Sport utility vehicles, otherwise known as SUVs, are a great compromise for those who want the functionality and persona of a truck but need the practicality of a minivan. Regardless of why you want an SUV, having the right car insurance for it is critical. A complete auto policy can provide compensation for physical damage from accidents, theft, or vandalism, and much more.
The average cost of car insurance is $2,553 per year, and the cheapest SUV to insure, the Honda CR-V, costs about $1,932 annually to equip with "full coverage." Working together with a local independent insurance agent is an easy way to get set up with the best SUV insurance rates available. They'll help you get all the coverage you need for the right price. But first, here's a deep dive into SUV insurance.
Key Takeaways - SUV Insurance in 2026
SUV insurance costs an average of $2,553 per year, or about $213 per month, in 2026.
SUV insurance is about 21% cheaper than car insurance for sedans on average.
The Honda CR-V is the least expensive SUV to insure in 2026, averaging $1,932 per year for full coverage.
Travelers has the cheapest average SUV insurance rates in 2026, at just $112 per month for full coverage.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can shop and compare SUV insurance quotes and policy options from multiple carriers near you to find the best deal.
Average SUV Insurance Cost in 2026
The average SUV insurance cost per month in 2026 is about $213. This translates to an average cost of $2,553 per year, which is about 21% lower than the average of $3,222 that most sedan drivers pay. The overall average SUV insurance cost ranges from $1,932 per year for a Honda CR-V, the cheapest SUV to insure in 2026, to $5,357 per year for a Mercedes-AMG G63, the most expensive SUV to insure.
What Is SUV Insurance?
SUV auto insurance is basically car insurance, but designed specifically to cover your sport utility vehicle. Coverage is designed to protect your vehicle with the value and features of an SUV in mind. SUV policies are standard auto insurance policies tailored to higher-value, larger vehicles. However, SUV insurance rates are actually cheaper than the average cost of coverage for sedans.
Does My SUV Need Specialized Car Insurance?
SUV insurance is fairly similar to regular car insurance. Due to a few risk factors, premiums and coverage may differ from a standard car insurance policy. However, SUVs typically perform better in crash tests and thus have lower average auto insurance premiums than sedans. So, if you've been wondering, "Are SUVs cheaper to insure than sedans?" Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is yes.
Risks Considered by SUV Insurance Carriers
SUVs have different risk factors than sedans for insurance companies to consider, including the following:
- Size: SUVs are larger than normal vehicles and can cause more damage during a collision, resulting in higher coverage costs.
- Rolling risk: SUVs sit higher off the ground than a typical car and are more likely to roll, which increases their risk factor in the eyes of insurance companies.
- Expensive repairs: Repair costs for SUVs can be more expensive than for a standard car.
- Theft frequency: SUVs are among the most targeted vehicles by thieves, which can lead to higher comprehensive coverage premiums.
- Parts cost inflation: SUV insurance premiums increased considerably from 2024 to 2026 due to rising replacement parts costs.
Despite these risk factors, an independent insurance agent can help you find affordable rates for SUV insurance near you.
SUV Insurance vs. Car Insurance: Which Costs More in 2026?
This year, SUV insurance averages $2,553 annually, while sedan insurance averages $3,222. This means that SUV insurance is actually 21% cheaper than standard car insurance for sedans, on average. Further, the average cost of hatchback insurance is $2,661 per year, which is still 4% higher than the average SUV insurance. SUV vs. sedan insurance is cheaper, at least in part, because SUVs have better safety ratings.
There’s no universal definition of what qualifies a vehicle as an SUV. But some key SUV features can include off-road capabilities and raised ground clearance. Insurance carriers typically have a list of makes and models that they've identified as SUVs. If your vehicle is on that list, you will need SUV insurance.
What Does SUV Insurance Cover?
Just like regular car insurance, SUV insurance can include collision and liability coverage. Most "full-coverage" SUV insurance policies include a combination of the following:
- Liability coverage: This pays for bodily injury and property damage to someone else or their vehicle and/or property as a result of an accident that you're at fault for.
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your SUV from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your SUV caused by non-collision events, such as flooding or theft.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This pays for damage to your vehicle or your injuries after an accident with another driver who is at fault, but who does not have any or enough car insurance of their own to cover your damages.
- Personal injury protection: This pays for medical treatment for your own injuries or injuries to your passengers after an accident you're at fault for.
You may also want to add the following types of coverage to your SUV auto policy:
- Gap insurance: This covers the difference in the amount still owed on an auto loan or lease and your vehicle's current cash value after a covered total loss.
- Custom equipment coverage: This can cover damage or theft of your SUV's custom parts and equipment.
- Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of a rental vehicle while awaiting repairs for a covered loss.
