Are cars or SUVs more expensive to insure?

Asked by: Mayra Howell  |  Last update: February 5, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)

Is it cheaper to insure an SUV or a sedan? While the average cost of an SUV far surpasses that of a sedan, car insurance costs may also differ substantially. Although rates will depend on your car insurance company and model, SUVs are typically $314 per year cheaper to insure than sedans.

Is it cheaper to insure a car or SUV?

In fact, insurance for a midsize sedan may cost an average of $237 more per year than a midsize SUV. And based on IIHS-HLDI's data, sedans tend to have a higher bodily injury claims frequency than SUVs, so they may be considered riskier and therefore more expensive to insure.

What vehicle is the cheapest to insure?

What cars have the lowest insurance rates? Typically, compact SUVs with high safety ratings and low MSRP have the lowest average insurance rates. Vehicles like the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 all fit this model and have some of the lowest average premiums out of all the vehicles Bankrate reviewed.

Is it cheaper to buy a car or SUV?

Budget: Fuel isn't the only thing you'll be saving money on when you opt for a sedan over an SUV. Sedans, in general, tend to be more affordable compared to SUVs. If money isn't that much of an issue, you can use the savings to get a higher trim level sedan with extra features.

Do SUV last longer than cars?

Built for Tough Conditions: SUVs are typically designed and built for durability, intended to handle tough road conditions, off-road driving, and towing. This robust construction can translate into a longer lifespan if well-maintained.

The WORST Cars for Insurance Coverage in 2024

24 related questions found

What are the disadvantages of SUVs?

Cons of SUVs

Bulkier drive: SUVs may not be as streamlined as sedans and are typically heavier. This could result in a “stockier” feeling when they're driven and limit their ability to maneuver around tight spaces. If that's a potential concern, it may be something to look out for during your next test drive.

What SUV has the highest insurance rates?

What's the most expensive SUV to insure? Among the most popular SUVs for sale in the United States, the three costliest to insure are the Tesla Model Y, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. These vehicles are all larger and more expensive than an average SUV, which may lead to higher insurance costs.

What age is car insurance most expensive?

18-year-old drivers on their own policy pay the highest car insurance premiums out of the age groups Bankrate analyzed. The most significant difference in premiums by gender occurs at age 18. On average, 18-year-old males cost 9 percent less to insure than their female counterparts.

Why are smaller cars more expensive to insure?

Vehicle size: In general, the larger the car, the higher the premium (think SUVs, multi-passenger cargo vans, etc.). However, smaller vehicles are stolen more often and are more likely to become badly damaged or even totaled in an accident, which can make some small cars more costly to insure than larger ones.

What SUV has the cheapest insurance?

What's the cheapest SUV to insure?
  • Honda CR-V.
  • Jeep Cherokee.
  • Ford Escape.
  • Chevrolet Equinox.
  • Jeep Wrangler.
  • Subaru Forester.
  • Toyota RAV4.
  • Nissan Rogue.

Is a newer car cheaper to insure?

New cars normally have a higher market value compared to used cars, which often results in higher insurance costs. Insurers must account for the potential payout in case of a total loss, making it more expensive to insure a higher-valued vehicle.

What's the cheapest 7 seater to insure?

One of the cheapest seven-seaters on the market, the Dacia Jogger is perfect for families who are on a budget and want to reduce insurance overheads. The one engine available is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, which isn't quick but can get off the line sharp enough at a junction.

Does insurance go up with SUV?

So, while SUVs generally are more expensive to insure than sedans, you may find that premiums will vary from model to model, depending on how the vehicle rates on these (and, potentially, other) factors. Therefore, it may be prudent to seek out an SUV that performs well on crash tests, and is less likely to be stolen.

What car brands are cheapest to insure?

The Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback are the cheapest cars to insure. All three have full coverage rates under $250 per month, on average.

Is AWD more expensive to insure?

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems are more complex and costly to repair than standard front-wheel drive systems. That means your auto insurance rate may be higher for an AWD or 4WD vehicle.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Which gender pays more for car insurance?

On average, young men pay much more for car insurance than young women. This is because car insurance providers find men to be riskier drivers than women, especially when they are younger. When they are older, women start to pay slightly higher rates.

At what age do car insurance rates drop?

The biggest drop is typically from 18 to 19, when the average rate drops by around $1,595. Car insurance typically drops as you grow older, when you drive safely for three to five years following an accident or citation, and when you switch to a cheaper company.

Why is insurance cheaper on SUVs?

BecauseSUVs offer inherent safety factors, it may cost less to protect against personal injury and medical payments should you or family members become injured in an accident. But SUVs typically cost more to purchase and — because they are larger and heavier than cars — can do more damage.

What is the cheapest SUV for 2024?

Cheapest SUVs Of 2024
  • Hyundai Venue: $21,135.
  • Chevrolet Trax: $21,495.
  • Kia Soul: $21,565.
  • Nissan Kicks: $22,400.
  • Buick Envista: $23,495.
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer: $24,395.
  • Toyota Corolla Cross: $24,960.
  • Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: $25,140.

Why is my car insurance so high with a clean record?

The simple answer is that more factors go into the cost of car insurance than just your driving record. Your age, credit score, location, and more can all potentially influence what you end up paying for car insurance coverage, no matter how clean your driving record is.

What SUV has no problems?

The Most Reliable Small SUVs

Toyota and Lexus frequent the top of the list for automotive reliability. Honda and Subaru are also known for making the most dependable SUVs, and also win top honors here.

Do SUVs flip easier than cars?

How Vehicle Rollovers Occur and Why SUVs Are More Prone to Rollovers. Any vehicle can rollover. However, vehicles such as SUVs, pickups, and vans are more susceptible, given their narrower, taller build. As such, they are top-heavy and have a higher center of gravity, which reduces balance and stability.

Are SUVs becoming less popular?

Over 52 percent of automobiles purchased in 2021 were SUVs, more than two to one over sedans. The first four months of 2022 showed that 72.9 percent of all car purchased were either SUVs or pickups. With the rise of bigger, heavier, more powerful vehicles comes the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities.