Cheapest Cars to Insure in (2026) What Affects Insurance Costs

Last updated: 11-May-2026

Some Cars tend to cost less to insure than others. This guide looks at the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda3 are the five vehicles covered in this guide based on published insurance rate data and relevant vehicle information. Insurance costs can vary by driver, location, coverage, insurer, and vehicle.

• About this guide: Written by Shumail, founder of InsureNestly. Last reviewed and updated 11 May 2026.

Why Some Cars Cost Less to Insure

Several important factors decide how much you will pay to insure a car. Insurance companies look at how risky a vehicle is, how likely it is to be in an accident, stolen, or expensive to repair. Cars that are safer and cheaper to fix usually cost less to insure.

A handful of factors do most of the heavy lifting here:

• Repair costs → Cars with expensive parts are more costly to insure
• Safety features → Vehicles with strong crash test ratings and modern safety technology get lower rates
• Vehicle size and type → Smaller lighter cars often have lower premiums than large SUVs or sports cars
• Theft rates → Cars that are rarely stolen are cheaper to insure
• Claims frequency → Models that drivers claim on less often help keep premiums down

Key Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Insurance companies look at many things when deciding your premium. Here are the most important factors that affect how much you pay for car insurance:

• Vehicle Safety Features: Cars with anti lock brakes multiple airbags and collision avoidance systems are usually cheaper to insure because they reduce the risk of serious accidents.
• Repair and Replacement Costs: If parts are expensive or hard to find your insurance rate goes up. Cars with cheap and easily available parts cost less to insure.
• Car Type: Sedans are often cheaper to insure than large SUVs or sports cars because they are lighter and have lower repair costs.
• Age and Model: Older cars with low market value may cost less to insure for full coverage because the insurer’s potential payout for the vehicle is smaller. However, age alone does not determine the premium, and older vehicles may have fewer safety features or qualify for fewer discounts.
• Driver Profile: Your driving record age and location play a big role. Good drivers in low risk areas pay less.
• Risk and Theft History: Cars that are frequently stolen or involved in accidents have higher insurance rates.
• Claims Frequency: Models with a history of many claims become more expensive to insure over time.

Average Monthly Insurance Cost by Car

Average premiums vary too much by driver, state, and insurer to publish one reliable ‘cheapest car’ number. Instead, the models below consistently rank among the least expensive to insure in national rate studies, primarily because of strong IIHS safety ratings, and low comprehensive claim frequency.

Cars That May Have Affordable Insurance Costs in 2026

Some popular cars may have relatively affordable insurance costs because of factors such as safety features, repair costs, theft rates, and claims history. However, no single car is the cheapest to insure for every driver.

• Honda Civic → One of the cheapest cars to insure. It has excellent safety features and very low claim frequency.
• Toyota Corolla → Reliable cheap to repair and known for low accident rates.
• Honda Accord → Strong safety ratings and lower theft risk make it affordable to insure.
• Toyota Camry → Popular family sedan with low repair costs and good driver safety record.
• Hyundai Elantra → Modern safety technology and affordable parts keep insurance costs down.
• Subaru Impreza → Strong all wheel drive safety and fewer major claims.

Insurance costs for these vehicles can vary depending on factors such as the driver, location, coverage, vehicle details, and insurer.

1. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a popular compact car that may have relatively affordable insurance costs in some situations. It has strong safety ratings and parts are affordable and easy to find.

• Reason: Strong safety ratings plus widely available parts.

Expert Opinion: The Honda Civic has earned strong crashworthiness ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it also has a long history of low collision claim frequency. Insurers price largely on claim data, which is why the Civic is consistently one of the cheaper popular cars to insure.

2. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is another popular compact car that may have relatively affordable insurance costs. It is reliable has excellent safety features and drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.

• Reason: Offers excellent safety features and low accident rates.

Expert Insight:  According to ValuePenguin 2026 Insurance Data the Toyota Corolla is among the top ranked vehicles for lowest average insurance premiums in the US.

3. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a popular compact sedan that is often cheap to insure. It offers good reliability and modern safety features.

• Reason: Known for its reliability and low market value.

Expert Opinion: The Elantra also performs well in IIHS crash tests, and its low market value may reduce the cost of a total loss claim. These factors can contribute to its overall insurance costs.

4. Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is another affordable option when it comes to insurance. It is a reliable car that is easy to maintain.

• Reason: Reliable and affordable to maintain.

Expert Opinion:  According to ValuePenguin 2026 data the Nissan Sentra consistently ranks among the most affordable vehicles to insure due to its low claim history and affordable repair costs.

5. Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a compact car that can be considered when comparing vehicles with potentially lower insurance costs. However, insurance rates are not determined by the vehicle alone. Insurers may consider the driver’s age, driving history, location, coverage, claims history, and other rating factors when setting premiums.

Why Insurance Costs May Vary for the Mazda3

The cost to insure a Mazda3 can differ by model year, trim level, driver profile, and insurance company. Vehicle related factors such as repair costs, safety features, theft risk, and claims experience can also influence how insurers price coverage.

A Mazda3 may have a different insurance cost from another compact car even when both vehicles have similar purchase prices. For this reason, a general average should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed premium for every driver.

How to Compare Mazda3 Insurance Costs

When comparing insurance costs for a Mazda3, use the same coverage limits and deductible with each insurer. Comparing multiple insurers can help show how rates differ for the same vehicle and driver profile.

The actual premium you pay will depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer’s pricing factors. This guide provides general insurance information and does not provide personalized insurance quotes or recommendations.

How Claims Affect Your Car Insurance Premiums

Making a claim on your car insurance can affect your future premiums. Insurance companies see claims as a sign of higher risk. Even one claim can cause your rates to go up at renewal time and multiple claims have an even bigger impact.

How Your Claims History Affects Your Premiums

• Previous Claims: Having a record of claims can raise premiums due to the perceived risk to insurers.
• Claim free discount: Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who have gone without claims for a certain period.
• Accident Frequency: A car’s likelihood to be involved in accidents or the frequency of claims on a particular model can increase the cost of insuring that car.

Minimizing Claim Related Costs

You can keep your insurance premiums lower by being smart about claims. Choosing the right car and knowing when to claim makes a big difference.

• Choosing Low Risk Cars: Opt for cars with better safety ratings and lower accident histories.
• Avoiding Frequent Claims: Whether to file a claim for minor damage depends on your deductible, your state’s rules, and whether anyone else was involved. If repair costs are close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may cost less over time but check your policy’s reporting requirements first, and always report accidents involving other drivers.

Why Some Cars Are More Expensive to Insure

Some cars cost significantly more to insure than others. Insurance companies charge higher premiums when they see a greater chance of expensive claims or accidents.

Common Reasons for Higher Insurance Premiums

• Luxury Vehicles: Expensive repairs and high risk theft rates make them costly to insure.
• Sports Cars: Higher likelihood of accidents and expensive parts push premiums up.
• SUVs and Trucks: Increased repair costs and rollover risks lead to higher rates.
• Older Vehicles: Age alone does not necessarily make a car more expensive to insure. However, an older vehicle may have fewer modern safety features or different repair and parts costs, which can affect the premium depending on the insurer and coverage.
• Frequent Claims History: Cars with higher rates of claims contribute to higher insurance premiums for drivers.

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs Even Further

Even if you choose one of the cheapest cars to insure you can still reduce your premiums further by following a few smart steps. Small changes in your habits and policy choices can make a noticeable difference.

More Ways to Lower Your Premium

Experts agree that small smart decisions can help you save a lot on car insurance every year. Here are some practical tips recommended by insurance professionals.

Expert Car Insurance Tips

• Annual Reviews: Review your policy and coverage limits annually to ensure you’re not over insured.
• Bundle Policies: Combine car insurance with home or life insurance for a discount.
• Maintain Low Mileage: Driving less can reduce premiums especially for drivers who commute less often.

Tips for Saving on Car Insurance

• Compare Rates: Always shop around and compare multiple insurers before renewing your policy.
• Increase Your Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can significantly lower your monthly premiums.
• Take Advantage of Discounts: Safe driver multi policy good student and low mileage discounts can save you a good amount every year.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding accidents and traffic violations helps keep your rates low over time.
• Use a Telematics Device: Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving tracked via mobile apps or devices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car can make a big difference in how much you pay for insurance every year. Cars like the Honda Civic Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra are usually among the cheapest to insure among the lower cost vehicles to insure because of their safety record, repair costs, and claims history. Remember your own driving record and the coverage you choose also affect the final price. Take time to compare quotes review your policy every year and ask about all available discounts.The key is to find a balance between a safe reliable car and the coverage that actually fits your needs. Small smart choices today can save you money for years to come.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide about the cheap cars to insure in 2026 is for general educational and informational purposes only. All insurance rates, rankings, and cost estimates are based on publicly available data from sources such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), ValuePenguin, and industry reports as of 2026. Actual insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on your age, driving record, location, coverage level, and the insurance company you choose.

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