Top 10 Safest Cars for Lower Premiums
Did you know Americans saw auto premiums climb about 31% since 2023, pushing average full coverage to roughly $2,679 a year? That jump changes how we think about buying a car and choosing coverage.
We’ll show how picking safer vehicles can cut the insurer’s risk and often trim what we pay each month. With new-car loan payments near $742 and monthly insurance around $223, safety choices matter to our budget.
Our picks combine real data — MSRP, common insurance costs, and proven safety features — so readers can match needs and price. Models like the Subaru Outback and Honda CR‑V often earn better rates because repairs are reasonable and crash scores are strong.
We also note that companies price risk differently, so shopping policies is key. Ahead, we’ll explain how safety links to savings and how to pick a vehicle that balances protection and cost.
Why safer cars often have cheaper insurance in the United States right now
As premiums climb, choosing a safer vehicle can cut what we pay in car insurance. Annual full coverage now averages about $2,679, roughly 31% higher since 2023. That rise makes safety a bigger lever in our budgets.
We look at three main drivers that shape insurance rates: safety ratings, repair costs, and claim frequency. Strong safety ratings usually mean fewer and less severe accidents, which insurers reward with lower pricing over time.
Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane support reduce collisions and damage. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims and improved loss projections for companies, which can translate into better coverage pricing.
Repair complexity also matters. Vehicles with lower repair bills and simpler parts give insurers more predictable outcomes. High-end trims with costly calibration can raise claims severity and nudges up our cost.
Data also shows SUVs often post lower bodily injury claim frequency than many sedans, helping explain why some vehicles cost less to insure right now. Still, insurers weigh many factors, so quotes can vary by company and ZIP code.
- Safety ratings cut claim frequency and severity.
- Advanced safety features reduce accidents and long-term premiums.
- Lower repair complexity helps keep coverage costs down.
We recommend balancing safety, repair profile and coverages so the car we buy fits our life and our monthly cost goals.
Top 10 Safest Cars for Lower Premiums Cars with the Cheapest Insurance Rates
Choosing a model that mixes good safety performance and modest repair needs can help lower our insurance bills. Below we list ten vehicles that data and industry studies often show as friendly to coverage costs.
Subaru Outback — $27,145
subaru outback pairs strong safety ratings with historically competitive full coverage pricing, thanks to solid crash results and manageable repair profiles.
Honda CR‑V — $26,400
The CR‑V is a compact suv with widely available parts and lower claim severity, which can translate to better insurance rates across companies.
Toyota Tacoma — $26,500
Toyota's pickup shows relatively favorable averages in multiple datasets, though trims and accessories can push price and repair complexity up.
Subaru Forester — $25,195
Forester holds IIHS Top Safety Pick credentials and tends to post lower claim frequency—two things insurers watch closely when setting premiums.
Toyota RAV4 — $26,525
RAV4’s broad availability and strong repair network help keep downtime and repair costs manageable after covered incidents.
Ford Escape — $25,555
Escape offers an accessible entry MSRP and mainstream parts, which can reduce repair complexity and claim costs.
Honda Pilot — $37,580
For families, Pilot’s safety features and roomy design support favorable risk assessments that may lower insurance premiums.
Honda Odyssey — $33,040
The Odyssey is a minivan that trends toward budget-friendlier insurance among family-focused vehicles due to its safety tech and claim history.
Acura RDX — $29,330
Some premium models like the RDX can still deliver competitive insurance rates, depending on local market performance and repair profiles.
Jeep Wrangler — $29,725
Wrangler averages look solid in certain datasets, but trim variability affects costs, so we should compare quotes carefully for coverage that matches our needs.
- These vehicles balance safety, repair predictability and price.
- We recommend getting VIN-specific quotes to see how car insurance rates apply in our ZIP code.
Cheapest by vehicle type: cars, SUVs and trucks that help lower premiums
When we compare vehicle types, some sedans, SUVs and trucks regularly show lower annual insurance bills.
