Insure.com’s 2013 car insurance comparison study shows a notable shift from previous years in the vehicles that are the most affordable to insure. The rankings compare more than 750 models.

In the past, minivans have dominated the “least expensive to insure” rankings. But SUVs and crossovers have parked themselves in the best spots in the rankings for the 2013 model year.

The Ford Edge SE takes the No. 1 position as the least expensive 2013 vehicle to insure. Other vehicles that can offer auto insurance savings include the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, the Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium, the Kia Sportage and the Jeep Patriot Sport.

Mercedes-Benz cars dominate the “most expensive vehicles to insure” list, holding 11 of the top 20 positions. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL600 has the most expensive auto insurance rates, topping Porsche, Jaguar and BMW models.

Auto insurance rates are fueled by claims costs, Insure.com said. Drivers of vehicles that have few claims and less expensive repair parts benefit from lower insurance rates. Conversely, high insurance rates are an indicator of frequent crashes and expensive repairs. See the rankings and survey methodology below.

The top 20 least expensive 2013 vehicles to insure:

Rank

Make & Model

Cylinders

Avg. annual
premium

1 Ford Edge SE 4 $ 1,128
2 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6 $ 1,148
3 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4 $ 1,150
4 Kia Sportage 4 $ 1,157
5 Jeep Patriot Sport 4 $ 1,160
6 Chevrolet Express 1500 8 $ 1,171
7 Subaru Outback 3.6R 6 $ 1,180
8 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4 $ 1,189
9 Ford Explorer 6 $ 1,197
10 Hyundai Tucson GL 4 $ 1,204
11 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 6 $ 1,206
12 Ford Transit Connect XLT Premium 4 $ 1,210
13 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT 4 $ 1,210
14 Honda Odyssey EX-L 6 $ 1,217
15 Jeep Compass Sport 4 $ 1,217
16 Kia Sorento LX (2 WD) 6 $ 1,222
17 Nissan Pathfinder S 6 $ 1,224
18 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT 6 $ 1,235
19 Honda Fit 4 $ 1,235
20 Kia Sorento LX (4 WD) 4 $ 1,237


The top 20 most expensive 2013 vehicles to insure:

Rank

Make & Model

Cylinders

Avg. annual
premium

1 Mercedes-Benz CL600 12 $ 3,357
2 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG 12 $ 3,330
3 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 8 $ 3,221
4 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG 12 $ 3,207
5 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG 8 $ 3,184
6 Mercedes-Benz S600 12 $ 3,158
7 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG 8 $ 3,075
8 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 8 $ 2,978
9 Porsche 911 Turbo 6 $ 2,958
10 Porsche 911 Turbo S 6 $ 2,925
11 Porsche Panamera Turbo 8 $ 2,912
12 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic 8 $ 2,897
13 Jaguar XKR (convertible) 8 $ 2,822
14 Jaguar XKR (coupe) 8 $ 2,756
15 Jaguar XK 8 $ 2,684
16 BMW 650i 8 $ 2,681
17 Mercedes-Benz SL550 8 $ 2,671
18 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 6 $ 2,642
19 Mercedes-Benz S550 8 $ 2,640
20 Porsche 911 Carrera S 6 $ 2,626

 

Survey methodology

Insure.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to provide auto insurance rates for more than 750 car models from six large carriers (Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm) in 10 ZIP codes per state. Rates were not available for all models, particularly exotic cars.

Annual rates shown are based on insurance for a single, 40-year-old male who commutes 12 miles to work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage. The hypothetical driver has a clean record and good credit.

The rate includes uninsured motorist coverage. Average rates are for comparative purposes. Actual rates will depend on individual driver factors.

Insure.com provides the rankings as a resource for car owners and buyers to see how their vehicles may be affecting their insurance bills. A searchable tool on the website lets users see national or state average rates for more than 750 models.


See last year's rankings for 2012-MY vehicles here.

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