What is the cheapest vehicle to insure in Canada?

On IBC's 2026 claims data, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan AWD. No model guarantees the lowest insurance rates, though.

Is an SUV cheaper to insure than a sedan?

In the 2025 data, usually: the median collision score across IBC's 2025 models is 123.1 for SUVs and 206.0 for four-door cars. Our earlier explainer found SUVs typically cost more than sedans in insurance rates, so check the exact model.

Which are the cheapest SUVs to insure?

The Tiguan, Taos, Outback and Encore GX lead 2025. Each scores below average on at least two national indexes.

Why is the Honda Civic expensive to insure?

The 2025 Civic sedan scores about 2.5 times the average on collision and DCPD. More Civics on the road means more claims.

Are used cars cheaper to insure than new cars?

Often, but not by default. IBC notes newer technology makes vehicles more expensive to repair, from parts to replacement costs. Yet in its file, the 2023 version of a model scores higher on collision than the 2025 version for 53 of 82 models. Check the specific model year.

Cheapest Vehicles to Insure in Canada: Prices and Value Compared

AutoScout24

2026-10-01 · 9 min read

Cheapest Vehicles to Insure in Canada: Prices and Value Compared

The cheapest vehicles to insure in Canada right now are small and compact SUVs that rarely end up in claims.

In the Insurance Bureau of Canada's 2026 claims data, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Outback and Buick Encore GX post the lowest combined claim costs. The vehicle is only part of your premium, though. Your driving record and postal code can move it more.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan AWD scores 60.6 on collision and 53.4 on comprehensive claims in IBC's 2026 data, about 39 and 47 per cent below the national average.
Cheap to buy isn't cheap to insure: the 2025 Hyundai Elantra scores 336.4 on collision claims, more than three times the average.
Comprehensive claims, which include theft, push up popular trucks and SUVs: the 2025 Toyota Tacoma 4WD scores 217.9 and the 2025 Honda CR-V AWD 212.9.
Insurers also weigh your driving record, where you live and how much you drive, so price the insurance on a specific vehicle before you buy it.

Selection Criteria: How We Ranked the Cheapest Cars to Insure

We skipped quotes, since one driver profile says little about your bill. Claims data is a more reliable guide. For a deeper look at how insurance costs vary by model, see our explainer.

What the Insurance Bureau of Canada's How Cars Measure Up Tracks

The Insurance Bureau of Canada publishes How Cars Measure Up every year. The 2026 edition covers 1998 to 2026 models with at least 1,500 vehicles insured between 2020 and 2025, built from actual claims data from most Canadian insurers. It analyzes claim frequency and cost. Separately, most insurers use the CLEAR system to rate a vehicle's safety equipment and its cost to repair or replace.

Each model gets a relative score where 100 is average and lower is better: a 122 is 22 per cent above average, an 87 is 13 per cent below.

Collision, Comprehensive and DCPD Claims Explained

We ranked the 2025 model year on three national indexes: collision, comprehensive and direct compensation property damage (DCPD). Collision claims come from collision coverage; comprehensive coverage handles perils such as vandalism and theft. We left out accident benefits, an Ontario-only index.

Scores differ by drivetrain, so we name the version IBC lists. We ranked by the average of the three scores, lowest first; that's AutoTrader's method, not IBC's. Model year 2026 has only three entries, so 2025 is the newest usable year.

Top Choices: The Cheapest Vehicles to Insure in Canada

Seven crossover-style vehicles stand out (IBC classes the Outback as a wagon and the Crosstrek as a four-door). We left out heavy-duty pickups such as the Silverado 2500. Prices are Canadian starting prices, accessed Oct. 6, 2026. See also the cheapest cars with the best safety ratings.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan AWD has the lowest combined score of any 2025 model: 60.6 collision, 53.4 comprehensive and 103.3 DCPD.

It suits families wanting room without a big claims profile. Volkswagen Canada lists the 2026 Tiguan Trendline from $40,618.

Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos AWD scores 48.9 on comprehensive, roughly half the average, and 72.5 on collision. DCPD is its weak spot at 113.8.

The Taos is the Tiguan's smaller sibling. The 2027 Taos starts at $30,595 (MSRP, Trendline FWD; the claims figures are for the AWD).

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the only model here with all three scores at or below about 86: collision 78.3, comprehensive 85.9 and DCPD 81.0. That consistency makes it one of the cheapest to insure on paper.

Subaru Canada lists the 2026 Outback from $40,895 (Touring). The claims figures belong to the 2025 model; treat them as a guide.

Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX AWD scores 76.5 on collision, 73.1 on comprehensive and 106.1 on DCPD.

A less common badge may help keep it affordable to insure. Buick lists an all-in cash purchase price of $33,716.50.

Nissan Kicks Play

The Nissan Kicks Play 2WD has our lowest comprehensive score, 38.1, but collision sits 38 per cent above average at 137.6. It's the first-generation Kicks carried over as a budget-oriented Kicks Play. AutoTrader's research data lists the 2025 Kicks Play S at $22,598 (MSRP).

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek AWD scores 61.0 on comprehensive; collision and DCPD both sit at 107.6.

Subaru Canada lists the 2027 Crosstrek from $30,695 (Convenience).

Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista

The Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista 2WD share IBC figures: 95.5 collision, 67.2 comprehensive, 119.1 DCPD.

The 2026 Trax starts at $30,175; the Envista at $32,892 (MSRP).

