Before getting behind the wheel of your next or first car, you should think about the upcoming expenses, and it’s not just about fuel and maintenance costs. One of the essential components of vehicle purchase, often overlooked, is car insurance. Insurance can significantly affect your monthly budget, so considering its costs beforehand ensures you can afford the vehicle.
Insurance can help protect you from unexpected financial burdens and provide economic protection. However, not all vehicles are treated equally by insurance companies. Plus, different companies offer varying auto insurance coverage options. Each company has dozens of factors that affect insurance rates. Understanding these factors and choosing the right, cheapest used cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars.
Surprisingly, there are capable vehicles on the market that are reliable, affordable, and offer impressively low insurance. Thanks to their safety features, low repair costs, and theft rates, these cars are perfect for budget-conscious drivers seeking excellent performance and reduced insurance costs. Let’s dive deeper and learn how to make sure that your used car has effective insurance.
Why Some Cars Are Cheaper to Insure
Some vehicles have reduced insurance risks and are listed among the cheapest cars for insurance, and here’s why.
- Safety features. Modern advanced car safety technologies qualify for insurance discounts. Lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and blind spot detection reduce the risk of accidents, resulting in lower premiums for owners.
- Vehicle type. The brand and type of the vehicle also play a crucial role in defining insurance costs. Simple vehicles from mainstream manufacturers are typically among the cheapest used cars to insure. In comparison, luxury cars cost more to insure because of their higher repair costs.
- Repair costs. As mentioned before, if the car is expensive to repair, the insurance provides higher rates. Expensive and rare parts cost more to insure. So, Japanese and Korean brand cars are more affordable for insurance, as their components are readily available and cheaper.
- Driver demographics. Some personal factors, such as age, gender, credit score, and even education, also affect insurance rates. For example, teen drivers pay more for insurance than adults, and women tend to pay less because they get into fewer accidents.
- Location. Your living location also plays an important role in how much you pay for the insurance. Drivers in densely populated areas with higher risks of theft, vandalism, and accidents tend to pay more than those in rural areas.
- Driving record. Insurance companies also consider your driving record to determine the insurance premium. They look at how often you get traffic violations, how serious they are, and whether you’ve been involved in an accident. This can help them understand how risky it is to insure you.
- Coverage type. The coverage options you select define premiums in auto insurance. Whether you choose liability, collision, or a comprehensive package, it will determine the level of protection for your vehicle and the cost of your insurance.
The Top 10 Cheapest Used Cars to Insure in 2025
Looking to buy a used car? Check out the best used cars for insurance costs to find one that fits your budget over the long run.
Honda CR-V EX
Starting MSRP: $29,760
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $1,220 - $ 2,037
A long-time family favorite, the Honda CR-V is a consistent leader among low-cost insurance compact SUVs. This easy-to-drive family hauler features a spacious interior and cargo room, a stylish exterior, and a 190-hp turbocharged engine. The car comes with enhanced driver-assistance systems, like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
The vehicle is known for its excellent safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It has low theft rates thanks to anti-theft systems, including a standard immobilizer and available security alarm. With lower-than-average insurance costs, the Honda CR-V is a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Subaru Outback
Starting MSRP: $29,620.
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $1,400 -$ 1,900
The Outback’s practicality and comfort make it a good choice for both families and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The vehicle has a tough-looking exterior, plenty of cargo space, and standard technology features. The car is powered by a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower.
The Outback’s moderate repair costs and high safety scores help keep insurance costs low, making it one of the cheapest used cars to insure. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with standard alarm and engine immobilizer anti-theft systems. Due to the Outback’s rugged reliability and standard AWD, it’s a favourite ride among adventurers and drivers.
Jeep Wrangler
Starting MSRP: 32,990
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $840 - $2,517
Staying true to its military roots, the Wrangler comes with four-wheel drive and varying off-road capabilities. The iconic off-roader is available in several powertrain options, including a V6, a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a turbo-diesel engine. With all-conquering off-road features and multiple body and roof configurations, this model can take you everywhere you wish. However, the Wrangler isn’t a city errand runner; it always bears the promise of adventure.
The Wrangler performs well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, earning high safety ratings, and is equipped with an advanced driver assistance system. Plus, anti-theft devices help reduce the risk of damage and theft. All these factors decrease the Wrangler's insurance cost.
Toyota RAV4
Starting MSRP: $28,310
Model Year: 2022
Average premium: $1,287–$2,159
The basic model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. The RAV 4 offers a generous array of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control. The vehicle is solid and stable when pitched into a twisty road, perfect for adventures. It features ergonomic and cubby storage as well as a modern infotainment system.
