How much does used car insurance cost? Most and least expensive models to insure

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

Call (844) 814-8854

Ethan Available Now

Jack Available Now

Robbie Available Now

Ellie Available Now

Average used car insurance cost by state

Where you live can shift your premium by hundreds of dollars a year. Louisiana is the most expensive state for used car insurance at $4,388 a year ($366 a month), while Maine is the cheapest at $1,513 a year ($126 a month) — a difference of nearly $2,900 annually for the same vehicle.

What are the most expensive used cars to insure?

Luxury and high-performance vehicles dominate the expensive end of the used car insurance market — not just because of their purchase price, but because of the cost to repair or replace them. The top 10 most expensive used models to insure are all from Maserati, Audi, or BMW.

Graph

Table

Model year	Make	Model	Average annual premium
2024	Maserati	Quattroporte	$7,014
2023	Audi	R8	$6,843
2023	Maserati	Quattroporte	$6,757
2022	Maserati	MC20	$6,657
2024	Maserati	Ghibli	$6,562
2024	BMW	M8 Gran Coupe	$6,555
2023	BMW	M8 Gran Coupe	$6,469
2022	Maserati	Quattroporte	$6,454
2022	Audi	R8	$6,430
2024	BMW	M8	$6,264

Powered by:

What are the cheapest used cars to insure?

The most affordable used cars to insure tend to be older, practical models with widely available parts and low market values. The 2015 Smart Fortwo leads the list at $1,696 a year — about $920 below the national average for used car insurance.

Graph

Table

Model year	Make	Model	Average annual premium
2015	Smart	Fortwo	$1,696
2015	Mazda	MX-5 Miata	$1,745
2015	Fiat	500	$1,752
2015	Subaru	Outback	$1,764
2016	Smart	Fortwo	$1,783
2015	Honda	CR-V	$1,791
2016	Subaru	Outback	$1,794
2016	Fiat	500	$1,796
2017	Fiat	500	$1,798
2015	Mazda	CX-5	$1,801

Powered by:

Average insurance costs for 5-year-old used cars

Five-year-old vehicles often hit a sweet spot: modern enough to have current safety features, but depreciated enough that insurance costs are lower than on new models. A 2021 Honda CR-V, for example, averages just $2,070 a year for full coverage — well below the used car average of $2,496. 

The searchable table below shows estimated rates for other popular 5-year-old models.

Average insurance costs for 10-year-old used cars

Ten-year-old vehicles are typically among the most affordable to insure, thanks to lower market values and repair costs. A 2016 Smart Fortwo averages $1,783 a year for full coverage — nearly $700 less than the used car average. 

The searchable table below shows estimated rates for other popular 10-year-old models.

How have used car insurance rates changed over time?

Used car insurance rates have climbed sharply over the past decade, driven by rising repair costs, parts shortages, and broader inflation in the auto industry. Across popular models, rates have risen by an average of roughly $640 over the past decade — a meaningful increase that underscores why comparing quotes at every renewal matters.

The table below compares full coverage insurance rates in 2015 versus 2025 for popular models.

Across these popular models, rates have risen by an average of roughly $640 over the past decade — a meaningful increase that underscores why comparing quotes at every renewal matters.

Are used cars cheaper to insure than new cars?

In most cases, yes. Used cars typically have a lower market value than their new counterparts, which makes them less expensive to repair or replace — and cheaper to insure. The national average for used car insurance is $2,496, versus the national average for a new car of $2,513.

That said, used luxury and performance vehicles remain expensive to insure regardless of age, because their repair costs and replacement values stay high even as the purchase price falls.

How much car insurance do I need for a used car?

Used car insurance includes the same coverage options as a new car policy. What you actually need depends on the vehicle’s value, whether it’s financed, and your financial situation.

