InsWeb.com and autobytel.com have compiled a list of the twenty cheapest 2009 model year cars to insure “by using a proprietary system that tracks the rating algorithms of multiple insurance carriers in each state, and then combin[ing] the results for like vehicles”. Factors affecting insurance rates include purchase price, safety ratings, accident frequency, and theft rate. Premiums will, of course, vary by state of residence, driving record, and demographics.
These insurance bargains are: Saturn Outlook, fantastic safety ratings; Chevrolet Impala, low price and good crash test scores; Dodge Grand Caravan, outstanding safety ratings and low theft rate and favored by mature drivers; Chevrolet HHR, excellent safety ratings and low price; Subaru Forester, stellar crash safety and low price and low theft rate; Toyota Prius, good safety ratings and low theft rate; Ford Taurus, excellent safety ratings and low theft rate; Mercury Mariner, great crash ratings and low price; Hyundai Santa Fe, great safety ratings and affordable price; Mazda Mazda5, good safety ratings and low price; Ford Ranger, inexpensive small truck with decent safety ratings; Buick Lucerne, good safety ratings and popular with mature drivers; Subaru Tribeca, tons of safety features and fantastic crash safety; Kia Optima, low price and excellent crash safety; Ford Escape, great crash safety and low price; Chevrolet Equinox, accident avoidance features and good crash scores; Kia Sportage, excellent crash safety and low price; Toyota Avalon, good safety features and mature buyers; Buick LaCrosse, popular choice of mature and responsible drivers; Mercury Grand Marquis, above-average safety rating.
Its not guaranteed that these vehicles will bring down your rates significantly but it would be interesting to go compare auto insurance quotes for your specific profile matched to these vehicles.
The key to getting auto insurance at a fair price is to shop around. Do not just take the first policy that comes around. You will need to consider the type of car that you drive as well. If you drive a sports car you are not going to get as good of a rate as someone who drives a station wagon. The same goes for a truck, You are not going to get a cheap rate for a four wheel drive truck that has the potential to drive in the middle of fields as well as the roads. If you live in California your rate will be a little higher than someone who lives in Podunk, Arkansas.
You can save a bit of cash if your car comes equipped with anti-lock brakes. The rates also tend to go down if your car has an alarm system that has been installed. Any type of anti-theft device will generally bring the price of your insurance policy down a few dollars. Always drive safe, this will bring your number of accidents and tickets to a minimum and will not raise your insurance or cause you to be required to carry a high risk policy.
So when considering an automobile insurance policy, remember to keep your foot off the pedal, drive a sensible car, and live somewhere that rates are not to high, and add all of the safety and anti-theft devices that are available when purchasing the car. This will help to keep your rates down.