Working together with an independent insurance agent is a great way to get set up with all the SUV coverage you need. They'll also be able to provide you with more specific average SUV insurance costs.
How Does SUV Insurance Differ for an Old SUV vs. a New SUV?
When car shopping, two major factors play a role in the price of insurance premiums. Whether you're buying a sedan or an SUV, these factors include:
- Safety: Since newer SUVs come with more safety features than their predecessors, a new SUV can be less expensive to insure.
- Value: An older vehicle isn't as valuable and is often cheaper to replace. This could make an older SUV less expensive to insure.
- Safety features discounts: Vehicles equipped with driver-assist safety features between the 2023-2026 model years often qualify for special advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS-feature car insurance discounts.
An independent insurance agent can review a list of each vehicle you're interested in buying with comparative SUV insurance quotes.
How Much Does SUV Insurance Cost in 2026?
SUV insurance costs an average of $2,553 per year. SUV insurance costs can vary based on many different factors, including the make and model, vehicle safety features, crash test ratings, and the price of parts. Additional factors that can influence the cost of SUV insurance include:
- Coverage level: The more coverage you add to your SUV policy, the higher your premiums will be.
- Age: Drivers under age 25 typically pay the highest rates, while drivers aged 25 to about 65 enjoy the lowest rates.
- State: If you live in a state with higher theft rates or severe weather, you can expect to pay more for car insurance.
An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable SUV insurance. They can compare SUV insurance quotes from several different carriers near you.
SUV Insurance Cost by Category in 2026
The table below compares the average cost of coverage by type of SUV, including compact SUV insurance and luxury SUV insurance.
| SUV Type | Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost | Average Annual Minimum Coverage Cost | Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost | Average Annual Full Coverage Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact SUV | $80 | $961 | $170 | $2,034 |
| Luxury Compact SUV | $80 | $963 | $193 | $2,316 |
| Luxury Full-Size SUV | $81 | $975 | $220 | $2,645 |
| SUV | $83 | $994 | $171 | $2,053 |
The Cheapest SUVs to Insure in 2026
Not all SUVs have the same insurance rates. So, how much does it cost to insure a Honda CR-V in 2026? About $1,932 per year, making it the cheapest SUV for insurance. Here's a list of a few of the best SUVs for insurance premiums:
| Make and Model | Average Annual Cost of Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | $1,932 |
| Honda HR-V | $1,936 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | $1,979 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | $2,012 |
| Subaru Forester | $2,013 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $2,021 |
| Subaru Outback | $2,042 |
| Hyundai Kona | $2,048 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $2,062 |
| Volkswagen Taos | $2,064 |
Other Affordable SUV Models to Insure
The table below compares the average cost of full coverage car insurance for other affordable SUV models to insure in 2026.
| Make and Model | Average Annual Cost of Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | $1,958 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $1,988 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $2,140 |
An independent insurance agent can help you review and compare SUV insurance quotes for any model you have your eye on.
Most Expensive SUVs to Insure in 2026
The table below compares the SUVs that are more expensive to insure with full coverage this year.
| Make and Model | Average Annual Cost of Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG G63 | $5,357 |
| BMW X6 M | $5,067 |
| Maserati Levante | $5,042 |
| Audi RS Q8 | $4,998 |
| BMW XM | $4,975 |
| Tesla Model X | $4,805 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | $4,790 |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV | $4,663 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLS-Class | $4,568 |
| BMW X5 M | $4,534 |
Electric and Hybrid SUV Insurance Costs in 2026
The average Tesla Model Y insurance costs about $3,343 per year. The Tesla Model X is more expensive: $4,469 per year for full coverage. However, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is the most expensive EV to insure this year, at a whopping $10,402 per year for full coverage. Electric SUV insurance costs in 2026 are much higher than the average rates for midsize SUV insurance, crossover insurance, or family SUV insurance.
SUV Insurance Cost by State
The tables below compare the cheapest states and most expensive states for SUV insurance in 2026.
Cheapest States
| State | Average Annual Cost of Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $1,592 |
| Idaho | $1,646 |
| Maine | $1,767 |
| Ohio | $1,795 |
| Virginia | $1,862 |
Most Expensive States
| State | Average Annual Cost of Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $4,128 |
| Texas | $3,553 |
| Colorado | $3,326 |
| Michigan | $3,218 |
| Georgia | $3,203 |
How to Save Money on SUV Insurance in 2026
Independent insurance agents can help you find ideal rates for SUV insurance. If you’re shopping around for a new SUV, there are some things you can do to help lower your potential premium, such as:
- Installing safety measures: Airbags, anti-lock brakes, parking sensors, and anti-theft alarms can help lower your premium.
- Choosing a high deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your premium rate.
