The 20 least expensive vehicles to insure in 2010

Posted by Hunter Lane-Poole on June 17, 2010 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

Car insurance can get expensive, especially if you’re driving the “wrong” sort of car. It may seem a bit unfair to judge you (and set your premiums) based on the kind of car that you buy, but that’s one of the factors that insurance companies consider when setting your premiums.

You know your insurance premium is affected by your driving record, and by how many claims you’ve filed. You might even realize that your credit score, gender and age can influence the premium that’s set. But insurance companies also make assumptions about you based on the type of car you want to insure. Those who drive flashy and expensive cars are likely to see higher car insurance rates than people driving a cheaper minivan.

That’s because premiums are partially determined by your vehicle’s “loss history,” meaning the cost of claims that other drivers of that vehicle have submitted. Statistically speaking, drivers of certain expensive cars submit more expensive claims. That doesn’t necessarily mean that those drivers are more reckless. It means that damages to the bumper of a Dodge Viper or a Porsche will cost much more to repair than those for a Ford Escape. The more expensive your claim is likely to be in an accident, the more you are likely to pay in premiums.

Therefore, you are likely to fall into a “riskier” category if your car is expensive to repair. If you want to place yourself in a lower risk category, you should choose a vehicle that is cheaper to repair. Quadrant Information Services, at Insure.com’s request, calculated average car insurance rates for more than 2,400 vehicles. Here are the 20 least expensive 2010 vehicles to insure, as determined by average national annual premium. Note that these nationwide averages are based on a 40-year-old male driver who commutes 10 miles to work every day and has a clean driving record; your own premiums would be different. But if you’re looking to save some cash, the following cars are likely to get you lower insurance rates:

20. Ford Escape XLS 2WD

This two-wheel drive SUV offers plenty of room for the family, and is ideal for soccer games and camping trips. A staple of the soccer mom, the Ford Escape is a great insurance bargain. It costs an average of $1,157.31 to insure each year.

19. GMC Canyon WT

If you are looking for a light duty truck to do a little hauling and perform specific functions, this two-door, two-wheel drive GMC Canyon could be ideal. The average annual premium for this car is $1,152.39.

18. Ford Escape XLS 4WD

If you plan to go off road a little, or if you just want the extra stability of four-wheel drive, this version of Ford Escape might be right for your family. The average annual insurance premium is $1,149.67.

17. Dodge Journey SE

Get the best of both worlds with this sleek crossover vehicle, which looks like a cross between a wagon and a small SUV. Four cylinders mean that its gas mileage will be decent for what it is, and there should be room for the car-pool kids. Annual insurance premiums average $1,149.59.

16. Toyota Sienna LE

This four door passenger minivan offers a roomy interior and a modern look. Sleek styling helps you feel as though you may not actually be driving a minivan. Average annual premium: $1,148.78.

15. Mazda Tribute S

Enjoy the stability and control of four-wheel drive, while taking advantage of the ample space with the Mazda Tribute. This small SUV offers plenty of space, and provides you with the dependable image you need. The average annual premium is $1,146.69.

14. Dodge Grand Caravan C/V

Take the power up a notch with six cylinders when you buy the Dodge Grand Caravan. This perennial favorite is a little boxy, but looks imposing. You feel safe driving around in this thing. And you’ll feel richer, too, with an average annual premium of $1,146.53.

13. Honda CR-V LX

The sporty styling of the Honda CR-V LX helps it look feisty. Indeed, the average annual premium of $1,146.29 seems a bit surprising, since this car looks too fun to be insured for that cheap.

12. Jeep Patriot Sport

If you don’t want to sacrifice your manly street cred in the name of saving money on insurance, you’re in luck. The Jeep Patriot Sport only costs an average of $1,145.58 a year to insure, and is something any self-respecting guy can feel good about driving.

11. Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Hyundai has come a long way from when few people wanted to purchase its vehicles. Now Hyundai makes sought-after cars with style. Many love the warranty, and the average annual premium amounts to a low $1,141.07.

10. Honda Odyssey EX

This is a five-door minivan, Honda-style. Gets reasonably good gas mileage, and features a number of options that make the ride more fun. Modern and stylish, you’ll be glad to drive this around town – and it costs an average of $1,139.80 to insure.

9. Kia Sportage LX

Kia offers one of the best car values around. This mini SUV has surpassed the former versions of itself. While some complain about powertrain issues with the Sportage, they don’t complain about the inexpensive cost of insuring it – an average of $1,138.41 a year.

8. Hyundai Tucson GLS

Safe and reliable, the Hyundai Tucson offers a number of options and a sporty look. This car looks as though it has some zip, even though it comes with only four cylinders. Average annual insurance premium: $1,134.08.

7. Toyota Sienna CE

Another version of the Sienna, this one offers plenty of the things you expect from Toyota, including reliability. It costs an average of $1,133.97 to insure each year.

6. Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Another version of the Grand Caravan we saw earlier. Decent power in the six cylinders, and plenty of room to spread out on long trips. It costs an average of $1,131.06 a year to insure.

5. Mazda Tribute S Grand Touring

If you like to drive, this might be the car for you. The touring edition of the Tribute offers comfort and style – and some zip with its six cylinders. Insurance premiums amount to about $1,128.29 annually.

4. Chrysler Town & Country LX

The Chrysler Town & Country is renowned as being luxe for a minivan. The latest version is no exception. Ride in style with an average premium of $1,119.83 a year.

3. Mazda Tribute i 4WD

Another Mazda makes the list. With its four-wheel drive stability, and car-like ride, it is no surprise that this compact SUV is a favorite with insurance companies. The average annual premium costs $1,103.29.

2. Honda Odyssey LX

Stability assist and traction control help make this minivan safe and friendly. Plenty of room for the family, and this vehicle creates plenty of room in the wallet with its $1,095.26 average annual premium.

1. Mazda Tribute i 2WD

If you don’t care about having the four-wheel drive, you can save about $33 a year on insurance premiums. The Mazda Tribute i with two-wheel drive is the least expensive 2010 vehicle to insure, with the average premium amounting to $1,070.25.