For sedans, models like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius often deliver cars lowest insurance potential. These vehicles pair solid safety ratings with spare parts that ease repairs and keep claim severity down.
Compact suv choices such as the Subaru Outback, Honda CR‑V, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape also tend to be priced favorably by many insurers. Their common safety features and accessible parts can speed repairs and help reduce both downtime and costs.
On the truck side, the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier frequently trend toward lower coverage costs, especially in trims that avoid high-end calibration or specialty components.
- AAA averages show compact and midsize SUVs competitive with midsize sedans on annual costs, which explains some insurer pricing.
- Trim, safety packages and parts availability are key factors that change car insurance rates for the same model.
- We recommend VIN-specific quotes from multiple companies to lock in real savings before we buy.
Safety features that can reduce insurance rates
Modern safety equipment can cut the odds of a crash and change how insurers price our coverage.
Advanced driver assistance systems—automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, and blind‑spot monitoring—reduce collision likelihood and the severity of damage when accidents occur.
These systems often improve a vehicle’s safety ratings, which insurers use when modeling risk. Better scores can help some cars earn lower insurance costs for comparable coverage.
Security tech and anti‑theft systems
Factory anti‑theft systems and immobilizers deter loss and may qualify us for discounts. That lowers the chance of a theft claim and can trim our annual premium.
- ADAS cuts accident frequency and injury severity, which insurers reward.
- Calibration after repairs can raise labor, but overall claim costs often fall.
- Document features on quotes so insurers credit the vehicle properly.
- Ask each company how systems affect discounts—practices vary by carrier.
Prioritize meaningful features that reduce real-world risk and pair them with safe driving habits to maximize savings while keeping repair and long-term costs in check.
How insurers assess risk beyond the badge
Insurers dig into model-level claims data to price risk, so two visually similar cars can get very different treatment on a policy. We should look past the badge and focus on measurable outcomes: how often a vehicle is in a claim and how costly those claims are.
Claims frequency and severity by make and model
Companies use historical claims to estimate both frequency and severity. SUVs often show lower bodily injury claim rates than some sedans, which can push their coverage costs down in certain markets.
Parts availability, calibration labor and repair complexity
Repair complexity matters. Hard-to-find parts or ADAS calibration raises labor time and damage bills. That increases expected claim costs and shows up in higher premiums for some vehicles.
The impact of theft rates and vehicle popularity
Theft frequency and a model’s regional popularity also shape loss expectations. Vehicles targeted by thieves or common in high-claim areas often carry greater risk on our quotes.
- Insurers weigh claim history, parts access, and repair network strength when estimating risk.
- Older cars may cost less to replace but lack safety systems that lower accidents; newer tech can cut claims even if repairs cost more.
- Because each company uses its own model, comparing quotes is essential to see how a vehicle affects our insurance costs.
We recommend reviewing liability, comprehensive and collision impacts together. Mileage, commute patterns and local repair markets change the final numbers we see on a quote, so pair a safer vehicle with the right coverage to match real risk.
Electric, hybrid and gas: how powertrain influences insurance costs
Electric, hybrid and gas powertrains affect more than fuel bills; they shape how insurers price our coverage.
Analyses now show EV insurance trends moving toward parity with gas models. In some studies both average about $1,600 a year, though results vary by carrier and ZIP.
Why parity is emerging? Broader parts availability, growing repair expertise, and stronger safety features make EVs more predictable for companies. That lowers perceived risk and can bring down repair-related costs over time.
When hybrid and EV safety and repair profiles help or hurt premiums
Crash avoidance tech often reduces claim frequency, which helps rates. But EV battery or sensor repairs can be costly and push a quote higher for full coverage.
| Powertrain | Typical annual cost | Common insurance drivers | When costs rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (EV) | ~$1,600 (varies) | Range of parts, ADAS, battery repair | High repair labor, performance trims |
| Hybrid | Similar to gas | Lower claim frequency, some battery work | Rare hybrid-specific parts, fewer shops |
| Gasoline | ~$1,600 (varies) | Widespread parts, predictable repairs | Performance variants, luxury trims |
We compare body styles too: an EV SUV with strong structure and safety features can cost less to insure than a high‑performance gas sedan. Performance models often attract higher pricing no matter the fuel type.
