If you’re in the market for an SUV, you should understand how much it costs to insure a sport utility vehicle and where to find the cheapest insurance. This information will allow you to budget the insurance price into your total cost of ownership and ensure you don’t pay more for insurance than you should.
This guide lists the least-expensive SUVs to insure, the insurance companies offering the cheapest policies and suggestions on how to save on your premiums.
- The cheapest SUV to insure is the Honda CR-V with an average annual premium of $1,402 from Nationwide.
- The Honda Pilot and the Subaru Forester are also relatively inexpensive to insure; each has an average yearly premium of $1,444 with Nationwide.
- The national average rate for full coverage car insurance for an SUV is $2,316 annually.
Which are the cheapest SUVs to insure?
Nationwide and Progressive offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs. Nationwide’s average annual premium for SUV insurance was $1,402 for the Honda CR-V.
No. 1: Honda CR-V
- Insurance company: Nationwide
- Cost: $1,402 per year, $117 per month
No. 2: Subaru Forester (tie)
- Insurance company: Nationwide
- Cost: $1,444 per year, $120 per month
No. 2: Honda Pilot (tie)
- Insurance company: Nationwide
- Cost: $1,444 per year, $120 per month
No. 4: Volkswagen Tiguan
- Insurance company: Nationwide
- Cost: $1,465 per year, $122 per month
No. 5: Toyota 4-Runner
- Insurance company: Nationwide
- Cost: $1,547 per year, $129 per month
Sub-compact SUVs have smaller engines and a whole suite of safety features, which makes them cheaper to insure than most other vehicles, including sedans, trucks and luxury SUVs. Insurance companies often charge lower rates for compact SUVs than regular SUVs because they are less likely to cause damage to other cars in an accident.
“Compact SUVs tend to be smaller, lighter and have less horsepower than their full-size counterparts,” says Joyce Ann Guiterrez, an automotive expert with 4WheelOnline.com, an aftermarket truck parts retailer. “This means they’re less likely to cause damage in an accident and are easier to control.”
Do insurance companies consider the size of an SUV when setting policy prices?
Insurance companies calculate premiums based on varying factors, such as the likelihood of theft, engine size, overall vehicle safety, repair costs and total value. When it comes to the size of an SUV, insurance companies tend to increase premiums from a smaller SUV to a midsize and full-size SUV.
For example, the relatively small Honda CR-V’s average annual premium costs $1,402. By comparison, a full-size Chevrolet Tahoe costs an average of $1,680 annually to insure.
Learn more about average premium rate differences and the cheapest insurance companies in the following SUV rankings.
What is the cheapest small SUV to insure?
According to our analysis, the Honda CR-V is the cheapest small SUV to insure, with an annual rate of $1,402 through Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare.
| Make model | Company | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Nationwide | $1,402 | $701 | $117 |
| Subaru Forester | Nationwide | $1,444 | $722 | $120 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Nationwide | $1,465 | $733 | $122 |
| Hyundai Tucson | GEICO | $1,613 | $807 | $134 |
| Mazda CX-5 | GEICO | $1,637 | $819 | $136 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | Nationwide | $1,667 | $833 | $139 |
| Toyota RAV4 | State Farm | $1,671 | $836 | $139 |
| Kia Sportage | GEICO | $1,680 | $840 | $140 |
| Mazda CX-50 | GEICO | $1,714 | $857 | $143 |
| GMC Terrain | State Farm | $1,725 | $863 | $144 |
| Jeep Compass | Progressive | $1,842 | $921 | $154 |
| Nissan Rogue | State Farm | $1,895 | $947 | $158 |
| Dodge Hornet | State Farm | $2,024 | $1,012 | $169 |
What is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure?