• Liability. Required in nearly every state. Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Insure.com recommends at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage — state minimums are often not enough to cover a serious accident
• Collision. Pays for damage to your vehicle if you hit another car or object, regardless of fault. Required by most lenders if the car is financed
• Comprehensive. Covers non-collision damage including theft, fire, vandalism, animal strikes, and weather events. Also typically required by lenders
• Full coverage. The combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive
• Gap insurance. Recommended if you financed the car. Covers the difference between your loan balance and the car’s actual cash value if it’s totaled

Full coverage may not be necessary for older or lower-value vehicles, but if the car is financed, newer, or worth more than $3,000, it’s usually the right choice.

How soon do you need insurance after buying a used car?

You need insurance before you drive the car off the lot or away from a private seller — not after. In most states, proof of insurance is required at the point of purchase.

“In most places, you need proof of insurance before driving away with a used car, whether from a dealership or a private seller. However, depending on your existing insurance policy and your state’s regulations, you may have a grace period — typically seven to 30 days — to add the used car to your existing policy,” says Eliezer Zupnick, Insurance Advisor and Founder, East Insurance Group.

If you’re replacing a vehicle rather than adding one, check with your insurer — the answer on immediate coverage may be different.

How to get insurance before buying a used car

You’ll need proof of insurance before you can legally drive your used car home. Here’s how to arrange it in advance:

1. Gather vehicle details Get the VIN, make, model, year, and mileage of the car you’re planning to buy. If you’re still shopping, your insurer may offer a preliminary estimate based on the vehicle type.
2. Compare quotes from multiple insurers Used cars often cost less to insure than new ones, but rates vary widely by carrier. Getting at least three quotes gives you an accurate picture of what you’ll actually pay.
3. Choose your coverage Decide between liability-only and full coverage. If the car is financed, full coverage is required. Consider adding gap insurance if your loan balance exceeds the car’s market value.
4. Set the policy start date to your purchase date Confirm the policy activates the day you take ownership. You’ll receive a proof of insurance document — digital or printed — which you’ll need before driving.
5. Update your insurer if the vehicle changes If you end up buying a different car than you originally quoted, notify your insurer immediately so your coverage matches what you’re actually driving.

What factors affect used car insurance rates?

Insurance pricing on a used car comes down to two categories: the vehicle itself and your personal profile as a driver.

Vehicle factors:

• Market value. Higher-value vehicles cost more to insure because the potential payout after a total loss is larger
• Repair costs and parts availability. Cars with specialized components or limited parts availability cost more to fix, even at older model years
• Claims history for the model. Insurers track how often specific vehicles are involved in accidents or theft claims; models with high claim rates carry higher premiums
• Vehicle type. Sports and performance models are typically more expensive to insure than sedans, SUVs, or minivans

Personal factors that can lower your rate:

• A clean driving record
• A strong credit score, in states where it’s permitted as a rating factor
• Several years of driving experience
• Low annual mileage, typically under 10,000 miles
• Continuous insurance coverage — a gap in coverage raises your rate even if you were temporarily between vehicles

How can you lower your used car insurance costs?

• Compare quotes at every renewal Rates shift year to year and vary significantly between carriers. Comparing at renewal — and switching when it makes financial sense — is the most reliable way to avoid overpaying.
• Raise your deductible Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 lowers your premium. Make sure your savings can cover the higher out-of-pocket cost if a claim comes in.
• Ask about discounts Common discounts include paperless billing, paid-in-full policies, loyalty rewards, multi-car policies, safety features like airbags, and low mileage. Used cars are sometimes more likely to qualify for certain discounts — particularly low mileage — than newer models.
• Take a driver improvement course Many insurers will reduce your premium for completing an approved defensive driving or safety course. The course fee is typically a fraction of the annual savings.
• Drop coverage you don’t need on lower-value vehicles If your car is older and its market value is low, comprehensive and collision coverage may cost more annually than you’d receive in a claim. Review whether full coverage still makes financial sense.

“Get some ballpark estimates based on your age, driving history, and details of the specific used vehicle. This helps set realistic budget expectations and expedites the application process, avoiding short-term uninsured driving,” says Samuel Green, Founder and CEO, BLUE Insurance