Final tip: get VIN-specific quotes from multiple companies and include energy and maintenance in a total cost comparison. Established models like the Subaru Outback still rank among cars lowest insurance in many markets when paired with the right coverage.
When “cheap to insure” isn’t: vehicles that typically cost more
Some vehicles carry a hidden premium: their performance and parts can raise our policy price.
High‑performance and luxury models often show higher claim severity. Examples include the Audi R8 Quattro Performance, Tesla Model S Plaid, Lexus RC F, Tesla Model X, and certain Dodge Charger trims.
Specialty parts, limited repair networks and high MSRPs push collision and comprehensive coverage costs up. Even careful drivers see higher quotes when repair bills or replacement values rise.
Why performance and luxury drive up costs
- Performance upgrades raise repair complexity — carbon‑ceramic brakes, large wheels, and tuned engines add labor and part expense.
- Limited parts and dealer‑only repairs increase downtime and insurer payouts.
- SUV performance trims and muscle cars can carry loss histories that insurers weight heavily.
“Insurers price by expected loss. Higher MSRP and costly repairs equal higher premiums.”
| Vehicle type | Typical cost driver | Insurance impact |
|---|---|---|
| High‑performance coupe (e.g., Audi R8) | Exotic parts, high repair labor | Higher collision/comprehensive premiums |
| Electric performance SUV (e.g., Tesla Model X) | Battery & sensor repairs | Elevated comprehensive and liability costs |
| Muscle sedan (e.g., Dodge Charger) | Performance tuning, higher theft/claim rates | Higher premiums and stricter underwriting |
We can still manage cost if we love performance. Compare quotes, consider higher deductibles, or look at certified pre‑owned models to reduce depreciation. Check that the trim keeps key safety systems so accident‑avoidance tech still helps our insurance profile.
Total cost of ownership: fitting insurance into your car budget
Balancing a loan payment and a premium helps us see the real monthly obligation.
Average monthly car loan payments sit near $742, while average monthly full coverage insurance is about $223. Seeing both numbers next to each other makes the budget more honest.
Monthly payment vs. monthly premium
We should weigh financing and coverage together. A safer vehicle can lower premiums enough to let us choose higher liability or lower deductibles without stretching our budget.
Applying the 10% rule and coverage choices
The 10% rule says: if annual collision plus comprehensive premiums approach 10% of a vehicle’s value, consider dropping full coverage. That move trims costs but raises out‑of‑pocket risk after an accident.
"Cutting coverage reduces monthly costs but means we must save for repairs or replacement."
| Item | Average monthly | How it affects budget | Action to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan payment | $742 | Main fixed monthly vehicle cost | Match loan term to cash flow |
| Full coverage premium | $223 | Adds to monthly vehicle burden | Shop discounts, adjust deductible |
| Older vehicle (10% rule) | Varies by value | Higher relative premiums may not be worth it | Consider minimum coverage + savings |
Small deductible changes, timing purchases with renewals, and checking discounts can fine‑tune our policy and increase savings. Also include fuel and maintenance in total costs so we plan for predictable expenses over ownership.
Discounts and policy moves to stack even more savings
We can lower our cost by combining discounts and small policy changes. Start by asking each company which credits stack and how they apply to our coverage. That clarity helps us compare true net prices.
Bundling, safe driver and multi‑car strategies
Bundling home or renters with auto often gives a large percent off. Multi‑car discounts and safe‑driver credits reward low claim history and consolidation.
Good student, defensive driving and paid‑in‑full options
Teens and young adults may qualify for good student savings with transcripts. Defensive driving courses and paying a premium in full or going paperless can also lower what we pay.
- Ask about military, employer, alumni or affinity discounts.
- Use telematics or safe‑driving apps to earn ongoing reductions where acceptable.