The Honda Pilot is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,444 from Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare to the Pilot.
| Make Model | Company | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | Nationwide | $1,444 | $722 | $120 |
| Subaru Ascent | Nationwide | $1,649 | $824 | $137 |
| Toyota Highlander | Progressive | $1,672 | $836 | $139 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | GEICO | $1,742 | $871 | $145 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | GEICO | $1,864 | $932 | $155 |
| Mazda CX-90 | Progressive | $1,865 | $932 | $155 |
| Ford Bronco | State Farm | $1,889 | $944 | $157 |
| Hyundai Palisade | Nationwide | $1,904 | $952 | $159 |
| Kia Telluride | Nationwide | $1,919 | $960 | $160 |
| Kia Sorento | GEICO | $1,924 | $962 | $160 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | Progressive | $1,931 | $966 | $161 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | State Farm | $1,934 | $967 | $161 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | State Farm | $1,962 | $981 | $163 |
| GMC Acadia | GEICO | $2,035 | $1,018 | $170 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | State Farm | $2,512 | $1,256 | $209 |
What is the cheapest full-size SUV to insure?
The Chevrolet Tahoe is the cheapest full-size SUV to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,680 through Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare to the Tahoe.
| Make model | Company | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Nationwide | $1,680 | $840 | $140 |
| Ford Expedition | Nationwide | $1,708 | $854 | $142 |
| GMC Yukon | Nationwide | $1,742 | $871 | $145 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | Nationwide | $1,811 | $906 | $151 |
| Nissan Armada | State Farm | $2,088 | $1,044 | $174 |
| Toyota Sequoia | Progressive | $2,328 | $1,164 | $194 |
| Jeep Wagoneer | State Farm | $2,471 | $1,236 | $206 |
Why are smaller SUVs cheaper to insure?
Small SUVs are cheaper to insure because they are smaller with smaller engines, have advanced safety features and are easier to maneuver in traffic.
“If you go with a midsize SUV, such as a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, your rates will be lower. However, if you choose an extended automobile like the Ford Excursion, you can anticipate spending more on insurance,” Guiterrez says. “These automobiles are harder to handle in traffic and are more prone to accident involvement. Shorter SUVs are easier to maneuver and less likely to roll over, so they typically have lower insurance rates than longer SUVs.”
Why are large SUVs costlier to insure than other vehicles?
Large SUVs are typically more expensive to insure than smaller vehicles because they cause more extensive damage in an accident.
Let’s take a look at why large SUVs can be pricey to insure:
- Rollover risk: SUVs are more likely to be in a rollover accident because they’re bigger.
- Claim rate: Large SUVs can cause more damage in an accident, which translates to pricier claims and higher insurance rates overall.
- Costly repairs: The expensive finishes and high-tech features on luxury SUVs are expensive to repair or replace.
“Larger SUVs are more expensive to insure because they are more likely to cause damage in the event of a collision,” Guiterrez says. “SUV drivers also usually have less driving experience than smaller car drivers, leading to more accidents.”
How do insurance rates differ for gas, hybrid and electric SUVs?
“EV insurance tends to be more costly since repairs are pricier, fewer repair shops are available and there is a cybersecurity risk,” says Kristopher Barber, founder and principal attorney of the Texas-based Barber Law Firm. “EVs are also pricier and have additional complex technology, including autonomous driving features, which contribute to additional potential liability.”
Insuring an electric SUV or hybrid SUV is more expensive than a gas-powered one. For example, a gas-powered Hyundai Kona costs $2,048 annually to insure, while the electric version costs $2,276 per year for identical coverage. Similarly, a gas-powered Honda CR-V costs $1,932 to insure for a year, while the hybrid version costs $2,164.
Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs?
Nationwide offers the cheapest SUV insurance rates, starting at an annual average premium of $1,402 for a Honda CR-V. Progressive follows at an average annual rate of $1,578 for a Volkswagen Taos.
