Not all vehicles are created equal — especially when it comes to insurance costs. Whether you drive a compact sedan, a rugged SUV, or an electric car, your vehicle type can have a major impact on how much you pay for coverage.
In this guide, we’ll compare the cheapest car insurance options by vehicle type and explain why certain cars are more affordable to insure than others in 2025.
Why Vehicle Type Affects Your Insurance Quote
Auto insurance premiums are based on risk. Insurers look at how safe a car is, how expensive it is to repair, how likely it is to be stolen, and how often that model gets into accidents. Some vehicles naturally come with lower risk — and lower rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance by Vehicle Category
1. Compact Cars
Examples: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra
- ✅ Easy and affordable to repair
- ✅ Great safety ratings
- ✅ Popular with insurers due to low average claim cost
Average Monthly Premium: $90–$130
2. Midsize Sedans
Examples: Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Kia K5
- ✅ Balanced cost-to-insure vs performance
- ✅ Strong safety features
- ✅ Preferred by families and older drivers
Average Monthly Premium: $100–$150
3. SUVs & Crossovers
Examples: Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape
- ⚠️ Slightly higher repair and replacement costs
- ✅ Excellent crash protection
- ⚠️ Higher theft rates in some regions
Average Monthly Premium: $120–$170
4. Pickup Trucks
Examples: Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado
- ⚠️ Higher claim severity in accidents
- ⚠️ Costlier parts and repairs
- ✅ Good rates if driven mostly for personal use
Average Monthly Premium: $130–$180
5. Sports Cars
Examples: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Subaru WRX
- ❌ Higher speeds = higher risk
- ❌ Costly to repair and insure
- ❌ Younger drivers = higher rates
Average Monthly Premium: $180–$300+
6. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Examples: Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt
- ⚠️ Expensive battery and tech repairs
- ✅ Lower environmental risk profile
- ✅ Some insurers offer EV-specific discounts
Average Monthly Premium: $140–$210
Vehicle Type Comparison: Average Premiums & Top Insurers
| Vehicle Type | Average Monthly Premium | Best Insurer for This Type |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | $90 – $130 | GEICO, State Farm |
| Midsize Sedan | $100 – $150 | Progressive, Allstate |
| SUV / Crossover | $120 – $170 | Nationwide, Liberty Mutual |
| Pickup Truck | $130 – $180 | Farmers, USAA |
| Sports Car | $180 – $300+ | Esurance, The General |
| Electric Vehicle | $140 – $210 | GEICO (EV discount), Travelers |
How to Lower Your Rate Based on Vehicle Type
- Install safety and anti-theft features to reduce risk
- Choose higher deductibles if you’re a low-risk driver
- Bundle insurance policies to unlock discounts
- Use a usage-based program (great for SUVs and sedans)
- Compare quotes from at least 3–5 providers
🚗 Compare Insurance Quotes by Vehicle Type
Ready to see how much you can save? Instantly compare personalized car insurance quotes based on your exact vehicle type — and start saving today.
Final Thoughts
Your vehicle type plays a huge role in determining how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Compact and midsize sedans tend to offer the most affordable rates, while sports cars and EVs are often more expensive to insure.
Want to pay less? Choose a car with great safety ratings, low repair costs, and high reliability — and always shop around for quotes tailored to your vehicle.
