The Most Affordable Cars To Insure: Which Ones Will Save You Money?

When shopping for a new car, most people focus on price, performance, and reliability. But one key factor often overlooked is insurance cost—a major part of your ongoing ownership expenses.

Auto insurance rates can vary significantly based on your vehicle’s make, model, safety features, and repair costs. Choosing a car that’s affordable to insure can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars every year.

If you live in Indianapolis, IN, where weather, traffic, and repair costs all play a role in local insurance rates, understanding which vehicles are cheapest to insure can help you make a smarter financial decision when buying your next car.
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Let’s break down which models tend to have the lowest premiums—and why they’re insurance-friendly.

What Makes a Car Cheap to Insure?
Insurance companies consider several factors when determining your premium, and your choice of car is one of the biggest influences.

Key Factors That Affect Insurance Costs:

1. Repair Costs: Cars with lower repair or replacement costs are cheaper to insure.
2. Safety Ratings: Vehicles with strong crash-test ratings and advanced safety features lower the risk of injury claims.
3. Theft Rates: Cars that are less likely to be stolen often come with lower insurance premiums.
4. Vehicle Type: Minivans, sedans, and compact SUVs tend to cost less to insure than sports cars or luxury vehicles.
5. Driver Profile: Your age, driving record, and location (like Indianapolis, IN) also impact rates—but the vehicle itself still plays a major role.

Top 10 Cars with the Lowest Insurance Costs in 2025
Insurance rates fluctuate yearly, but some models consistently rank among the most affordable to insure due to their reliability, safety, and practicality.

Here’s a list of vehicles that combine affordability, safety, and low risk—making them excellent options for budget-conscious drivers:

1. Subaru Outback

• Excellent safety ratings and standard all-wheel drive.
• Affordable repair costs and lower accident claim rates.
• Great choice for Indiana’s variable weather conditions.

2. Honda CR-V

• Known for reliability and low-cost maintenance.
• Strong resale value and solid crash-test performance.
• Often cheaper to insure than other compact SUVs.

3. Ford Escape

• Offers good safety tech at a reasonable price.
• Inexpensive parts and moderate repair costs keep premiums low.

4. Toyota Camry

• Consistently one of America’s best-selling sedans.
• Great crash-test results, hybrid options, and moderate repair costs.
• Favored by insurers for its strong safety record.

5. Subaru Crosstrek

• Compact crossover with high safety scores.
• Affordable to repair and ideal for city and highway driving.
• One of the lowest insurance costs among SUVs.

6. Hyundai Tucson

• Packed with driver-assist features.
• Low theft risk and reliable performance history.
• Popular for families seeking value and safety.

7. Toyota RAV4

• Reliable and widely available replacement parts.
• Moderate engine size keeps premiums low.
• Great all-around value for everyday commuters.

8. Honda Civic

• A favorite among first-time drivers.
• Proven safety ratings and affordability.
• Low repair costs and excellent fuel efficiency.

9. Jeep Cherokee

• Solid build quality and modern safety technology.
• Reasonable cost to insure compared to other SUVs.
• Good for drivers who face mixed weather conditions in Indianapolis, IN.

10. Mazda CX-5

• Highly rated for safety, comfort, and efficiency.
• Performs well in insurance risk evaluations thanks to its advanced tech and moderate repair expenses.

Cars That Are Expensive to Insure
On the other end of the spectrum, certain vehicles come with much higher insurance premiums.

Cars That Tend to Cost More:

• Luxury brands: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla—high repair and parts costs.
• Sports cars: Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911—higher performance means higher accident risk.
• Electric vehicles (EVs): While eco-friendly, EVs often cost more to repair or replace due to expensive battery systems.

These vehicles can still be worthwhile investments—but expect to pay more each month for insurance.


Tips for Keeping Your Car Insurance Affordable
Even if you don’t drive one of the lowest-cost models, there are still ways to reduce your premiums.

Smart Strategies to Save on Auto Insurance:

1. Bundle Policies:
   Combine your home, renters, or life insurance with the same company for a discount.
   
   
2. Increase Your Deductible:
   Raising your deductible can lower your premium—just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if needed.
   
   
3. Take Advantage of Discounts:
   Ask about discounts for good driving records, low mileage, safety features, or defensive driving courses.
   
   
4. Maintain a Clean Driving Record:
   Avoiding tickets and accidents can significantly reduce long-term insurance costs.
   
   
5. Install Safety and Anti-Theft Devices:
   Modern safety features and alarms can help lower your risk and premiums.

Why Safety Ratings Matter
Vehicles with high safety scores are not only safer for you and your passengers—they’re cheaper to insure.

Organizations That Set Safety Standards:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Both groups test vehicles for crashworthiness, impact resistance, and safety technology performance. Cars earning Top Safety Pick+ designations typically enjoy lower insurance premiums.


Balancing Insurance Cost and Vehicle Choice
While saving money on insurance is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a car. Consider your lifestyle, driving habits, and long-term maintenance costs too.

For instance:

• A smaller, more fuel-efficient sedan might save on insurance and gas.
• A safe, mid-sized SUV might cost slightly more but offers better protection and versatility.

Finding the right balance ensures both financial savings and everyday satisfaction behind the wheel.


The Bottom Line
Choosing a vehicle that’s affordable to insure can significantly lower your total cost of ownership. Models like the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Camry consistently rank among the cheapest cars to insure because of their safety, reliability, and low repair costs.

For drivers in Indianapolis, IN, where road conditions, seasonal weather, and traffic can influence rates, selecting an insurance-friendly car is a smart financial move. Combine that with good driving habits and regular policy reviews, and you’ll enjoy quality coverage—without overpaying for peace of mind.

​At McClain Matthews Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (317) 298-7500. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.​