Cheapest Cars to Insure

Insure.com has released their annual list of national average auto insurance premiums for 2012 car models. The cheapest car to insure for 2012 was the Toyota Sienna LE, which had an average annual insurance rate of $1,111. This is a very low rate for a model with a starting MSRP of $26,145. The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT and Honda Odyssey were minivan models that were also in the top 12 of cheapest 2012 cars to insure.

What is striking about the list is that not a single car model appears in the top 20 on the list. Based on the survey, the cheapest cars to insure are really minivans, pick-ups, and SUVs. 5 minivan, 6 pick-up, and 9 SUV models were in the top 20 list. In 2011, the Mazda Tribute was the cheapest car to insure in the survey.

This is a bit surprising as typically car insurance rates follow the value of the vehicle. Also, since larger models such as pick-ups and SUVs have bigger parts, they tend to be more expensive to repair. Perhaps it is because these vehicles are larger, they usually provide greater safety for drivers and their passengers.

photo credit: MSVG

Calculating Average Insurance Rates

For the survey, Insure.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to provide drivers with a view of how auto insurance rates more than 900 models (this includes different model trim lines) compare with one another. Rates were not available for all models.

Rate quotes were obtained from the six largest auto insurance (Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive, and State Farm) in ten zip codes from all 50 states based on the following factors:

- Single, 40-year old male
- Clean driving record and good credit
- Commute of 12 miles each day to work
- Bodily injury liability policy limits of $100,000/$300,00
- Property damage liability limits of $50,000
- Collision and comprehensive with a $500 deductible
- Uninsured motorist coverage

These rates were obtained for comparative purposes only and the amount of coverage was much higher than what most states require. Actual rates can vary greatly based on a variety of factors such as the driver’s location of residence, driving record, credit score, and insurance company.

Compare Insurance Rates For Your Vehicle(s)

Even if you don’t have one of the cheapest cars to insure, BestCarInsuranceCompanies.net is committed to helping you find low insurance rates for your vehicle(s). Simply enter your zip code to get free quotes, compare rates from leading providers, and see how much you can save!