Did you know your choice of car can significantly impact both your safety and insurance costs?
March 19, 2025
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.
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.
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:
Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features often qualify for lower insurance premiums. These features can include:
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.
Here are the top 10 cars that offer a combination of safety and low insurance rates:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
David Kindness is a finance, insurance and tax expert at BestMoney.com. He has written for Investopedia, The Balance, and Techopedia, sharing his deep expertise in taxation, accounting, and finance. A CPA with a Bachelor’s in Accounting, David has worked as a tax specialist and Senior Accountant for high-net-worth clients and businesses in the San Diego area.
