5 Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026 — and the models with the highest payments
Managing the household budget can often feel like a game of whack-a-mole, especially when it comes to the rising cost of car ownership.
For years, the story has been one of endless inflation, with drivers eyeing their renewal notices with dread. However, the tide is finally turning in certain parts of the market.
While the national average for full coverage premiums doesn’t go down for everyone, recent data suggests that the make and model sitting in your driveway now plays a more significant role in your monthly costs than ever before.
To understand these changes, we look at the latest analysis of Insurify, an insurance comparison platform. Their researchers examined millions of auto insurance quotes to see how premiums fare for the most popular cars on the road. By comparing data from 2024 to 2025, they found a market that is finally starting to cool down – but especially for those who drive the right cars.
The methodology for making these findings is robust. Insurify’s data scientists analyzed their proprietary database for real-time ratings, focusing on drivers between the ages of 20 and 70 with clean driving records.
By isolating these changes, they were able to determine how much of the change in rate was caused by the car accident rather than the driver’s behavior. This allowed them to see exactly how much influence the producers have on this.
The most surprising finding was how much certain products went down. While the national average premium for comprehensive insurance coverage is down 6% by 2025, some manufacturers have seen even steeper declines.
Kia led the way with a 9% drop, followed closely by Ford and Jeep (each down 8%), Honda and Chevrolet (each down 7%) and Hyundai and Toyota (each down 6%). On the other end of the spectrum, Tesla stood alone as the only one to actually increase costs, up 2%.
When looking at the specific car models that benefited the most from this trend, five emerged as clear winners for budget-conscious drivers. These vehicles have seen the biggest drop in comprehensive insurance costs by 2025:
- Kia Forte: -12%
- Ford F-150: -11%
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: -10%
- Ford Explorer: -10%
- Toyota Corolla: -9%
This decline is a welcome relief, especially for Kia owners who have faced huge costs over the years due to theft problems. The data suggests that as security updates are released, insurers eventually adjust to the risks of these models. It is a sign that buying a new policy can bring significant savings to those who drive these high volume vehicles.
However, the news is not good all over the world. Technology and maintenance complexity continue to drive costs up for others. Specifically, two models from the world’s most popular EV maker have seen premiums move in the wrong direction:
- Tesla Model S: +9%
- Tesla Model X: +7%
The high cost of repairs and the lack of specialized technicians often mean that even small accidents with these vehicles lead to large claims. For drivers looking to keep their fixed costs low in 2026, choosing a vehicle is becoming as important as choosing an insurance carrier.
If you’re in the market for a new car – no matter the model – make sure you shop around for car insurance. This is especially important considering that Insurify projects rates to rise another 1% nationally by 2026.
Fortunately, it only takes two minutes to use this insurance shopping tool – and it can save you hundreds.
Just answer a few questions, enter your ZIP, email, and phone number, and you’ll see if you qualify for a lower rate. Many drivers get cheaper coverage with the same protection. Don’t overpay – compare your rate now.