See the table below for the top insurance companies’ average annual SUV premiums.
| Make model | Company | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Nationwide | $1,402 | $701 | $117 |
| Subaru Forester | Nationwide | $1,444 | $722 | $120 |
| Honda Pilot | Nationwide | $1,444 | $722 | $120 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Nationwide | $1,465 | $733 | $122 |
| Toyota 4Runner | Nationwide | $1,547 | $773 | $129 |
| Volkswagen Taos | Progressive | $1,578 | $789 | $132 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | Nationwide | $1,581 | $791 | $132 |
| Mazda CX-30 | GEICO | $1,596 | $798 | $133 |
| Honda HR-V | GEICO | $1,601 | $801 | $133 |
| Hyundai Tucson | GEICO | $1,613 | $807 | $134 |
| Hyundai Kona | GEICO | $1,631 | $815 | $136 |
| Ford Escape | State Farm | $1,631 | $815 | $136 |
| Mazda CX-5 | GEICO | $1,637 | $819 | $136 |
| Subaru Ascent | Nationwide | $1,649 | $824 | $137 |
| Chevrolet Trax | GEICO | $1,656 | $828 | $138 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | State Farm | $1,659 | $830 | $138 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | Nationwide | $1,666 | $833 | $139 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | Nationwide | $1,667 | $833 | $139 |
| Toyota RAV4 | State Farm | $1,671 | $836 | $139 |
| Toyota Highlander | Progressive | $1,672 | $836 | $139 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | State Farm | $1,675 | $837 | $140 |
| Kia Sportage | GEICO | $1,680 | $840 | $140 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Nationwide | $1,680 | $840 | $140 |
| Hyundai Venue | Nationwide | $1,687 | $843 | $141 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | GEICO | $1,694 | $847 | $141 |
| Ford Expedition | Nationwide | $1,708 | $854 | $142 |
| Nissan Kicks | State Farm | $1,709 | $855 | $142 |
| Mazda CX-50 | GEICO | $1,714 | $857 | $143 |
| GMC Terrain | State Farm | $1,725 | $863 | $144 |
| Buick Encore GX | State Farm | $1,732 | $866 | $144 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | State Farm | $1,734 | $867 | $144 |
| Kia Seltos | Progressive | $1,740 | $870 | $145 |
| Nissan Murano | Nationwide | $1,741 | $870 | $145 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | GEICO | $1,742 | $871 | $145 |
| GMC Yukon | Nationwide | $1,742 | $871 | $145 |
| Jeep Wrangler | Nationwide | $1,751 | $876 | $146 |
| Honda Passport | State Farm | $1,768 | $884 | $147 |
| Ford Edge | Nationwide | $1,770 | $885 | $147 |
| Kia Soul | State Farm | $1,772 | $886 | $148 |
| Chevrolet Traverse Limited | GEICO | $1,803 | $902 | $150 |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | State Farm | $1,809 | $905 | $151 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | Nationwide | $1,811 | $906 | $151 |
| Buick Envision | State Farm | $1,818 | $909 | $151 |
| Jeep Compass | Progressive | $1,842 | $921 | $154 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | GEICO | $1,864 | $932 | $155 |
| Mazda CX-90 | Progressive | $1,865 | $932 | $155 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | State Farm | $1,866 | $933 | $156 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | GEICO | $1,888 | $944 | $157 |
| Ford Bronco | State Farm | $1,889 | $944 | $157 |
| Nissan Rogue | State Farm | $1,895 | $947 | $158 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | GEICO | $1,897 | $948 | $158 |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | State Farm | $1,902 | $951 | $158 |
| Hyundai Palisade | Nationwide | $1,904 | $952 | $159 |
| Kia Telluride | Nationwide | $1,919 | $960 | $160 |
| Kia Sorento | GEICO | $1,924 | $962 | $160 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | Progressive | $1,931 | $966 | $161 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | State Farm | $1,934 | $967 | $161 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | State Farm | $1,962 | $981 | $163 |
| Ford Explorer | Nationwide | $1,984 | $992 | $165 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | GEICO | $1,984 | $992 | $165 |
| Dodge Hornet | State Farm | $2,024 | $1,012 | $169 |
| GMC Acadia | GEICO | $2,035 | $1,018 | $170 |
| Nissan Armada | State Farm | $2,088 | $1,044 | $174 |
| Dodge Durango | State Farm | $2,102 | $1,051 | $175 |
| Buick Enclave | State Farm | $2,138 | $1,069 | $178 |
| Toyota Sequoia | Progressive | $2,328 | $1,164 | $194 |
| Jeep Wagoneer | State Farm | $2,471 | $1,236 | $206 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | State Farm | $2,512 | $1,256 | $209 |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Progressive | $2,790 | $1,395 | $232 |
How has the cost of SUV insurance changed over time?
