The cost of car insurance varies significantly depending on the vehicle you drive, and choosing a car with a strong safety record can lead to lower premiums.
To help you find the best options, compare our best car insurance providers for policies that fit your needs. Let’s explore the top 10 cars with the lowest insurance rates that also prioritize safety.
Key Insights on Affordable and Safe Cars
The Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Tacoma are among the cheapest cars to insure in 2025.
SUVs and trucks generally have lower insurance rates than sedans, minivans, and sports cars.
Safety features and high crash test ratings contribute to lower insurance premiums.
Why Safe Cars Cost Less to Insure
What makes some cars cheaper to insure than others? Insurance companies assess risk based on several factors related to the vehicle. Safer vehicles typically have lower insurance rates because they are less likely to be involved in accidents and cause severe damage.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
Safety Features That Lower Premiums
Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features often qualify for lower insurance premiums. These features can include:
- Automatic emergency braking: Helps prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes.
- Lane departure warning: Alerts drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their lane.
- Blind spot monitoring: Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.
- Adaptive cruise control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Crash Ratings and Insurance Costs
Crash test ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) play a significant role in determining insurance costs.
Vehicles with high crash test ratings are considered safer, reducing the likelihood of injuries and repair costs, which can translate to lower premiums.
Top 10 Cars with the Lowest Insurance Rates in 2025
Here are the top 10 cars that offer a combination of safety and low insurance rates:
1. Subaru Outback
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,201
Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $29,010
The Subaru Outback is known for its safety features, reliability, and excellent crash test ratings, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure.
2. Honda CR-V
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,235
Starting MSRP: $30,100
The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that boasts high safety scores and a range of driver-assistance technologies, resulting in lower insurance costs.
3. Toyota Tacoma
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,318
Starting MSRP: $31,590
The Toyota Tacoma is a reliable truck with a reputation for safety and durability, making it an affordable option for insurance.
4. Subaru Forester
Average annual full coverage premium: N/A
Starting MSRP: $29,995
The Subaru Forester offers excellent visibility, standard safety features, and top crash test ratings, contributing to its low insurance rates.
5. Honda Pilot
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,382
Starting MSRP: $40,200
The Honda Pilot is a spacious SUV with advanced safety technologies and good crash test results, making it a cost-effective choice for families.
6. Ford Escape
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,392
Starting MSRP: $29,150
The Ford Escape is a fuel-efficient SUV with available safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, helping to lower insurance costs.
7. Toyota RAV4
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,368
Starting MSRP: $29,250
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, safety features, and strong resale value, making it an affordable insurance option.
8. Honda Odyssey
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,397
Starting MSRP: $42,220
The Honda Odyssey is a family-friendly minivan with innovative safety technologies and top crash test scores, resulting in lower insurance premiums.
9. Acura RDX
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,414
Starting MSRP: $44,700
The Acura RDX is a luxury SUV that combines safety, performance, and comfort. Its advanced safety features help reduce insurance costs.
10. Jeep Wrangler
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,360
Starting MSRP: $31,995
The Jeep Wrangler offers unique off-road capabilities and a range of safety features, making it surprisingly affordable to insure compared to other SUVs.
Budget-Friendly Options: Economical Cars with Low Insurance Rates
If you're looking for affordable options beyond SUVs and trucks, several economical cars also offer low insurance rates:
Affordable Sedans: Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry
Cost-effective SUVs: Kia Sportage, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Rogue
Family-friendly vehicles: Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival
Safety Technology That Can Lower Your Insurance Rates
Collision prevention systems: Features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and lower insurance premiums.
Monitoring features: Lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert help drivers stay aware of their surroundings, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Newest safety innovations: Adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and driver-attention monitoring are emerging technologies that further enhance safety and may lead to additional insurance savings.
Finding the Best Insurance Rates for Different Vehicle Types
Low-cost Sedan options: Look for sedans with good safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and lower repair costs, such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Camry.
Affordable SUV coverage: Consider compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which are known for their safety features and reasonable insurance premiums.
Budget-friendly truck insurance: The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for reliability and safety, which results in lower insurance rates than other trucks.
How to Maximize Insurance Savings on Low-Rate Vehicles
Safety discounts: Inquire about discounts for vehicles with advanced safety features, anti-theft systems, or good safety ratings.
Policy adjustments: Adjust your deductible and coverage levels to balance your insurance costs with your risk tolerance.
Bundling benefits: Combine your auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, to qualify for bundling discounts.
Bottom Line
By understanding the factors that influence insurance premiums and considering the safety features of different vehicles, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Whether you're interested in a reliable SUV, a fuel-efficient sedan, or a versatile truck, research and follow our tips for finding the right car insurance policy for your needs.
