Car insurance estimate by make and model

The type of vehicle you drive is one of the most important rating factors used by insurance companies to determine your premium. A full coverage policy for a 2022 BMW 330i, for example, will cost you $2,270 per year on average. In comparison, a 2022 Honda Odyssey costs only $1,542. StrongInsurance gathered information from some of the largest insurers to assist you in locating the best car insurance company for your vehicle.

Why some cars cost more to insure than others

It's a common misconception, but the color of your car has no bearing on how much your insurance costs. Body style, on the other hand, can have a significant impact on your car insurance bill. The size of a vehicle, crash rating, passenger safety, and the cost of repair parts are all influenced by body style. Typical body types include:

  • Coupe
  • Crossover
  • Hatchback
  • Sedan
  • SUV
  • Truck

The average cost of repairing a vehicle also influences car insurance rates, and certain types of vehicles are more expensive to repair than others. This is why insurance companies base their rates in part on whether a vehicle is in standard, sport, or luxury trim. Cars with difficult-to-find parts and those that require skilled technicians to repair may also be more expensive. Furthermore, if your vehicle's make and model has a high theft rate, your insurance company may charge you more for comprehensive coverage.

Because this list of vehicle rating factors is not exhaustive, comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to determine how much you should expect to pay for your vehicle.

Car insurance averages by make and model

The StrongInsurance editorial team used data provided by Quadrant Information Services to identify average premiums for popular U.S. vehicles to assist you in evaluating the best car insurance companies. Our methodology took into account various makes and models, including those from different manufacturers years.

These average premiums, when added together, can provide an estimate of how the make and model of a car affect insurance rates and how much it may cost to insure a specific vehicle.

Several manufacturers and models are listed in the table below. The average car insurance rates we've included are annual premiums for full coverage and minimum coverage. Your premium may be higher or lower depending on your driving record, where you live, and the type of coverage you require.

MODEL

AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL COVERAGE PREMIUM

AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM COVERAGE PREMIUM

BMW 330i

$2,270

$527

Ford F-150

$1,523

$530

Honda Odyssey

$1,542

$508

Toyota Prius

$1,924

$533

 

How to get car insurance estimates

Follow these steps when shopping for a car to get an accurate auto insurance estimate:

  1. Narrow down your vehicle options: Before you begin test driving vehicles, consider your needs. Is a coupe sufficient, or do you require a sedan or something larger to accommodate your family? Do you require a truck to haul materials or to tow? Once you've determined your requirements, the next step is to narrow down your car options, particularly the make and model. Before requesting an insurance quote, narrow down your top three vehicle options to get an idea of how much your new vehicle will cost to insure. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is not required to obtain quotes, but having this information can improve the accuracy of your quote.
  2. Determine how much coverage you require: If you buy a car outright, you can customize the coverage amounts and types in your car insurance policy. Your lender may require full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage, if you are financing or leasing the vehicle. Consider your personal circumstances to determine which level of coverage will provide you with the most comfort. At this point, speaking with an insurance agent can be beneficial.
  3. Get quotes with the same coverage: Once you've narrowed down your make and model and determined your coverage requirements, it's time to request quotes, and the cheapest car insurance companies are a good place to start. Obtaining multiple quotes from different car insurance companies offering the same coverage options can assist you in making an informed decision.

Other factors that influence your car insurance rate

The make and model of the car you purchase are not the only factors considered by auto insurance companies when determining your rate. Other considerations include:

  • Coverage: The type of coverage you select, as well as the deductible amount, will affect how much you pay for car insurance. This can include liability coverage, which protects the other party if you are found to be at fault in an accident, as well as optional coverage options such as medical payments, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage, which protect you and your vehicle financially. The greater your coverage options and the higher their monetary limits, the more you will pay for insurance.
  • Location: When it comes to car insurance costs, the state you live in and, in most cases, the ZIP code you live in are important. Most states base premiums on geo-specific crime rates, population density, and crash statistics.
  • Personal information: Your age, gender, marital status, credit score and driving history can be used to determine your rate in most states. If there are additional drivers in the household, their information is also important. Keep in mind that the use of gender to determine car insurance rates is prohibited in Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the following states prohibit or limit the use of credit scores in determining auto insurance premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
  • Vehicle usage: Your rates may be affected by how you use your vehicle. Drivers who spend more time on the road are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. As a result, insurance companies typically charge lower rates for low-mileage drivers.
  • Your car insurance history: Keeping continuous insurance can help you save money on car insurance. Insurance lapses, claims are filed, and the length of time you have been insured with a carrier all make a difference.

How to save on car insurance

Using money-saving strategies when purchasing a new car is an excellent way to stay within your budget. Consider the make and model you choose to save money. Here are some additional ways to save money on car insurance:

  • Inquire about discounts. Insurance companies provide discounts in order to reduce the cost of car insurance. Most can be stacked to maximize savings, so make sure to inquire about any you are eligible for to get the best car insurance estimate.
  • Be a cautious driver. People who drive safely have fewer accidents and receive fewer tickets, which can qualify you for additional discounts and keep your rates low.
  • Consider raising your deductibles. Increasing your deductible can help you save money on your premiums and keep you from filing minor claims that could increase your car insurance costs. Your premium will be lower if you have a higher deductible. Before you change your deductible, keep in mind that this is the amount you will be responsible for out of pocket if you file a claim. So, first and foremost, ensure that you can comfortably afford a higher deductible.
  • Complete payment. Some auto insurance companies will give you a discount if you pay your premium in full rather than in monthly installments.
  • Shop around. Even if you get quotes for the same coverage types, each company will most likely charge you a different price for car insurance. Because carriers use different formulas to calculate rates, one may be more expensive than the other for the same coverage options.
  • Consider bundling. Bundling your homeowners and auto insurance policies with the same company may save you money.
  • Request a telematics discount. Many major auto insurance companies will give you a discount if you install a telematics device in your car. A telematics device monitors and reports your driving habits to your insurer. If the device indicates that you are a low-risk driver, your company may offer you discounts. Keep in mind that this can work both ways with some companies, and demonstrating unsafe driving habits can potentially raise your rates as well.