The Cheapest Vehicles to Insure in 2021

The cheapest cars for insurance in 2021

Car insurance pricing is a complex process: myriad factors go into your car insurance rates. One of the factors within your control that contributes to auto insurance premiums is the vehicle make and model you choose. High-performance vehicles, sports cars, electric vehicles and luxury SUVs are among the most expensive cars to insure, based on their high cost-of-replacement and expensive parts. More common, low-MSRP models — like those listed below — are typically less expensive cars to insure.

The Fiat 500X, with an MSRP starting at $24,840, is the cheapest car for insurance in the U.S. Its six-month insurance rate is $705 — $118 per month — an annual savings of $46 compared to the national average for car insurance.

The Zebra surveyed auto insurance rates from every ZIP code in the United States, collecting data from our proprietary quote engine to find the 10 most affordable cars to insure (see here for detailed methodology) along with the carriers that offer the best-priced insurance for them.

Check out lists of the least expensive cars to insure in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

1. Fiat 500X

The Fiat 500X is 2021's cheapest car to insure, with an average monthly cost of $118. To find the most savings for this crossover SUV, consider starting your search with Nationwide, which costs $75 per month. Other affordable options include GEICO ($82) and State Farm ($96).

2. Ford Transit Connect

The only van on our list — yet again — insurance for the Ford Transit Connect runs an average of $122 per month. Nationwide and GEICO were the cheapest insurance providers for this make and model, costing $79 and $88, respectively, per month.

3. Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass costs $123 per month to insure, making it the third cheapest vehicle for insurance. However, it's the second cheapest when compared to other crossover SUVs on our list. Nationwide ($78) and GEICO ($87) could be the most budget-friendly coverage options for a six-month policy. State Farm is also worth looking into for Jeep Compass insurance, costing an average of $95 per month.

4. Ford Escape

Auto insurance costs for the Ford Escape are comparable with the Subaru Outback and GMC Canyon at $124 per month. Nationwide ($70) and GEICO ($90) were again the cheapest insurance companies for the Ford Escape, but Erie ($91) could also be worth looking into if you live within the company's coverage area.

5. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback has been a top contender for cheap auto insurance for the past few years. On average, this SUV costs $123 per month to insure. Affordable insurance providers for the Outback include Nationwide ($68) and Country Financial ($75).

6. GMC Canyon

The only pickup truck on our list this year, the GMC Canyon costs $123 per month to insure — 15% cheaper than the average truck. Nationwide ($65/month) and Country Financial ($70) were the least expensive insurance companies for the GMC Canyon.

7. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V may cost a little more, but its insurance costs are on par with the other compact SUVs on our list ($123 per month). Nationwide was the cheapest car insurance company for this vehicle, at just $67 per month. Other affordable providers include GEICO ($86/month) and Country Financial ($98).

8. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has a midrange MSRP and has the eighth least expensive insurance costs ($123 for a six-month policy). Nationwide, GEICO and Country Financial were the cheapest companies for this compact crossover SUV.

9. Mazda CX-3

The most affordable car on our list, the Mazda CX-3 doesn't cost all that much more than other ranking vehicles to insure. On average, coverage for this crossover SUV runs about $124 for a six-month policy. Consider starting your search with Nationwide or GEICO, which charge between $77 and 82 a month, on average. State Farm is more expensive ($106 per month) but still cheaper than the national average for the Mazda CX-3.

10. Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek has the second cheapest MSRP and costs an average of $125 per month. If you're looking for a wallet-friendly rate, consider Nationwide ($79) and GEICO ($88). If you live within Erie's coverage range, this company could also be a comparable, cheap option at $95 per month.

The 10 cheapest cars to insure in 2020

1. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback was the cheapest car to insure. Average insurance costs add up to just 4.8% of the vehicle's total manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP). On average, a car insurance policy for a Subaru Outback costs $109 per month.

If you’re looking for the most affordable rate, consider Bear River. Our data shows Bear River charges $93 per month. If Bear River isn’t in your area (it is a regional insurance company), consider Nationwide, which averages $69 per month.