- Recheck discounts at each renewal—new safety features or lower mileage can unlock extra savings.
| Discount | How to qualify | Typical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bundling | Combine auto + home/renters policy | 5–25% off premium |
| Good student | Transcript or GPA verification | 5–15% for eligible drivers |
| Telematics / Safe driving | App or device tracking driving habits | Up to 30% first‑year savings |
| Paid‑in‑full / Paperless | One payment or e‑billing enrollment | 2–10% savings |
Pair discount hunting with vehicle choice to push us toward the cheapest cars insure outcome for our situation. Keep records of courses, transcripts, and safety equipment so companies can apply every available savings to our policy.
Methodology notes we use to rank safety and insurance affordability
We base our rankings on a mix of claim history, safety testing and aggregated premium data so readers get a clear, comparable view of how vehicles perform in the market.
First, we draw on IIHS‑HLDI claim frequency and safety ratings to identify models that show consistently strong safety outcomes. Those metrics help reveal which vehicles have fewer or less‑severe accidents, and that often aligns with better insurance.
Aggregated premiums and geographic variation
We review average premiums by model and trim across ZIP codes and companies using Quadrant and Bankrate base profiles. Our baseline assumes a 40‑year‑old driver with good credit, a clean driving record, 12,000 miles, and full coverage (100/300/100) with $500 deductibles.
How coverage choices change the picture
Comparing full coverage to state minimum matters. Full coverage raises costs but protects replacement value and out‑of‑pocket risk. We report both to show a realistic range of expected costs.
Other factors we track
- State rules, underwriting practices and credit use that alter quotes by location.
- How incidents like a ticket or at‑fault accident shift a record and raise insurance.
- Vehicle class averages (AAA 2023) and model‑level validation to avoid overgeneralizing.
In short, our research blends safety ratings, claim frequency/severity, and aggregated premium data so we favor vehicles that balance safety and cost. Use this as a research foundation and get VIN‑specific quotes from multiple companies for the most accurate car insurance rates for your situation.
How to shop smart: compare quotes for the exact vehicle you want
Shopping quotes for a specific VIN lets us see how options and trims change real pricing. Getting exact details from carriers avoids surprises and shows which choices lower our costs.
Get a VIN‑specific quote before you buy. A VIN reveals trim, safety packages and anti‑theft gear that affect insurance premiums and discounts. Ask insurers to verify listed equipment so we capture every available savings.
Match coverage limits and deductibles across insurers for apples‑to‑apples comparison. Use the same liability limits, collision and comprehensive deductibles, and policy start date so quotes reflect true differences between companies.
Note on offers and availability: location and underwriting matter. Two companies can give different insurance rates for the same driver and vehicle because of ZIP code, local repair costs, and each company’s appetite. Check regional carriers and national firms.
| Step | What to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| VIN quote | Exact VIN and trim | Captures real safety features and options that change premiums |
| Coverage match | Same limits & deductibles | Ensures fair, comparable pricing across companies |
| Documentation | Proof of safety/anti‑theft | Unlocks discounts and rate credits |
| Shop broadly | Multiple carriers incl. regional | Finds better offers tied to company loss experience |
Finally, time your purchase to avoid a lapse and protect our clean driving record. Revisit quotes annually—market shifts, discounts, or new research can reveal better deals later and keep our policy aligned with our needs and budget.
Conclusion
A careful vehicle choice plus smart policy tweaks can shave meaningful dollars from our annual insurance bill. National full coverage still averages about $2,679 a year, so small moves add up fast.
Compact SUVs and select sedans often show favorable averages, and models like the Subaru Outback, Honda CR‑V and Subaru Forester appear repeatedly in cars lowest insurance data. We should pair those vehicles with right‑sized coverage and sensible deductibles to balance protection and cost.
Get VIN‑specific quotes from multiple companies, keep a clean driving record, and revisit your policy each year to capture new savings. Shortlist two or three choices from our lists, compare side‑by‑side quotes, and pick the option that best fits safety, value and monthly affordability.
