Most Expensive and Cheapest Cars to Insure (2026)
The most expensive cars to insure are high-performance luxury models such as the BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte and Audi RS 7, where national rate studies show average full-coverage premiums around $7,000 to $8,000 a year. The cheapest cars to insure are usually practical small SUVs and sedans with strong safety ratings and affordable parts, such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and similar models, often around $2,000 to $2,300 a year for full coverage in the same studies. That is a gap of roughly $4,800 to $5,500 a year based only on the car you choose.
Most Expensive Cars to Insure
| Vehicle | Why It Costs More | Approx. Annual Full-Coverage Premium (national average) |
|---|---|---|
| BMW M5 | High horsepower, expensive parts and repairs | About $7,824 ($652 a month, The Zebra) |
| Maserati Quattroporte | Exotic luxury sedan, costly parts | About $7,090 (Insure.com) |
| Audi RS 7 | High performance, expensive repairs | About $7,068 ($589 a month, The Zebra) |
| Other high-cost categories | Porsche, Tesla performance trims, Mercedes-AMG, large luxury EVs | Often well above average |
Figures are national averages from 2026 rate studies by The Zebra and Insure.com, which use different methods and driver profiles, so numbers are not directly comparable between sources. Your quote will differ.
Cheapest Cars to Insure
| Vehicle | Why It Is Cheaper | Approx. Annual Full-Coverage Premium (national average) |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | High safety ratings, affordable parts, low claim costs | $2,316 (CarInsurance.com) to $1,932 (Insure.com) |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Standard AWD, strong safety scores, modest power | $2,299 ($192 a month, CarInsurance.com); about $211 a month in ValuePenguin’s study |
| Jeep Wrangler | Lower repair costs relative to value in some studies | About $2,300 (CarInsurance.com) |
| Other low-cost examples | Honda HR-V, Subaru Outback and Forester, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, minivans | Often below average |
Premium figures are 2026 national averages reported by CarInsurance.com and other rate comparison studies. Rankings shift from year to year and by driver profile.
How Much Your Car Choice Changes the Bill
Using the study figures above, here is what the same full-coverage driver profile would pay each month:
| Vehicle | Annual premium | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | $2,299 | About $192 |
| Honda CR-V | $2,316 | About $193 |
| Maserati Quattroporte | $7,090 | About $591 |
| BMW M5 | $7,824 | About $652 |
For comparison, Experian puts the average full-coverage premium across all US drivers at $2,912 a year as of September 2026, so the cheapest models in these studies sit below the national average and performance luxury cars run more than double it. Studies use different driver profiles, so use the gap between cars, not the exact dollars, when you compare.
What Makes a Car Expensive or Cheap to Insure?
- Repair and parts costs: luxury brands, aluminum bodies, advanced sensors and cameras raise repair bills.
- Vehicle price: expensive cars cost more to replace.
- Horsepower and performance: fast cars are associated with more and costlier crashes.
- Safety ratings: cars that protect occupants well reduce injury claims.
- Theft rates: frequently stolen models, including some Hyundai and Kia models without immobilizers and full-size pickups, can cost more to insure.
- Claims history by model: insurers track loss data for each vehicle.
- Driver demographics: sports cars tend to attract riskier drivers, which pushes rates up.
Cheapest Cars to Insure for Young Drivers
Teens and drivers under 25 pay the highest rates, so vehicle choice matters even more. The cheapest choices for young drivers are usually:
- Small and midsize SUVs: Honda CR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Forester, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4
- Minivans: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica
- Midsize sedans with strong safety ratings: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy
- Used vehicles with good safety scores where collision coverage can be optional
The most expensive for young drivers are sports cars, performance trims and luxury vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also publishes a list of safe, affordable used vehicles for teens, which is a good starting point.
If you are buying your first car, our first-time car buyer guide covers budgeting, including insurance.
Do Electric Cars Cost More to Insure?
Often, yes. Many EVs cost more to insure than comparable gas cars because of higher purchase prices, expensive battery and body repairs, and fewer qualified repair shops. The gap varies by model; affordable, mainstream EVs are often much closer to gas-car rates than luxury or performance EVs.
How to Check Insurance Costs Before You Buy
- Shortlist a few vehicles you are considering.
- Get insurance quotes using the VIN or exact trim from several insurers before buying.
- Compare full-coverage quotes with the same limits and deductibles.
- Include insurance in your total monthly budget, not just the car payment.
Our car affordability calculator and total cost of ownership calculator help you include insurance in the real cost of a car. Reliability also affects long-term costs, so check our list of the most reliable car brands.
Other Ways to Lower Your Premium
- Raise deductibles if you have savings to cover them
- Bundle auto with home or renters insurance
- Ask about safety feature and anti-theft discounts
- Try a telematics program if you are a safe driver
- Keep a clean record and maintain continuous coverage
- Shop around at every renewal
When you find a better rate, our guide on how to switch car insurance explains how to change without a lapse.
Not insurance advice: Premium figures are national averages from third-party studies and are for comparison only. Your rate depends on your personal details, state and insurer. Get real quotes before buying a car.
Related guides: Car affordability calculator · First-time car buyer guide · How to switch car insurance
Car Insurance Cost by Model FAQs
High-performance luxury cars top the list. In 2026 studies, the BMW M5 and Maserati Quattroporte ranked among the most expensive, with average full-coverage premiums around $7,000 to $8,000 a year.
Higher repair and parts costs, vehicle price, horsepower, theft rates and model-specific claim histories all increase insurance costs.
Often yes, because EVs can be costly to repair. Mainstream EVs are usually closer to gas-car rates than luxury or performance EVs.
Yes. Sports cars and performance trims have more crashes and costlier claims, so they are among the most expensive to insure, especially for young drivers.