The cost of insuring a vehicle has risen dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As drivers returned to the roads, accidents increased, and the cost of vehicles, parts, and repairs soared with inflation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the cost of car insurance rose 17.4% year over year from 2022 to 2023 and 17.8% year over year from 2023 to 2024. Rates continued to rise in 2025, up 11% year over year in March.
How much is insurance for an SUV for an 18-year-old vs. a 40-year-old?
Insurers consider your age when determining insurance premiums. Younger drivers pay more for car insurance than experienced drivers. For example, a 40-year-old pays an average of $1,932 annually to insure a Honda CR-V. In contrast, an 18-year-old pays an average of $7,038 annually to insure the exact same vehicle.
The table below highlights differences in rates for SUVS for male drivers at age 18 vs. 40.
| Make model | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Venue | $7,407 | $3,704 | $617 |
| Nissan Kicks | $8,490 | $4,245 | $707 |
| Honda CR-V | $7,038 | $3,519 | $586 |
| Honda HR-V | $7,156 | $3,578 | $596 |
| Subaru Forester | $7,188 | $3,594 | $599 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | $7,293 | $3,647 | $608 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | $7,327 | $3,663 | $611 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $7,352 | $3,676 | $613 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $7,397 | $3,699 | $616 |
| Honda Pilot | $7,501 | $3,751 | $625 |
| Hyundai Kona | $7,588 | $3,794 | $632 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $7,598 | $3,799 | $633 |
| Kia Sportage | $7,602 | $3,801 | $633 |
| Kia Seltos | $7,617 | $3,808 | $635 |
| Mazda CX-30 | $7,639 | $3,820 | $637 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | $7,661 | $3,830 | $638 |
| Volkswagen Taos | $7,670 | $3,835 | $639 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $7,649 | $3,824 | $637 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $7,671 | $3,835 | $639 |
| Ford Escape | $7,683 | $3,842 | $640 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $7,753 | $3,877 | $646 |
| Honda Passport | $7,774 | $3,887 | $648 |
| Chevrolet Trax | $7,848 | $3,924 | $654 |
| Subaru Ascent | $7,779 | $3,889 | $648 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | $7,839 | $3,920 | $653 |
| Buick Encore GX | $7,840 | $3,920 | $653 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | $7,845 | $3,923 | $654 |
| Ford Edge | $7,925 | $3,962 | $660 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | $8,016 | $4,008 | $668 |
| Jeep Compass | $8,083 | $4,041 | $674 |
| Ford Bronco | $8,050 | $4,025 | $671 |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | $8,113 | $4,057 | $676 |
| GMC Terrain | $8,207 | $4,103 | $684 |
| Mazda CX-50 | $8,176 | $4,088 | $681 |
| Toyota Highlander | $8,187 | $4,093 | $682 |
| Nissan Murano | $8,239 | $4,119 | $687 |
| Kia Sorento | $8,221 | $4,110 | $685 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $8,318 | $4,159 | $693 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | $8,361 | $4,181 | $697 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $8,400 | $4,200 | $700 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | $8,504 | $4,252 | $709 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $8,472 | $4,236 | $706 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $8,541 | $4,271 | $712 |
| Kia Telluride | $8,495 | $4,247 | $708 |
| Nissan Rogue | $8,564 | $4,282 | $714 |
| Buick Envision | $8,587 | $4,293 | $716 |
| Ford Explorer | $8,653 | $4,327 | $721 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $8,662 | $4,331 | $722 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | $8,771 | $4,386 | $731 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $8,835 | $4,418 | $736 |
| GMC Acadia | $8,823 | $4,411 | $735 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $8,810 | $4,405 | $734 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | $8,951 | $4,475 | $746 |
| Dodge Hornet | $8,995 | $4,497 | $750 |
