Chances are it's the price of gas, not auto insurance, that's driving you to the poor house.

But if you want to cut your auto insurance premiums to the bone, stay away from small, fast cars.

"It's a common denominator among vehicles that have the highest losses -- a lot of smaller, sportier vehicles, says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

10 most-expensive cars to insure

The 10 vehicles that account for the highest dollar amount of losses for insurance companies (starting with the most expensive) are: 1. Cadillac Escalade EXT 4WD 6. Acura RSX 2. Subaru Impreza WRX 4WD 7. Nissan Sentra SE-R 3. Hyundai Tiburon 8. Suzuki Forenza 4. Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Nissan Sentra/Mitsubishi Eclipse 5. Scion tC 10. Chevrolet Cobalt two-door

"Contrary to the idea that smaller cars can help you avoid crashes, the data shows that small cars get into more accidents," he says. "If you feel like you have a vehicle that can zip in and out of traffic, chances are you'll do that."

Each year, the institute, and its sister organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute, analyze the actual insurance losses associated with the most popular vehicle makes and models. Since insurance companies use similar kinds of data to set premiums, the rankings give consumers a window into how their vehicle choices affect their auto premiums.

And, once again, the data suggests that small cars and speed are an expensive combination for insurers -- especially with a young driver behind the wheel. (To compare auto insurance quotes and policies, visit Insureme.com, a Bankrate company.)

10 least-expensive cars to insure

The 10 vehicles that account for the lowest dollar amount of losses for insurance companies (starting with the least expensive) are: 1. Ford Five Hundred 4WD (now the Ford Taurus) 2. Buick Rendezvous 4WD 3. Buick Lucerne/Buick Rainier 4WD/Honda Odyssey 4. Ford Freestyle 4WD/Subaru Outback 4WD 5. Buick Rendezvous/Honda Pilot 6. Chrysler Town & Country LWB 7. Honda Pilot 4WD 8. Buick LaCrosse/Chevrolet Uplander/Ford Escape/Volvo V70 9. Dodge Grand Caravan/Ford Freestyle 4WD 10. Ford Explorer 4WD/GMC Sierra 1500 4WD/Toyota Highlander/Toyota Sienna

"Sporty cars tend to be driven in ways that lead to more crashes," says Rader. "They also tend to be driven by younger, riskier drivers." And smaller cars also tend to be more affordable, which makes them more attractive to those same younger drivers, he says.