fast in their sports cars, and this leads to increased claims. However, if you can’t live without the speed and status of a sports car, your best bet is the Mazda Miata at an average premium of $1,017.
5. Small SUVs: Kia Sportage
With its boxy frame and significant storage room, the Kia Sportage dominates the list of cheapest small SUVs to insure. Plus, it’s purchase price is nothing to sneeze at according to Edmunds .com: a range of $16,819 to $23,258 for the current Sportage year.
6. Midsize SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe
Unsurprisingly, Hyundai has found its way onto the list of least expensive cars to insure with its Santa Fe. Since the SUV’s debut in 2001, it has become one of the most popular cars on the road, especially in family market. It’s safe, sturdy, roomy and not nearly as expensive as some of its fellow SUVs.
7. Large SUVs: Hyundai Veracruz
If you’re looking for more space, more power and more prestige on the road, you might want to consider a large SUV. These are perfect for big families and anyone who enjoys traveling, and many are very safe on the road. The cheapest of these cars to insure is the Hyundai Veracruz.
8. Trucks: Mazda Truck
As the owner of a Mazda B-series truck, I can attest that these vehicles are among the least expensive to insure and are extremely reliable. Coming in just under the Mitsubishi Raider on Insure.com’s list, the Mazda truck is perfect if you want to protect your wallet from high premiums.
9. Vans & Wagons: Chevy Uplander
Along with the Hyundai Entourage, the Chevy Uplander is one of the least expensive cars to insure in the vans and wagons category. You might pay more for fuel in these large vehicles, but the average insurance premium of $831 will be attractive to many.
10. Hybrids: Saturn Vue Hybrid
They might be green and better for the environment, but hybrids are not among the least expensive cars to insure. The cheapest on the list is the Saturn Vue Hybrid at an average premium of $1,005, and the most expensive is the Lexus LS 600h at $1,540. If you’re looking to save money on insurance, a hybrid might not be the way to go.
