What Is the Cheapest Car to Insure? (and Other Common Questions About Auto Insurance)

If the cost of car insurance seems prohibitive to you and you aren’t sure if you can afford it, you may be curious about which vehicle make and model is the cheapest car to insure. Before you start comparing the cost of car insurance among different insurance companies and providers, take a look at this post about the cheapest car to insure and other common questions about auto insurance in your area:

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

While a lot of different factors go into the cost of car insurance, some cars are cheaper to insure than others. The ten cheapest cars to insure on the east coast are: 

1. Subaru Outback
2. Subaru Forester
3. Honda CR-V
4. Jeep Wrangler
5. Hyundai Tucson
6. Mazda CX-5
7. Ford Escape
8. Honda Pilot
9. Chevrolet Equinox
10. Ford F-150

How do different car models affect car insurance rates? 

Your auto insurance company will determine your auto insurance pricing based on a variety of different factors. Some are universal, some are specific to your region or the make and model of your car, and some are specific to you and your overall driving record and demographic information. Auto insurance providers look at the overall risk that is statistically shown to be present based on you and your car. They look at the following factors:

• Claim histories
• Overall safety of the car
• Repair costs
• Rates of car theft

The less risky your car is to insure, the lower your monthly or quarterly auto insurance premium will be.

How do different car features affect your insurance rates?

Another factor in your car’s auto insurance rates are the add-ons or extra features that you have chosen. Cars that have high-tech safety features may be more expensive to repair, but they may also be less likely to experience an accident. An upgraded or more powerful engine may indicate that you’re at greater risk for speeding and auto accidents. These extra features are usually bundled together by auto dealers and considered “trim levels.” A base trim level may be an indicator that your auto insurance will be less expensive, as you’ll have fewer added features. 

Which vehicles are most expensive to insure? 

If you want to lower your overall cost of auto insurance, you should avoid these types of vehicles, which typically have more expensive auto insurance premiums: 

• Sports cars – these cars have the highest cost auto insurance because they tend to be faster, drivers tend to be younger and more reckless, and they tend to me involved in more auto accidents where the driver is at fault.
• Luxury cars – these cars are more expensive to insure because repairs are costly and they cost more to replace when totaled. 
• Electric vehicles – these have a higher overall cost of insurance because they are more expensive and also difficult and expensive to repair. Replacing the battery alone can cost thousands of dollars, so if the battery in an older model EV dies, the car is often considered totaled. 
• Targets for theft – if a car is common target for auto thieves, it will cost more to insure. 

Do I have to purchase auto insurance? 

Yes, you are legally required in all US states to purchase auto insurance if you are the owner and/or driver of the vehicle. All drivers of the vehicle must be insured, either separately or on the same policy. If you are caught driving without insurance, you can be responsible for paying large fines, appearing in court, having your license revoked and car impounded, and possible doing jail time. If you’re in an auto accident and don’t have insurance, the driver of the opposing car can file a lawsuit against you for damages, or their auto insurance company can file a subrogation claim against you. Overall, the cost of car insurance is lower than the cost of paying for damages after an accident or being taken to court for lack of insurance.

Call Us at Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance for a Free Auto Insurance Quote

If you’re curious about the cost of car insurance for your car and driving record, just give us a call at Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance. We’re a one stop shop for insurance needs, and we offer varying levels of auto, home, boat, motorcycle, commercial, and general insurance throughout the East Coast. Our staff has years of experience in finding the lowest rates possible for each client, and we represent several national and regional insurance carriers, including Safeco Insurance and The Travelers. This allows our clients more options so that they can find the right policy for their budget and needs. We won’t try to pair you with a one-size-fits-all policy. We’ll help you explore your options for your insurance coverage. Call us at (800) 693-3002 or request a quote online.