What Used Cars Are the Cheapest to Insure?

When it comes to saving money on used cars, the cost of insurance may not enter your mind after your purchase. Choosing a vehicle that’s affordable to insure will significantly reduce your long-term ownership costs and save you money month after month. Here are some insights about used Toyotas with the lowest insurance rates.

Key Takeaways

The Toyota RAV4 has one of the most affordable insurance rates of all SUVs.
Insurance rates depend on several factors, so it’s best to speak with an auto insurance agent directly and shop around for quotes to get the best price and coverage for your needs.
Toyota offers some of the most reliable vehicles on the market and has consistently earned top safety ratings.

The Cheapest Used Toyota to Insure is the RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 4WD and Toyota RAV4 LE —specifically, model years 2019-2021—are the cheapest small SUVs to insure.

According to NerdWallet, for 2019-2021 models, the Toyota RAV4 LE costs $1,580 per year on average to insure. Of course, these costs will vary based on your location and driving history.

Other options for cheap Toyotas to drive that still deliver a great driving experience, reliability, and safety include:

Toyota RAV4 4WD (SUV)
Toyota RAV4 LE (SUV)
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4WD (Truck)
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab LWB 4WD (Truck)
Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4WD (Truck)
Toyota Tundra CrewMax (Truck)

Even though insurance rates vary, by and large, cars with reasonably low repair costs and good safety ratings will have lower insurance premiums.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota TACOMA

Toyota TUNDRA

3 Most Affordable Used Toyota Vehicles

Toyota RAV4 (2023-prior)

The RAV4 is an extremely popular small SUV that rides smoothly, has a roomy interior, and offers plenty of practicality. It brakes and handles confidently and is fuel-efficient, cutting down on your long-term ownership costs even more. The RAV4 is equipped with modern technology and safety features, which have earned it back-to-back Top Safety Pick award wins from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Toyota Tacoma (2023-prior)

Drivers love the Toyota Tacoma because of its reliability, off-road performance, and driver-assistance features like lane departure warning and forward collision avoidance. Like other Toyota models, it’s a repeat recipient of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award.

Toyota Tundra (2023-prior)

The Toyota Tundra pickup boasts a powerful engine, advanced safety features, and a smooth driving experience. Plus, it has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. With a modest real-world fuel economy, this is a well-rounded truck for the money.

4 Most Budget-Friendly New Toyota Vehicles in the 2025 Lineup

Before paying for auto insurance, you want to make sure the actual price of the car itself is within your budget. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here, we offer the most affordable Toyotas under $25,000, allowing you to get a new ride at a great price. The cheapest new Toyotas include:

Toyota Corolla (Sedan)

Starting at $22,175, the gas-powered Corolla offers sporty seats and user-friendly controls for a smooth driving experience.
Priced at $23,625, the Corolla Hybrid model delivers an EPA-estimated 50 MPG combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice.

Toyota Corolla Cross (SUV)

With a starting price of $24,035, this compact SUV is equipped with a 2.0L engine and gets 32 MPG combined, offering both power and fuel efficiency. The spacious interior and cargo capacity make it a great daily driver.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Priced at $23,630, the Corolla Hatchback features a 2.0L Dynamic Force Engine, paddle shifters, and adjustable drive modes for a more engaging drive. It also delivers an EPA-estimated 32 city / 41 highway / 35 combined MPG for fuel savings.

What Makes a Used Car Cheap to Insure?

Wondering how insurance companies decide the cost to insure a vehicle? Insurance companies look at several factors, like your age, driving record, and location, to determine how much you’ll pay for coverage. Generally, used cars that are less than 10 years old, have affordable repair costs, and are reliable and safe will have lower insurance rates.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a used car to keep insurance costs down:

Safety Features

Cars with modern safety features lower the risk of accidents and injuries, which can lead to lower insurance rates. Look for features like:

Airbags
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Back-up cameras
Forward collision alerts

A car with top safety ratings may also qualify for discounts, lowering your insurance costs even more.

