Hybrid drivers may save on gas while they hit the road, but be forewarned: You 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.
- Why is hybrid car insurance expensive?
- How much does hybrid car insurance cost?
- Affordable hybrid cars to insure in 2023
- Are hybrid cars expensive to repair?
- Why do hybrid cars cost more than gas-powered vehicles?
- Are there car insurance discounts for hybrid cars?
- How to get affordable car insurance for hybrid cars
- Resources & Methodology
Why is hybrid car insurance expensive?
Insurance premiums for hybrid cars are generally more expensive than traditional cars because of their higher sticker price, the cost of complex hybrid technology and costly repairs.
A hybrid vehicle consists of a gas engine and an electric motor, as well as a battery to power the electric motor, which is pricey to repair or replace.
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?
The cost to insure a hybrid is $260 a year on average, based on 2023 CarInsurance.com data.
Insurance rates vary greatly based on the vehicle. To calculate hybrid insurance rates, insurers consider various things such as personal risk factors, vehicle price, repair cost and safety features.
Affordable hybrid cars to insure in 2023
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 its own unique features and advantages. From sleek sedans to spacious SUVs, there is a hybrid car to suit every taste and budget.
Below are some affordable 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 which are the cheapest EVs and hybrids to insure
Are hybrid cars expensive to repair?
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. But the amount a hybrid driver spends on gas is often significantly low. Besides, hybrid vehicles are highly fuel-efficient, making them more environmentally friendly.
Why do hybrid cars cost more than gas-powered vehicles?
Car insurance for hybrids costs $22 more monthly than their gas-powered counterparts. The reason hybrid cars cost more than gas-powered vehicles is the additional equipment used to build the vehicle, such as an electric engine and high-voltage battery pack.
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 a number of 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 which are the most expensive EVs and hybrids to insure
Are there car insurance discounts for hybrid cars?
Some car insurance companies offer discounts. Farmers offers a 10% green vehicle discount, also known as a fuel-efficient discount, to hybrid drivers. 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.
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: By choosing a higher deductible, you can lower your annual premium. 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 March 2023.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get rates in 2023 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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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Managing Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