Browse New SUVs That Are Cheap to Insure on AutoTrader.ca

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Cost and Capability Comparison: Prices and Insurance Costs Side by Side

Claims indexes, not premiums, beside purchase price.

Model (as listed by IBC)	Body (IBC)	Collision	Comp	DCPD	Starting price in Canada (accessed Oct. 6, 2026)
Volkswagen Tiguan AWD	SUV	60.6	53.4	103.3	$40,618 (2026, Trendline)
Volkswagen Taos AWD	SUV	72.5	48.9	113.8	$30,595 (2027, Trendline FWD)
Subaru Outback AWD	Wagon	78.3	85.9	81.0	$40,895 (2026, Touring)
Buick Encore GX AWD	SUV	76.5	73.1	106.1	$33,716.50 (cash purchase, all-in)
Nissan Kicks Play 2WD	SUV	137.6	38.1	89.0	$22,598 (2025, S)
Subaru Crosstrek AWD	4D	107.6	61.0	107.6	$30,695 (2027, Convenience)
Chevrolet Trax / Buick Envista 2WD	SUV	95.5	67.2	119.1	Trax $30,175 (2026); Envista $32,892 (MSRP)
Subaru Forester AWD	Wagon	97.1	78.0	109.7	$34,195 (2026, Convenience)
Toyota RAV4 4WD (gas)	SUV	94.0	75.7	126.3	$33,555 (2025, AWD)

Claims: IBC How Cars Measure Up 2026, 2025 model year. Prices are MSRP except the Encore GX, an all-in cash price. Subaru's all-in price adds $2,790 (Forester, Outback) or $2,990 (Crosstrek).

Pros and Cons: Cheap to Buy Isn't Always Cheap to Insure

Several of the most affordable new cars in Canada score far above average on claims.

Why Repair Costs and Claim Volume Push Compact Sedans Up

These 2025 compact sedans post the highest collision scores here:

Hyundai Elantra: 336.4 collision, 365.9 DCPD
Kia K4: 270.1 collision, 346.5 DCPD
Honda Civic sedan: 251.9 collision, 251.5 DCPD
Volkswagen Jetta: 202.8 collision, 224.1 DCPD
Toyota Corolla sedan: 152.7 collision, 189.6 DCPD

AutoTrader's earlier analysis of IBC data points to popularity: mass-market compacts generate many claims. Repair costs add to it, IBC says. For the other end of the scale, see the most expensive cars to insure.

Theft Risk and Comprehensive Claims on Trucks and Popular SUVs

Comprehensive claims tell a different story, because high theft rates land there. The 2025 Honda CR-V AWD scores 212.9, the Ford F-150 4WD 179.7 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD 132.7, and all three made the 2024 list of Canada's most stolen vehicles. The Toyota Tacoma 4WD scores higher still, at 217.9.

Other popular compact SUVs show the reverse pattern. The 2025 Ford Escape AWD, Mazda CX-5 AWD and Hyundai Kona AWD score low on comprehensive (85.9, 61.6 and 70.9) but above 140 on DCPD.

One good score doesn't make a vehicle cheap to insure; check all three.

The Cheapest Used Cars to Insure: 2021 to 2023 Model Years

Some used models score well below average, but older isn't always cheaper.

Used Models With Below-Average Claim Costs

Model (as listed by IBC)	Model year	Collision	Comp	DCPD	Used asking price
Chevrolet Trax / Buick Encore 2WD	2021	52.4	71.8	96.2	22,500
Subaru Outback AWD	2023	65.4	56.0	99.6	36,200
Subaru Crosstrek AWD	2023	69.3	70.0	109.1	29,800
Buick Envision AWD	2022	86.8	70.1	81.5	30,800
Ford Maverick Hybrid 2WD	2023	85.5	47.3	107.5	33,500
Volkswagen Taos AWD	2022	86.1	53.8	105.2	25,000
Ford Ranger 4WD	2023	92.5	90.0	77.1	45,300

The 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid's 47.3 comprehensive score is this table's lowest. Prices: middle 80 per cent of AutoTrader.ca used listings, Oct. 6, 2026.

Shop Used Cars That Are Cheap to Insure on AutoTrader.ca

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See Used Cars for Sale

How to Choose: Lower Your Insurance Premiums on Any Vehicle

IBC's guidance is blunt. Generally, the harder a car is to steal and the cheaper it is to repair, the lower your premiums, according to its page on how auto insurance rates are set. Insurers also weigh safety features, your claims history, your driving experience and kilometres driven per year. Insurance is part of total cost, so lower premiums matter.

Compare Insurance Quotes Before You Buy and Keep a Clean Driving Record

IBC lists a clean record among the best ways to drive down your rates. Its other tips include:

Compare quotes on a specific vehicle before buying it.
Raise your deductible: when the deductible goes up, the premium goes down.
Install a theft-deterrent system.
Bundle your car and home insurance policies.
Consider dropping collision coverage on an older vehicle.

Insurers may help pay for anti-theft devices. Our list of ways to save on car insurance has more.

Public Auto Insurance in B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec

Where you live shapes car insurance rates. British Columbia (ICBC), Saskatchewan (SGI) and Manitoba (Manitoba Public Insurance) run public auto insurance. Quebec splits it: the SAAQ covers bodily injury, while private insurers cover property damage and civil liability. The rest of Canada buys coverage from private insurance companies. Read how car insurance differs from province to province.