Car insurance estimate by make and model

Average car insurance rates by make and model 

To help you determine the best car insurance companies for you, we analyzed November 2025 data provided by Quadrant Information Services to identify current average premiums for popular vehicle makes and models. The rates displayed are average annual premiums for full coverage and minimum coverage insurance. Your rate may be higher or lower based on multiple factors unique to you, including your driving history, where you live and the type of coverage you need.

Why do some cars cost more to insure?

It may be a common myth, but the color of your car is not a determining factor in car insurance rates. Other factors, however, do play a role, including the following:

• Body style: Some body styles, such as coupes and convertibles, may cost more to insure, partly because they may have more expensive parts and repair costs, and partly because they may be associated with faster speeds and riskier driving behaviors.
• Vehicle age: Because newer cars may have a higher market value, they tend to cost more to insure than older vehicles that have already depreciated in value.
• Safety ratings: Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) generate safety ratings for most vehicles. Cars that have a demonstrated ability to sustain less damage and protect passengers in an accident are likely to earn a more favorable insurance rate.
• Theft rates: Insurers source theft reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Cars that are frequently targeted for auto theft usually cost more to insure. 
• Repair technology: Cars with advanced technology components, such as cameras and sensors, tend to be more expensive to repair, leading to higher premiums.
• Safety features: Cars equipped with robust safety features, like curtain airbags and lane assist systems, can be tricky to price. On one hand, strong safety performance may lower your premium, but on the other, these systems can be costly to fix, bringing up average rates. 

Each carrier evaluates vehicle risk differently, so the best way to find out how much you can expect to pay for your vehicle is to compare quotes from multiple companies.

How much does vehicle type influence car insurance rates?

Vehicle selection impacts motor insurance rates more than most drivers realize. It’s not just about whether it’s new or used, but about what that vehicle signals to insurers about risk, cost and behavior. 

Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, offer better protection for occupants but can cost more to repair and cause more damage when in an accident. Sports cars are fun to drive, but have a higher claim frequency and usually require special technicians for repairs, which drives up insurance costs. And while electric vehicles often have a safety profile comparable to traditional sedans due to a lower center of gravity, they have higher repair costs and specialized components compared to gas-powered vehicles. 

Typically, budget and mid-sized sedans with strong safety ratings tend to have the cheapest car insurance estimates by model.  

How to get car insurance estimates

To get an accurate auto insurance estimate, you may want to follow these car shopping steps:

1. Narrow down your vehicle choices: Before you start test driving cars, think through your needs. Can you get by with a coupe, or do you need something larger to accommodate your family? Do you need a truck to haul materials or tow your toys? Once you determine your needs, narrow down your car choices, especially the make and model. Have your top three vehicles in mind before requesting insurance quotes. Note that you do not need the vehicle identification number (VIN) to get quotes, but having this information can improve the accuracy of quoted rates.
2. Decide how much coverage you need: If you are purchasing a car outright, you probably have more flexibility when choosing which type(s) of coverage to purchase. But if you are financing or leasing the vehicle, your lender may require full coverage insurance, which typically means comprehensive and collision coverage on top of liability. For leased vehicles, you may be required to carry higher liability limits, too. When getting quotes, let your insurance agent know if you plan to finance, lease or pay cash for a new car. That way, the agent can discuss coverage requirements and how those requirements affect rates.
3. Get quotes for the same coverage: As a basis for comparison, it might help to use a car insurance calculator to estimate what you might pay. Then, experts recommend requesting quotes from several different insurers for the same coverage types and policy limits in order to identify which company offers the cheapest rate for the coverage you need.

Other factors that influence your car insurance rate

The make and model of the car you buy are not the only criteria auto insurance companies use to determine your rate. Other factors include:

• Coverage: Your type of coverage and deductible selection will also influence how much you pay for car insurance. Liability insurance, which covers other drivers’ costs if you are found at fault for an accident, is typically the base level of coverage and is required in almost every state. However, you may want to select higher liability limits than what’s required by law for more financial protection.
• Location: State laws, percentage of uninsured motorists, repair and medical care costs, crime rates, traffic density and local crash data all influence rates.
• Personal information: In most states, insurers use individual rating factors like age, marital status, credit history and driving record when setting rates. Rating factors from other household drivers are also considered. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania prohibit the use of gender in pricing. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan ban or restrict the use of credit-based insurance scores.
• Vehicle use: Statistically, drivers who spend more time on the road are more likely to be involved in an accident. Insurance companies usually charge lower rates for low-mileage drivers.
• Your claims history and driving record: Insurers review your motor vehicle report (MVR) and Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report to assess future claim risk. Drivers with clean driving records often qualify for lower rates and safe driver discounts.
• Your prior insurance history: Avoiding an insurance lapse helps keep premiums stable. Even one lapse can lead to higher rates.

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