| Chevrolet Traverse Limited | $8,966 | $4,483 | $747 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | $9,025 | $4,512 | $752 |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | $9,074 | $4,537 | $756 |
| Dodge Durango | $9,049 | $4,525 | $754 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | $9,085 | $4,542 | $757 |
| Buick Enclave | $9,135 | $4,567 | $761 |
| GMC Yukon | $9,391 | $4,695 | $783 |
| Ford Expedition | $9,397 | $4,699 | $783 |
| Mazda CX-90 | $9,569 | $4,785 | $797 |
| Nissan Armada | $9,651 | $4,826 | $804 |
| Toyota Sequoia | $10,323 | $5,161 | $860 |
| Jeep Wagoneer | $10,899 | $5,450 | $908 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | $12,190 | $6,095 | $1,016 |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | $13,547 | $6,773 | $1,129 |
| Kia Soul | $7,949 | $3,975 | $662 |
| Make model | Annual rates | Six-month rates | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Venue | $1,999 | $1,000 | $167 |
| Nissan Kicks | $2,237 | $1,119 | $186 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,932 | $966 | $161 |
| Honda HR-V | $1,936 | $968 | $161 |
| Subaru Forester | $2,013 | $1,007 | $168 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | $1,979 | $990 | $165 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | $2,012 | $1,006 | $168 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $2,021 | $1,010 | $168 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $2,064 | $1,032 | $172 |
| Honda Pilot | $2,076 | $1,038 | $173 |
| Hyundai Kona | $2,048 | $1,024 | $171 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $2,062 | $1,031 | $172 |
| Kia Sportage | $2,069 | $1,035 | $172 |
| Kia Seltos | $2,094 | $1,047 | $174 |
| Mazda CX-30 | $2,086 | $1,043 | $174 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | $2,066 | $1,033 | $172 |
| Volkswagen Taos | $2,064 | $1,032 | $172 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $2,104 | $1,052 | $175 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $2,085 | $1,043 | $174 |
| Ford Escape | $2,113 | $1,057 | $176 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $2,090 | $1,045 | $174 |
| Honda Passport | $2,142 | $1,071 | $179 |
| Chevrolet Trax | $2,102 | $1,051 | $175 |
| Subaru Ascent | $2,172 | $1,086 | $181 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | $2,145 | $1,073 | $179 |
| Buick Encore GX | $2,145 | $1,073 | $179 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | $2,173 | $1,086 | $181 |
| Ford Edge | $2,190 | $1,095 | $183 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | $2,178 | $1,089 | $181 |
| Jeep Compass | $2,174 | $1,087 | $181 |
| Ford Bronco | $2,242 | $1,121 | $187 |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | $2,209 | $1,105 | $184 |
| GMC Terrain | $2,201 | $1,100 | $183 |
| Mazda CX-50 | $2,247 | $1,124 | $187 |
| Toyota Highlander | $2,253 | $1,126 | $188 |
| Nissan Murano | $2,234 | $1,117 | $186 |
| Kia Sorento | $2,271 | $1,136 | $189 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $2,260 | $1,130 | $188 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | $2,283 | $1,142 | $190 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $2,316 | $1,158 | $193 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | $2,293 | $1,146 | $191 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $2,360 | $1,180 | $197 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $2,311 | $1,155 | $193 |
| Kia Telluride | $2,367 | $1,184 | $197 |
| Nissan Rogue | $2,314 | $1,157 | $193 |
| Buick Envision | $2,338 | $1,169 | $195 |
| Ford Explorer | $2,357 | $1,179 | $196 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $2,371 | $1,185 | $198 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | $2,401 | $1,201 | $200 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | $2,401 | $1,201 | $200 |
| GMC Acadia | $2,420 | $1,210 | $202 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $2,442 | $1,221 | $204 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | $2,417 | $1,208 | $201 |
| Dodge Hornet | $2,452 | $1,226 | $204 |
| Chevrolet Traverse Limited | $2,482 | $1,241 | $207 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | $2,462 | $1,231 | $205 |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | $2,444 | $1,222 | $204 |