- Comparing quotes: Independent insurance agents will be able to help you find the best SUV insurance quotes available.
- Having good credit: Your credit score can affect your insurance premiums for any kind of car insurance, so be sure to maintain a healthy one.
- Buying an SUV that's cheaper to insure: Certain SUVs have lower insurance premiums due to a number of factors.
- Bundle home and auto insurance: You can save up to 25% on your coverage when you buy both homeowners insurance and auto insurance from the same carrier.
- Use telematics/usage-based programs: Ask your carrier about programs that track your usage and driving behavior and offer discounts.
- Ask about anti-theft device discounts: If your vehicle is equipped with a burglar alarm or other anti-theft features, your carrier may grant you a special discount.
- Shop at least three different carriers: An independent insurance agent can help you gather a handful of quotes from local carriers to find the best rate.
An independent insurance agent can also help you find any discounts you may qualify for on SUV insurance. They can also help you get set up with each type of auto coverage you need for your SUV.
SUV Safety Ratings and How They Affect Your Insurance
Looking for the safest SUV in 2026? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded its Top Safety Pick+ rating to several small SUVs in 2026, including the Mazda CX-50, the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Forester, and the Honda HR-V.
Several midsize SUVs earned this rating as well, including the Honda Passport, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, Mazda CX-70, and Nissan Pathfinder. High safety ratings can help you earn lower car insurance rates. Additionally, SUVs equipped with ADAS features such as automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot detection can earn an additional 5%-15% discount.
Cheapest SUV Insurance Companies in 2026
Rates for SUV insurance not only vary by vehicle specifications but also by the car insurance company. To save you time while hunting for the right coverage, we've compared rates from some of the best car insurance companies that sell SUV insurance. Start shopping for coverage by checking out one of these top-rated carriers that offer the cheapest SUV insurance this year.
| Car Insurance Carrier | Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost | Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $44 | $112 |
| Nationwide | $48 | $114 |
| Progressive | $51 | $127 |
| Allstate | $53 | $130 |
FAQs About SUV Insurance
Are SUVs expensive to insure?
No. SUVs are often less expensive to insure than sedans, averaging $2,553 per year, compared to the sedan average of $3,222 per year. This is mostly due to SUVs' better crash-test results and fewer high-speed claims.
What is the cheapest SUV to insure in 2026?
The Honda CR-V is the cheapest SUV to insure in 2026 at $1,932 per year, followed by the Honda HR-V ($1,936), Volkswagen Tiguan ($1,979), Chevrolet TrailBlazer ($2,012), and Subaru Forester ($2,013).
What is the most expensive SUV to insure?
The Mercedes-AMG G63 is the most expensive SUV to insure at $5,357 per year, followed by the BMW X6 M ($5,067), Maserati Levante ($5,042), Audi RS Q8 ($4,998), and BMW XM ($4,975).
Are SUVs cheaper to insure than sedans?
Generally, yes. SUV insurance averages $2,553 per year, compared with $3,222 for sedans, about 21% lower. SUVs tend to perform better in crash tests, which lowers the severity of injury claims.
How much does it cost to insure a Tesla Model Y?
Tesla Model Y full coverage averages $3,343 per year in 2026, with monthly premiums varying by model year. Higher repair costs and the need to recalibrate sensors drive the premiums higher compared to gas SUVs.
What state has the cheapest SUV insurance?
Hawaii has the cheapest SUV insurance in the country at $1,592 per year on average, followed by Idaho ($1,646), Maine ($1,767), Ohio ($1,795), and Virginia ($1,862). Louisiana is the most expensive at $4,128 per year.
Do luxury SUVs cost more to insure?
Yes. Luxury SUV insurance averages $220 per month for full coverage, compared with $170 per month for compact SUVs. Brands like Land Rover, Maserati, and Mercedes-AMG command premiums of over $4,000 per year due to higher replacement values and specialized repair networks.
Do I need gap insurance on a leased SUV?
It's a good idea to have it, yes. Leased and financed SUVs benefit from gap coverage because new SUVs lose 20-30% of their value in the first year. Gap insurance pays the difference between what you still owe on an auto loan or lease and the SUV's actual cash value after a covered total loss.
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find SUV Insurance
Local independent insurance agents can review your needs and help you evaluate which type of SUV insurance makes the most sense for you. They'll also compare policies and quotes from multiple SUV insurance carriers to make sure you’re properly protected. They can access regional and specialty markets that direct insurance writers can't, and quote Tesla, Rivian, and other EV SUVs that some carriers decline. Overall, they'll provide you with SUV insurance quotes that combine the best coverage and cost available.
Sources
https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/suv-insurance-rates/
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/car-insurance-for-suvs/
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/insuring-an-electric-vehicle/