2. GMC Canyon

GMC Canyon owners enjoy the country's second-most affordable auto insurance premiums. Typical insurance rates amount to $18 less per month than the national average — about $109 per month. Like the Outback, Bear River offers the cheapest premium — $234 for a six-month policy or $46 per month. Nationwide, GEICO, and USAA are other affordable options as well.

3. Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier is the third cheapest insurance option and the cheapest truck to insure. Typical auto insurance costs $63 less than the national average — about $10 a month in savings. Bear River is again the cheapest insurance company for the Frontier at $50 per month, or $302 total. If you’re looking for a more established company, Nationwide is a good option, at $83 per month.

4. Fiat 500X

Fiat 500X owners pay the nation's fourth-most affordable car insurance rates. Average auto insurance rates for a Fiat 500X run $120 per month, making it the cheapest crossover SUV available. Our data shows that Bear River offers the cheapest premium at $53 per month. Hanover, a preferred specialty company can be the most expensive. If you’re looking for a national company, consider Nationwide and GEICO.

5. Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass is the fifth cheapest vehicle to insure and the second cheapest SUV crossover. For a 30-year-old single man with a good driving record, a Jeep Compass will set you back $122 per month. You can lower this average by selecting Bear River as your insurer — which offers the lowest rate at $55 per month. If Bear River is not in your area, consider Nationwide ($88) or USAA ($92).

6. GMC Sierra

Drivers of the GMC Sierra enjoy America's sixth-most affordable car insurance premiums and second-cheapest truck. For a six-month policy, the Sierra will set you back $740 or $123 per month. Compared to the other truck (Nissan Frontier) featured in this list, the Sierra is $40 more expensive to insure. If you’re in the market for a Sierra, consider Bear River, Nationwide, Arbella, and Grange Insurance.

7. Ford Escape

The third crossover on our list, the Ford Escape is the seventh cheapest car to insure. Average six-month premiums range from $321 to $2,682 — all metrics constant. If you want the most affordable coverage, shop with Bear River, Nodak, and Grange Insurance. Nationwide, Erie and GEICO are affordable options as well if you want a big name for your insurance provider.

 

8. Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect is a popular cargo and transportation van and the only one on our list. Our data shows that Ford Transit Connect will set you back about $123 per month. Premiums for this van range from $56 per month (Bear River) to $403 per month (Hanover). Grange Insurance, Erie, and Nationwide are other cheap options for insurance.

 

9. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is our fourth cheapest crossover and ninth cheapest overall vehicle to insure. The Traverse costs $123 per month to insure — about 3% cheaper than the national average. If you’re in the market for a Chevy Traverse, consider Co-Op Insurance; its average monthly premium starts at $69. Other affordable options are Bear River, Nodak, and Nationwide.

 

10. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is our tenth featured vehicle and our fifth crossover! With monthly insurance premiums averaging at $123, the Sportage is $20 cheaper to insure for a six-month policy than the national average. If you want to save additional money on your car insurance bill, consider Bear River, Grange Insurance, GEICO, USAA, and Co-Op Insurance.

 

Summary: the least expensive vehicles to insure for 2020

Some of 2020's best bargain buys are crossovers. Of the 10 vehicles we surveyed, five were crossovers — the cheapest being the Subaru Outback and the most expensive the Kia Sportage. If you’re in the market for a cheap vehicle, consider these makes and models.

There are many reasons why a car is cheap or expensive to insure. Safety rating, repair costs and vehicle value are a few things that can hurt a vehicle’s affordability.

Keep in mind your demographic profile's impact on your car insurance. The data in our study is for a single 30-year-old man with full coverage, a good credit score, and good driving history. 

The 10 cheapest cars to insure in 2019

1. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback comes with the added bonus of the nation's most affordable insurance rates. Typical insurance costs are only 5.19% of the vehicle’s total manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP). On average, the monthly insurance premium for a Subaru Outback is $116. If you’re looking to save, Country Financial offers the lowest car insurance rates for an Outback. ALFA offers coverage at a much higher cost.