| Dodge Durango | $2,482 | $1,241 | $207 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | $2,508 | $1,254 | $209 |
| Buick Enclave | $2,491 | $1,246 | $208 |
| GMC Yukon | $2,582 | $1,291 | $215 |
| Ford Expedition | $2,605 | $1,303 | $217 |
| Mazda CX-90 | $2,680 | $1,340 | $223 |
| Nissan Armada | $2,660 | $1,330 | $222 |
| Toyota Sequoia | $2,839 | $1,420 | $237 |
| Jeep Wagoneer | $3,030 | $1,515 | $252 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | $3,475 | $1,738 | $290 |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | $3,747 | $1,873 | $312 |
| Kia Soul | $2,176 | $1,088 | $181 |
New vs used SUVs: Which are cheaper to insure?
Generally, used cars are less expensive to insure due to their lower value and the fact that new cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. However, insurance costs vary based on your unique situation, which could lead to higher costs for insuring a used SUV.
Factors that affect the insurance rate for your SUV
Insurance companies consider many factors when determining premiums for your SUV. Some of these include:
- Your driving record
- How often you use the car
- Where you live
- Your age
- Your gender
- Your credit history
How can you save monthly on SUV car insurance?
There are a handful of ways you can trim some dollars off your car insurance premiums. For instance, you can look for discounts by bundling your auto insurance with homeowners insurance through the same company or signing up for autopay or paperless statements.
Other ways you can save on car insurance for an SUV include staying accident-free and remaining a loyal customer with the same insurer.
Before you buy insurance for an SUV, check these items off your list:
- Shop around: The beauty of car insurance shopping is that you can hop on another policy with another insurance company anytime. Get at least three quotes with the same coverage and amounts and ask about discounts.
- Do your research: You’ll want to see precisely what coverage you need. Look at your state’s minimum insurance requirements. And if you took out an auto loan or are leasing your car, you’ll be required to carry full coverage insurance.
- Consider your lifestyle and budget: If you put a lot of miles on your car, then a mileage-based policy won’t be for you. Do you intend to use your SUV as a commuter? Will you be taking it off-roading on weekend adventures?
Trucks vs. SUVs vs. sedans: Which are cheaper to insure?
On average, it costs $2,667 per year to insure a truck. That’s higher than the average cost to insure an SUV at $2,316 per year or the average cost to insure a sedan at $2,403 annually.
Final thoughts on cheap insurance for SUVs
When shopping for insurance for your SUV, consider what you use your car for, how often you drive, and your personal budget. If you want cheaper car insurance rates, opt for a subcompact SUV with a smaller engine and the latest safety features.
Frequently asked questions on SUVs
Does SUV insurance cost more for new models than older models?
Typically, SUV insurance costs more for new models due to a higher underlying value and replacement cost. Older SUVs may be more affordable to insure.
What are the most expensive SUVs to insure?
Some of the more expensive SUVs to insure include the Tesla Model X, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia.
Are crossover SUVs cheaper to insure than traditional SUVs?
Yes, smaller SUVs are cheaper to insure than larger SUVs.
Does the weight of an SUV affect its insurance premium?
Generally, full-sized SUVs are more expensive to insure than smaller SUVs.
Does modifying an SUV (e.g., lift kits, custom wheels) increase insurance costs?
Yes, modifying an SUV often increases car insurance costs. The size of the increase varies depending on the situation, but it is typically significant because it creates higher repair costs.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” Accessed May 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com editors collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage for a full coverage insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles.
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