This reliable and fuel-efficient SUV is also affordable to insure. And for a good reason. The Toyota RAV4 boasts strong safety ratings and anti-theft devices, such as a standard engine immobilizer or an available alarm system. Plus, Toyota’s reliability keeps repair costs reasonable.
Ford Escape
Starting MSRP: $28,660
Model Year: 2022
Average premium: $1,246–$2,138
This fairly practical SUV is perfect both for city driving and outdoor adventures. A reliable choice in the segment, the vehicle offers a combination of performance, style, and advanced technology. The Escape comes with a wide range of powertrains, including a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 181-hp.
The Ford Escape is a great companion with ample cargo space, responsive handling, and cutting-edge technology. The vehicle is also one of the cheapest used cars to insure, thanks to its solid safety scores, moderate repair costs, anti-theft systems, and the availability of replacement parts.
Hyundai Tucson
Starting MSRP: $28,235
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $1,922 - $2,472
The modern compact SUV, the Hyundai Tucson, delivers high performance on city streets and off the beaten path. The vehicle boasts a wide variety of trims and powertrains, including a standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Its refined, quiet driving gives a sense of luxury, a quality rare in this segment.
Tucson drivers pay less for insurance as the car is equipped with strong safety features and a solid crash record. Plus, base models have lower repair and replacement costs than other SUVs, reducing insurers' risk.
Mazda CX-5
Starting MSRP: $30,265
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $1,361–$2,021/year
Mazda CX-5, with nimble road manners and a refined interior, is regarded as one of the best small SUVs. Powered by a standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the vehicle not only handles city errands but also soaks up rough roads.
The Mazda CX-5, with its competitive price and sharp handling, is among the cheapest used cars to insure. The vehicle’s strong safety scores and theft-deterrent features keep insurance costs low. Although its repair costs are slightly higher, it still offers a combination of affordability and value.
Chevrolet Equinox
Starting MSRP: $27,995
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $1,283–$2,102/year
The Equinox is a spacious SUV offering practicality and versatility. It has a 1.5L turbo engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. One of the best-sellers in the segment, drivers like it for roominess, an advanced infotainment system, and good handling. The car’s comfortable interior is equipped with enough amenities to keep passengers entertained on a long road trip.
The Equinox comes with standard driver-assistance technology and safety features, including lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. The high safety scores and affordable repair and replacement parts make it one of the cheapest used cars to insure.
Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $23,645
Model Year: 2022
Average premium: $1,960 - $2,300
The Honda Civic has made its reputation as a reliable and efficient sedan, and the 2022 edition is no exception. The base model features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle offers a cozy, solid ride on both highways and city streets.
Embracing a minimalist style, the Honda Civic boasts a roomy interior and a contemporary infotainment system. In addition to its rigid, stable structure, the Civic is equipped with advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Excellent fuel economy, low theft rates, advanced safety technology, and lower-than-average repair prices reduce insurance costs.
Toyota Corolla
Starting MSRP: $22,795
Model Year: 2023
Average premium: $2,028 - $2,208
Another standout among the cheapest used cars to insure is known for its low-cost maintenance and reliability. The Corolla features a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with either a CVT automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The model provides a pleasant, comfortable ride that isolates almost all bumps.
Toyota has made great efforts in the safety and driver-assistance systems of the 2023 Corolla lineup. The car features enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive headlights.
Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance
- Compare quotes. Insurers rate risks differently. So, it’s better to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can obtain information either online or by directly calling them. Websites like the Zebra or insurify.com provide free quotes from many insurers.
- Bundle your insurance. Companies often offer discounts for those clients who need more than one type of insurance. You’ll get a cheaper rate if you combine the insurance of your car, house, or life. The same applies to adding a second car or another type of vehicle; your insurance discounts will increase.
- Increase deductibles. A deductible is a cost-sharing mechanism between the company and the policyholder. If you opt for a higher deductible, you’ll typically get lower premiums in exchange for the increased upfront responsibility. However, higher deductibles can also increase your financial burden in case of a claim.
- Explore discounts. Insurers provide a long list of discounts that can also cut your insurance costs. You may qualify for a discount of Low-Annual-Mileage, Long-time Customer, No Accidents in Three Years, Defensive Driving Courses, or College Students away from Home.
Final Thoughts
No matter how careful you are, accidents and thefts still happen. Car insurance isn't just a legal requirement; it’s an important precaution that provides financial protection for your vehicle. In addition, insurance gives you a sense of security and peace of mind.
Not all vehicles are insured in the same way. Selecting reliable, affordable used cars with low insurance rates is a crucial step toward smart, responsible car ownership. When searching for the cheapest used cars to insure, choose one that best aligns with your needs and consider the discounts insurers offer.