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With U.S. drivers facing rising insurance bills, the make of your car can still move the needle on premiums. New analysis of millions of real quotes shows which brands tend to cost less to insure — and how much you might save by choosing a lower-cost nameplate.
Researchers at Consumer Reports working with comparison site Insurify reviewed more than 90 million actual insurance quotes from American shoppers to identify brands that consistently produce lower-than-average rates. The findings focus on brand-level averages rather than specific models or individual circumstances.
| Rank | Brand | Average annual premium (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Subaru | $2,088 |
| #2 | Buick | $2,148 |
| #3 (tie) | Volvo | $2,184 |
| #3 (tie) | GMC | $2,184 |
| #5 | Mini | $2,208 |
| #6 | Jeep | $2,268 |
| #7 | Mazda | $2,292 |
| #8 | Ford | $2,340 |
| #9 (tie) | Honda | $2,376 |
| #9 (tie) | Chevrolet | $2,376 |
Quick context
The spread across these ten brands is modest: the top-ranked brand, Subaru, shows an average annual premium roughly $288 lower than the brands tied at the high end of this group. That difference matters most when multiplied over several years or across a household with multiple cars.
These figures represent brand averages, not guaranteed rates for any individual driver. Insurers still base policies on many variables — zip code, driving history, coverage levels, vehicle age, and deductible choices — so two drivers with the same brand could see very different quotes.
What influences the numbers
- Repair and replacement costs: Brands whose parts and repairs are cheaper tend to attract lower premiums.
- Safety ratings and equipment: Vehicles with strong crash-test performance and advanced driver-assist features can reduce insurer risk.
- Theft and claims frequency: Models with higher theft rates or more frequent claims generally cost more to insure.
- Driver demographics: The typical buyer profile for a brand — age, location, driving record — affects the overall average.
For consumers, the practical takeaway is simple: **vehicle choice matters**, but it’s only one piece of the insurance-cost puzzle. If you’re shopping for a car mainly to cut insurance costs, focus on specific models with good safety ratings and low repair costs, and always get multiple quotes.
Finally, remember that market conditions and insurer pricing change. Brand-level averages are a useful snapshot but checking live quotes for your situation remains the best way to estimate your actual premium.
