Hybrid electric vehicles — powered by an internal combustion engine, electric motor and batteries — provide drivers with better fuel economy and offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to gas-only vehicles. While hybrid drivers may save on gas while they hit the road, they might pay more for insurance. Generally, hybrids cost more to insure than their gas-powered counterparts.
On average, hybrid cars cost about 14% more to insure than gas-powered cars, but the insurance premiums vary based on the make, model and year. For instance, a hybrid Honda Accord Sport has a lower average annual car insurance premium than the gas version.
Learn more about hybrid car insurance, including how much certain models cost to insure and what discounts may be available to hybrid car drivers.
- Hybrid car insurance is typically more expensive than other vehicle insurance because of the cost of repairs and replacement parts and higher incidents of theft.
- Hybrid car insurance premiums start at an average of $1,400 and vary based on the make and model of your vehicle.
- Applying car insurance discounts or electric vehicle tax credits and federal discounts can help you save on annual premiums.
Why is hybrid car insurance expensive?
When insurers consider premiums, they typically assess risk, parts and repair expenses, population density in the driver’s ZIP code and personal driving history. Hybrid car insurance premiums are generally more expensive than traditional cars because of their higher sticker price, the cost of complex hybrid technology and costly repairs. This includes its gas engine, electric motor and batteries that power the motor. These parts tend to skew high for repair or replacement costs.
Hybrids are also more likely to be stolen than standard vehicles due to their expensive parts. All these factors lead to costly premiums for hybrid cars.
How much does hybrid car insurance cost?
Hybrid car insurance will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle. In general, the average cost to insure a hybrid is $260 a year, based on CarInsurance.com data.
To calculate hybrid insurance rates, insurers consider various things such as personal risk factors, vehicle price, repair cost and safety features. Learn more about the most affordable hybrid cars to insure.
Affordable hybrid cars to insure
As the world continues to push for more sustainable and eco-friendly vehicles, the popularity of hybrid cars continues to rise. There is a wide range of hybrid vehicles on the market, each with unique features and advantages. From sleek sedans to spacious SUVs, there is a hybrid car to suit every taste and budget.
On average, hybrid vehicle owners can anticipate starting car insurance premiums around $1,400.
Below are some hybrid cars that are cheap to insure and their average annual premiums.
| Hybrid Make Model | Average Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V EX | $1,412 |
| Ford Escape SE | $1,446 |
| Honda CR-V EX-L | $1,450 |
| Honda CR-V Touring | $1,467 |
| Ford Escape SEL | $1,503 |
| Ford Escape Titanium | $1,513 |
| Toyota RAV4 LE | $1,519 |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE | $1,537 |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | $1,559 |
| Chrysler Pacifica Touring | $1,560 |
Learn more about the cheapest EVs and hybrids to insure.
Are hybrid cars expensive to repair?
Hybrid vehicles tend to be expensive to repair. This is often attributed to the cost of parts. Maintaining and repairing hybrid cars can be costly because it consists of two power systems; a traditional combustion engine and one or more electric motors.
However, despite the cost of repairs, hybrid drivers spend significantly less on gas because of the electrical components. Hybrid vehicles are highly fuel-efficient, making them more environmentally friendly.
Why do hybrid cars cost more than gas-powered vehicles?
Hybrid cars cost more than gas-powered vehicles because of the additional equipment used to build the vehicle, such as an electric engine and high-voltage battery pack. Car insurance for hybrids costs $22 more monthly than their gas-powered counterparts.
Hybrids come equipped with a range of advanced features designed for greater convenience, performance and safety that increase their price.
CarInsurance.com compared auto insurance rates for several traditional gas vehicles and hybrids. While your rate for each car is based on where you live, your age, the insurance companies you compare and what your driving record looks like, the relative differences remain the same.
| Make Model | Gasoline | Hybrid | $ Difference | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V EX | $1,379 | $1,412 | $33 | 2% |
| Ford Escape SE | $1,438 | $1,446 | $8 | 1% |
| Honda CR-V EX-L | $1,406 | $1,450 | $44 | 3% |
| Honda CR-V Touring | $1,435 | $1,467 | $32 | 2% |
| Ford Escape SEL | $1,461 | $1,503 | $42 | 3% |
| Ford Escape Titanium | $1,494 | $1,513 | $19 | 1% |
| Toyota RAV4 LE | $1,473 | $1,519 | $46 | 3% |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE | $1,496 | $1,537 | $41 | 3% |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | $1,509 | $1,559 | $50 | 3% |
| Chrysler Pacifica Touring | $1,452 | $1,560 | $108 | 7% |
Learn more about the most expensive EVs and hybrids to insure.
Are there car insurance discounts for hybrid cars?
Some car insurance companies offer discounts — typically as an incentive for safe driving behaviors and good driving history. For example, Farmers offers a 10% green vehicle discount, also known as a fuel-efficient discount, to hybrid drivers. Additionally, some federal electric vehicle discounts and tax credits are available for newly purchased hybrid cars.
There are not many discounts available specific to hybrid or electric vehicles, but you can check with your insurer if they offer a hybrid car insurance discount. There are, however, a variety of car insurance discounts that many insurers offer.
Here are some common discounts for drivers:
- Bundling discount
- Safe driver discount
- Paid in full discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Paperless discount
- Telematics
- Discounts for advanced safety features
How to get affordable car insurance for hybrid cars
Finding affordable car insurance for hybrids is similar to shopping for insurance for gas-only vehicles. Here are some tips that may help:
- Shop around: Start by getting quotes from multiple insurance companies. Comparison shopping is the best way to find the most affordable car insurance rates for hybrid cars.
- Look for discounts: Most insurance companies offer discounts on car insurance. These discounts can vary but don’t forget to ask your insurer about the discount for which you are eligible.
- Choose a higher deductible: You can lower your annual premium by choosing a higher deductible. Just make sure you can afford to pay the deductible in the event of an accident.
- Maintain a good driving record: Insurance companies reward safe drivers with lower rates. Make sure to drive safely and avoid accidents or traffic violations.
- Consider bundling: If you have other insurance policies, such as home or renters insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for customers who bundle their policies.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Progressive. “What is a hybrid car, and how does it work?.” Accessed July 2024.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center. “Federal electric vehicle discounts and tax credits.” Accessed July 2024
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get rates for hybrid vehicles. We have compared around 45,740,880 insurance quotes for full coverage car insurance (100/300/50 and a $500 deductible) of more than 2,500 hybrid and gas-only makes and models across 501 cities and 510 ZIP codes in the U.S.
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