Autos With the Lowest Insurance Costs

A list of the least expensive automotive brands and vehicle types to insure comes with a couple of surprises.

Consumer Reports compiled the listing based on data from insurance comparison shopping website Insurify that shows sedans come with the highest insurance premiums of all vehicle types. The report didn't indicate the reasons, but smaller autos can be more vulnerable in crashes with bigger vehicles, and the segment also includes sports cars that tend to invite faster driving.

The average pickup truck, meanwhile, is 16% less expensive to insure, though trucks make up some of the most expensive models on the road. In fact, pickups’ premiums are lower than both sedans and SUVs.

Of course, many factors influence insurance costs, from driving history and repair costs for a vehicle to theft risk and the driver’s age, home location and credit score, the nonprofit consumer research, education and advocacy group points out. Vehicle safety features and good crash test ratings can also lower premiums.

Based on the average annual insurance premium, Consumer Reports arrived at the following as the cheapest brands to insure, although some models within those brands will obviously be exceptions, including Chevrolet’s now-discontinued Camaro sports car. The ranking includes two ties:

• Subaru - $2,088
• Buick – $2,148
• Volvo - $2,184
• GMC - $2,184
• Mini - $2,208
• Jeep - $2,268
• Mazda - $2,292
• Ford - $2,340
• Chevrolet - $2,376
• Honda - $2,376

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