High premiums are pushing many drivers to rethink not just which insurer they use, but which car they keep on the road. In 2026, used models with strong safety records, modest repair costs and low claims histories are poised to become relative bargains to insure, even as overall rates stay elevated. Recent rankings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlighted several models that consistently deliver below-average insurance losses.
For budget-conscious drivers, shopping for the right used car can matter almost as much as shopping for the right policy. The six vehicles below regularly appear on “cheapest to insure” or low-loss lists and show strong insurance performance, which should keep 2026 premiums surprisingly manageable for many owners.