2. Chevrolet Colorado

The average monthly premium for the Chevrolet Colorado is $118. Most insurance companies recognize these vehicles as cheap to repair, which is why your insurance premium is only 4.93% of the total MSRP. Texas Farm Bureau covers the Chevrolet Colorado for the least, with monthly premiums of just $61. GEICO's policies cost quite a bit more — around $158 per month.

3. Ford Escape

If you drive a Ford Escape, good news — your monthly premium should be around $120. As one of the cheaper cars to insure, premium costs sum to just 5.77% of the vehicle’s MSRP. Plymouth Rock Insurance offers reasonable rates for compact sports utility vehicles such as the Escape — around $47 per month. If you’re willing to spend more, Liberty Mutual provides solid coverage and assistance.

4. Fiat 500x

Auto insurance premiums are low for the Fiat 500x. Your insurance costs should only be about 6.68% of the vehicle’s total MSRP. The average monthly premium for a Fiat 500x is $120. If you’re looking to save, GEICO offers the lowest car insurance rates. You can still get excellent coverage with Metlife, but at a much higher cost.

5. Subaru Crosstrek

The average monthly premium for the Subaru Crosstrek is $120. The Crosstrek boasts affordable maintenance costs, leading to an insurance premium of just 6.37% of the total MSRP. Erie covers the Subaru Crosstrek at the lowest cost — an monthly premium of $40. 21st Century offers coverage at a higher price.

6. Jeep Compass

If you have a Jeep Compass, good news — your monthly premium should be just $120. As one of the cheaper cars to insure, the Jeep's insurance-to-MSRP ratio is just 6.56%. USAA tends to assign low premiums to this model, with an average monthly premium of $48 However, if you’re willing to spend more (on average, $101 in monthly premiums), 21st Century might offer superior coverage and assistance.

7. Honda HR-V

With a subcompact SUV like the Honda HR-V, car insurance premiums should be reasonable. Your insurance costs should only be about 6.8% of the vehicle’s total manufacturer's suggested retail price. On average, monthly premiums for a Honda HR-V runs $121.

If you’re looking to save, Progressive offers the lowest car insurance rates for this car. Farmers will also offer excellent coverage, but at a much higher cost.

8. Buick Encore

The average monthly premium for a subcompact SUV such as the Buick Encore is $122. Most insurance companies recognize these vehicles as cheap to repair, which is why your insurance premium is only 6.12% of the total MSRP. GEICO can cover your Buick Encore for the cheapest at a monthly premium of $46. ALFA will cost quite a bit more, but they will still offer top-rate coverage for your vehicle.

9. GMC Sierra

If you have a GMC Sierra, you’re in luck — your monthly premium should be around $123. The Sierra's typical auto insurance cost totals just 3.64% of the vehicle’s MSRP. Progressive tends to give low rates to pickup trucks, around $30 in monthly premiums. However, if you’re willing to spend more (on average, $87 in monthly premiums), Farmers provides superior coverage and assistance.

10. Toyota Tacoma

The average monthly premium for a pickup truck such as the Toyota Tacoma is $123. Most insurance companies recognize Tacomas as cheap to repair, assigning insurance rates of just 5.0% of the total MSRP. Plymouth Rock Insurance can cover your Toyota Tacoma for the cheapest at a monthly premium of $59. Liberty Mutual will cost quite a bit more, but they will still offer top-rate coverage for your vehicle.

The 10 cheapest cars to insure in 2018

The top 10 cheapest used cars to insure in 2018

Using the same methodology as above, we got rates for what it would cost to insure a five-year-old vehicle. Below are the cheapest used cars to insure in 2018.

1. Honda Odyssey

2. Dodge Caravan

3. Toyota Tacoma

4. Nissan Frontier

5. Subaru Outback

6. Jeep Patriot

7. Dodge Journey

8. Ford Escape

9. Kia Soul

10. Hyundai Tucson

How does the age of a car affect insurance rates?

One of the easiest ways to get cheap car insurance is to spend less up front by purchasing a used car. Both the MSRP and insurance premiums decrease over time.

Compare the following rates for the top 10 cheapest vehicles to insure after 1 and 5 years, and remember: a car starts depreciating the second you drive it off the lot.