Are SUVs cheaper to insure?

Is car insurance cheaper for an SUV or sedan?

Perhaps surprisingly in many cases, an SUV is less expensive to insure than a sedan, but it often depends on what size SUV you are looking at as well as the sedan you compare it to. In some cases, the sedan will be cheaper to insure.

When we ran the numbers, we found that the average annual SUV premium came in at $1,762 while the average annual premium for a sedan was $ 2,131 or $369 more than an SUV. 

Why SUV insurance can be costly

SUV’s have a few characteristics that can push up the cost of insurance.

Here are a few reasons why some SUVs can be expensive to insure:

• Rolling risk: SUVs are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident due to their height and width. Vehicles that have higher rates of accidents and claims will always cost a bit more to insure.
• Theft rates: While pickup trucks always command the top of the list of most sold vehicles in the United States SUV’s have surpassed sedans as the top-selling vehicle in recent years. In 2019, SUVs dominated the top 10 most sold vehicles list with a sedan not showing up until the 8th place slot. Because SUVs are popular with drivers, they are also popular with car thieves which makes them more expensive to insure.
• Liability: Large SUVs can inflict a lot of damage when they are involved in an accident which can lead to more expensive claims for your insurance company. Insurers look at claim rates for vehicles and if your vehicle has a high claim rate, you will pay more for insurance, even if you have never made a claim.
• Costly repairs: Luxury SUVs are often loaded with expensive finishes and technology which can quickly push up insurance costs as your insurer will have to cover the cost to repair your vehicle after a claim.

What are the cheapest SUVs to insure?

The cheapest SUVs to insure are often compact SUVs. These vehicles are loaded with safety features, typically driven by families, have smaller engines, and are pretty cheap to repair. Insure.com puts together a list of the cheapest and most expensive cars to insure each year and compact SUVs usually dominate the cheap to insure side of the list.

How much does it cost to insure an SUV?

According to our numbers, the average insurance cost for a SUV comes in at $1,762 per year. This is slightly less than the national average for all vehicles which was $1,867 per year.

The cost of auto insurance for an SUV will vary depending on what type of SUV you are purchasing. While an entry to mid-level compact SUV will typically be very reasonable to insure, once you move into a standard size SUV or luxury SUVs, insurance costs can go up quickly. 

Of course the model car you drive is just one factor an insurance company considers when setting insurance rates. Your driving history, your ZIP code, the coverage limits and coverage options you choose, your credit score and your age are also taken into account when pricing what you pay for coverage per year. Still, the insurance rates below provide a fairly accurate estimate of what you'll pay for these model cars, unless you have several accidents or tickets on your record or poor credit.

If you're curious about other popular 2022 utility vehicles that are not expensive to insure, we have a list for you. The cost to insure each of these vehicles is under the national average for sports utility vehicles.

Here are other models, four-door and four-wheel-drive, unless noted, and their average car insurance premiums:

SUV insurance rate comparison

For 2022 models, the average SUV premium came in at $1,762 while the average premium for a sedan was $ 2,131 or $369 more than an SUV. This has also historically been the case, as SUVs were among the cheapest cars to insure for the past 10 years. Basic model, compact SUVs, along with Jeeps and minivans, have dominated the top 10 list of cheapest vehicles to insure, based on an analysis of car insurance rates for dozens of models. So, it's safe to say whether you're buying a new or used SUV, your insurance rate will be lower than for a car.

Car insurance price comparison: SUVs vs sedans

Best insurance companies for SUV drivers

Insurance premiums can be impacted by a wide variety of factors, both personal and those related to the vehicle, so it’s hard to determine what insurance company is best for your specific situation.

The best advice is to shop your coverage with a variety of insurers, and always compare the same coverage levels and deductibles. It’s also a good idea to check the financial soundness of any insurance company that is not a well-known national brand. Below you'll see the cheapest car insurance companies for SUVs based on a rate analysis of average annual premiums:

How to save on insurance cost for an SUV

While insurance can be cheaper for SUVs in some situations, paying less for car insurance is everyone’s goal. Here are a few tips on how to lower your premiums:

• Shop your coverage: This is probably the best way to lower your insurance costs. Insurers rate risk differently which can result in dramatic differences in insurance quotes. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples regarding coverage levels and deductibles. Compare insurance quotes from at least three insurance companies.
• Discounts: Insurers offer a wide range of discounts, make sure you are getting all the discounts that you are qualified to receive.
• Choose a small SUV: If your goal is to keep your insurance affordable, consider a compact SUV if it works for your needs. These smaller SUVs tend to be cheaper to insure than a large SUV with a V-8 under the hood. A large luxurious SUV will push up your insurance costs.
• Safety features: Insurers love safety features so search for an SUV that is loaded with advanced safety features to keep your premium affordable. 

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned 2023 data for SUVs and sedans from Quadrant Information Services for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are based on the following profile:

• 40-year-old male driver
• 2021 Honda Accord LX
• 12-mile daily commute, 10,000 annual miles 
• Good credit
• Clean record. 

Rates are based on coverage limits of: 

• $100,000 bodily injury per person 
• $300,000 bodily injury per accident 
• $100,000 property damage per accident 
• $500 comprehensive and collision deductible 

Insurance.com analyzed rates from more than 34,000 ZIP codes, 56 million quotes, and 136 companies. Rates sourced from Quadrant Information Services are for comparison purposes only; your rates may differ. 

Frequently asked questions about SUV car insurance

Is SUV insurance different from standard auto insurance?

No, SUV car insurance is the same as standard auto insurance. It offers all of the same coverages, and you can choose your coverage levels and deductibles. In general, standard-size SUVs are more expensive to insure due to their size, increased risk of rolling and they tend to be more expensive to repair which will always push up insurance costs.

Does SUV size matter for insurance?

In most cases, a large SUV will be more expensive to insure than a compact SUV. This is due to the fact that it will have a bigger engine, presents a greater liability risk due to the damage it can do in an accident, and will cost more to repair or replace if it is damaged in an accident.

However, it is certainly possible that a high-end luxury compact SUV such as a BMW or Mercedes will cost more to insure than a large SUV such as a Ford Expedition. The luxury SUV would have a much higher price point and be more expensive to repair due to high end finishes and technology.

Do cheaper SUVs have lower auto insurance rates?

In general, a lower priced SUV will have cheaper auto insurance costs. Insurers consider a wide range of factors when setting an insurance premium and the cost to repair or replace your car is one of them. Lower priced vehicles that are cheap to repair almost always cost less to insure

Does my SUV need specialized insurance?

Whether your SUV needs specialized insurance depends on factors like its use, modifications, and specific coverage requirements. Standard auto insurance typically covers SUVs, but specialized insurance might be necessary if you use it for business purposes, off-road adventures, or substantial modifications.

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