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. Subaru Impreza WRX 4WD 6. Honda Civic Si 2. Scion tC 7. Dodge Charger 3. Hyundai Tiburon 8. Nissan 350Z 4. Mercedes CLS class 4dr 9. Chevrolet Cobalt 5. Suzuki Forenza 10. Suzuki Reno

"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. Buick Rendezvous 4dr 2. Pontiac Solstice convertible 3. Buick Terraza 4. Honda Odyssey 5. Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible 6. Subaru Outback 4WD 7. Ford Five Hundred 4WD 8. Volvo V70 station wagon 4WD 9. Chrysler Town & Country LWB 10. Chevrolet Corvette convertible

"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.