Anti-Theft Protection

Cars that are stolen often have higher insurance premiums. To avoid this:

Choose a model with a lower theft rate
Install anti-theft devices such as alarms, steering wheel locks, or tracking systems

Car Value & Cost

One of the biggest factors in your insurance rate is the price of your vehicle. More expensive vehicles cost more to repair or replace, driving insurance costs up. To save on insurance:

Choose a car with a lower market value
Look for a used vehicle that has already depreciated significantly

Vehicle Type

Some cars have higher insurance costs due to their risk level:

Luxury cars & sports cars have a higher accident risk and, therefore, higher premiums
Electric cars cost more to insure because battery replacements can be costly
SUVs & sedans are generally cheaper to insure than sports cars

Repair & Maintenance Costs

Cars with hard-to-find or expensive parts usually have higher insurance rates. Keep costs lower by:

Choosing a car with widely available, affordable parts
Avoiding models with complex electronic systems with high repair costs

Modifications & Upgrades

Adding extra features is tempting, but it can increase insurance costs. Insurers may raise rates if you:

Upgrade to a more powerful engine
Install high-tech add-ons like premium sound systems or custom electronics

These changes make the car more valuable, leading to higher insurance premiums.

Keep this information in mind, and you’ll have no trouble finding a used car that’s both affordable and cheaper to insure!

Ready to Test Drive a Used Toyota in Nashville, Tennessee? Shop Beaman Toyota Today!

Ready to experience the reliability and value of a pre-owned Toyota firsthand? Visit Beaman Toyota in Nashville to explore our extensive selection of used models and certified pre-owned Toyotas!

Our knowledgeable sales team is here to answer your questions, arrange a test drive, and help you find the perfect match for your driving needs and budget. With competitive pricing and flexible financing options, we make the car-buying process simple! Visit us and discover why so many Nashville drivers make Beaman Toyota their automotive destination. So, shop now!

FAQS

What factors make a car cheaper to insure?

Insurance costs vary based on multiple factors, but there are certain characteristics that generally lead to more affordable premiums. These include:

Lower repair and replacement expenses
Advanced safety technology
Older models that have already depreciated substantially

Overall, SUVs, trucks, and sedans cost the least to insure. To get a better idea of insurance costs, we always recommend getting quotes from insurance providers for specific vehicles you’re interested in.

How do I find the cheapest car to insure?

To reduce your insurance costs when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, consider models known for affordable repair costs and strong safety records. Vehicles that are a few years old often come with lower insurance rates than newer, more expensive models.

Keep in mind that while your vehicle choice significantly influences insurance rates, along with personal factors such as your age, driving record, geographic location, and eligibility for various discounts (military, educator, etc.) will also substantially impact your final premium.

How much does it cost to insure a sedan?

The cost to insure a sedan varies depending on the make and model, your location, and your driving record. With that in mind, reports show that on average, it costs approximately $1,922 per year to insure a midsize sedan like a Toyota Camry.

Are sedans cheaper to insure than SUVs?

Not necessarily. Sedans typically cost more to insure than SUVs because sedans have a higher rate of injury claims and may have fewer safety features. On average, it costs around $237 more per year to insure a midsize sedan than a midsize SUV.

How much does it cost to insure an SUV?

SUVs come in a wide range of sizes, so your insurance costs will vary based on the model you choose.

According to AAA, the average annual cost to insure a midsize SUV is:

Midsize SUV, like a Toyota 4Runner – $1,685 per year
Compact SUV like a Toyota RAV4 – $1,681 per year

Keep in mind that SUV size doesn’t always make a big difference in insurance costs. Safety ratings and repair costs have a much larger impact on your insurance premiums.

How much does it cost to insure a pickup truck?

Pickup trucks typically cost more to insure than SUVs, but your rates will vary based on truck size and features. Average costs:

Midsize pickup truck, like a Toyota Tacoma – $1,679 per year
Large pickup truck like a Toyota Tundra – $1,807 per year

With these being estimates, we recommend you speak with an insurance agent directly for most accurate insurance rates.

What are the most affordable Toyota models to insure?

Toyota models usually have competitive insurance rates. Some of the cheapest used Toyota models to insure include:

SUVs:

Toyota RAV4 4WD
Toyota RAV4 LE

Trucks:

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4WD
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab LWB 4WD
Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4WD
Toyota Tundra CrewMax

For the best insurance rates, choose a vehicle with strong safety features and a low repair cost.

Disclaimer by Beaman Toyota

Beaman Toyota believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, colors, and other features related to the vehicles are subject to change without notice. Values are based on MSRP and exclude taxes, fees, and adjustments. Please visit certified dealers for more accurate pricing.

Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.

What Used Cars Are the Cheapest to Insure?