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.
Also here are ways to lower your car insurance bill.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a staple on “cheap to insure” rankings thanks to its safety scores, broad parts availability and generally cautious owner base. An annual rate analysis from Insurance.com found that the CR-V and its HR-V sibling sit slightly above $1,930 and at the very bottom of nationwide average premiums, ahead of many smaller sedans.
According to IIHS, small and midsize SUVs like the CR-V often have better-than-average collision and liability results, which insurers reward in their pricing. On the used market, a three- to six-year-old CR-V combines a moderate purchase price with relatively low premiums, making it a standout value for 2026 shoppers.
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Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has built its reputation around safety and utility, two traits that tend to keep insurance costs in check. Insurers tend to pay close attention to crash-test performance and Subaru models routinely earn top marks from IIHS. This contributes to favorable loss histories and gentler pricing.
According to rate tables from Insurance.com, the Subaru Outback ranks among the ten cheapest vehicles to insure in 2025, with an average annual premium of about $2,042 or roughly $170 per month for full coverage. A used Outback with standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety tech can therefore deliver rugged capability without the sticker shock on premiums that often comes with trucks or performance SUVs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry consistently appears among the cheapest sedans to insure because it blends reliability, conservative styling and a large pool of drivers who tend to generate fewer severe claims. A 2025 roundup from SoFi listed the Toyota Camry among the cheapest sedans to insure, with an average annual full coverage premium of $2,680.
That pricing reflects relatively low average repair bills and strong crash-test scores, both of which help insurers keep loss ratios in check. For 2026, used Camry models from roughly the last five to seven years should remain appealing to insurers, giving owners an opportunity to pair modest acquisition costs with below-average premium quotes.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 may feel more upscale than some compact rivals, but it still lands on multiple lists of vehicles that are inexpensive to insure. Ranking data from CarEdge pointed to the CX-5 as one of the lowest-cost crossovers for coverage, crediting its safety features and mainstream pricing with keeping claim totals relatively modest.
Car and Driver’s insurance explainer also cited compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 Sport and Honda CR-V LX as examples of models that tend to anchor the low-premium end of the spectrum and the CX-5 shares a similar profile. For used-car buyers in 2026, a gently used CX-5 can offer a near-premium driving experience without premium-level insurance bills, particularly when paired with trims that include more active-safety tech.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape remains a practical, family-friendly compact SUV and that practicality translates into relatively friendly insurance pricing. A 2025 breakdown from comparison site Insurify listed the Escape among the cheapest SUVs to insure, with average monthly quotes in the mid-$140 range, competitive with the Subaru Forester and Toyota Highlander.
This aligns with Car and Driver estimates that place many compact SUVs’ yearly insurance costs below larger three-row models and well under many luxury crossovers. On the used market, older Escapes with solid maintenance histories and no performance upgrades typically receive especially competitive quotes, making them attractive to cost-focused households in 2026.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is another recurring star on “cheap to insure” lists because of its strong safety ratings and practical, non-sporty image. A joint analysis highlighted by CNBC and Consumer Reports cited the Forester as one of the least expensive SUVs to insure, with estimated annual premiums several hundred dollars below the national average.
Insurify’s 2025 SUV report also named the Forester the cheapest SUV to insure, with an average quote of $132 per month across major carriers. For 2026 buyers, a used Forester offers all-weather capability and family-friendly space, while still delivering insurance quotes that undercut many similarly sized SUVs and crossovers.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Used Cars That Will Be Surprisingly Cheap To Insure in 2026
