Car insurance is a critical component of any vehicle’s total cost of ownership. And whether you’re looking for a rugged truck for work or a versatile SUV for family outings, these larger-sized vehicles with enhanced capacities often mean that insurance costs go up. Our 2026 Mercury analysis looked at these vehicles across a range of classes to determine the most affordable SUVs and trucks to insure.
“Just keep in mind that individual insurance rates will vary depending on features, your driving record, your location, and state requirements,” notes Justin Yoshizawa, Sr. Director, Product Management. “It’s always a good idea to consult your insurance provider when you begin the vehicle-shopping process. They can help you compare rates based on a specific make, model, and features.” Below are our top 10 cheapest trucks to insure, along with the most affordable SUVs to insure per our latest analysis.
The 10 Most Affordable New Trucks to Insure in 2026
Mercury’s 2026 truck rankings are based on internal analysis of insurance costs for 2025–2027 model-year trucks. Our analysis considered vehicle-related factors that can affect claims costs, including purchase price, repair complexity, availability of replacement parts, theft frequency, and safety technology. Here are the 10 cheapest trucks to insure in Mercury’s analysis:
- Chevrolet Colorado LT
- Chevrolet Silverado C3500
- Ford Maverick/Ford Ranger
- Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
- Toyota Tundra CrewMax
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Tacoma
- Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Dodge/Ram 1500
- GMC Canyon Denali
Our list includes midsize trucks, full-size workhorses, and the cheapest pickup trucks to insure. Because equipment packages, trim levels, and powertrains can all affect a vehicle’s value and repair costs, get a quote using the exact truck configuration you’re considering.
The 10 Most Affordable New SUVs to Insure in 2026
For SUVs, Mercury analyzed vehicles from model years 2024–2026. Its findings again point to several factors beyond a vehicle’s sticker price that can influence insurance costs, including safety features, replacement-part costs, repair complexity, and theft-related losses. Here are the 10 cheapest SUVs to insure in Mercury’s analysis:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Pilot
- Kia Sportage
- Honda Passport
- Ford Escape
- Kia Soul
- Honda HR-V
- Honda CR-V
- Kia Sorrento
These types of vehicles include subcompact crossovers, compact SUVs, midsize SUVs, and three-row family vehicles.
What Affects Truck and SUV Insurance Costs?
The cost of insuring a truck or SUV depends on several factors, including the vehicle itself, how it’s used, and the driver’s personal risk profile. While trucks and larger SUVs can sometimes cost more to insure because of their size, weight, repair costs, and potential to cause more damage in a collision, vehicle size is only one part of the equation:
- Vehicle type, make, and model play an important role in determining premiums. A vehicle with a higher purchase price or more expensive parts may cost more to repair or replace after an accident. Safety features can help offset some of these costs, as vehicles equipped with advanced safety technology may have lower accident and claim risks. The vehicle’s age and overall repair costs can also affect rates.
- How you use the vehicle can influence insurance costs as well. A truck used for construction, heavy towing, or other work-related purposes may carry greater risks than a truck used primarily for personal transportation. Similarly, an SUV used for frequent highway driving or off-roading may have different insurance considerations than one used mainly for everyday commuting.
- Your driving record and habits are also significant factors. A history of accidents, traffic violations, or DUI/DWI offenses can result in higher premiums, while having a clean driving record may help keep costs lower. Your age can also affect rates, as younger and less-experienced drivers generally pay more for coverage.
- Location and mileage can further influence your premium. Drivers in areas with higher rates of accidents, theft, or vandalism may pay more, while the number of miles you drive can affect your exposure to accidents. Someone who commutes long distances, for instance, may have different rates from someone who drives only occasionally.
- Credit history is also considered by insurers in many states, although the rules vary by location. Where permitted, insurers may use credit-based insurance information as one factor when assessing risk and setting premiums.
- Your coverage choices and deductible directly affect what you pay. Higher levels of coverage generally increase premiums, while choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium in exchange for greater out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
Ultimately, there’s no single rule that makes trucks or SUVs more expensive to insure. The premium you receive reflects a combination of your truck or SUV’s characteristics, its intended use, your driving history, location, mileage, and selected coverage.
Choosing the right truck or SUV doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the factors that affect auto insurance costs, such as vehicle type, usage, and safety features, you can make more informed decisions that suit your budget and lifestyle.
Whether you’re insuring a car, truck, or SUV, Mercury provides a range of affordable coverage options to meet your specific needs.
Contact us today for a fast, free quote!
How to Save on Truck or SUV Insurance
Finding affordable truck or SUV insurance often comes down to comparing your options and adjusting your policy to match your needs. Here are a few ways that can help you save:
Step 1: Compare Quotes
Insurance rates can vary by provider, so get quotes from multiple companies and compare premiums and coverage limits before choosing a policy.
Step 2: Look for Discounts
Ask insurers about available discounts, including those for safe driving, vehicle safety features, anti-theft devices, and other qualifying factors.
Step 3: Bundle policies
Combining auto insurance with homeowners, renters, or other policies through the same insurer may qualify you for a multi-policy discount.
Step 4: Choose Your Deductible Carefully
A higher deductible can reduce your premium, but make sure you can comfortably afford the out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
Step 5: Review Your Coverage Regularly
Your insurance needs can change over time. Review your policy periodically to make sure you have appropriate coverage and aren’t paying for options you no longer need.
Step 6: Choose Your Vehicle Carefully
The make, model, age, repair costs, and safety features of a truck or SUV can affect insurance rates. Compare insurance costs for different vehicles before making a purchase.
Step 7: Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can help you qualify for lower rates over time.
Step 8: Consider Your Mileage
Driving fewer miles may reduce your risk exposure and could qualify you for lower rates with some insurers. Keep your insurer updated if your driving habits change.
Step 9: Ask About Payment Options
Some insurers may offer savings for paying the premium in full rather than making monthly payments, depending on the policy and insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trucks more expensive to insure than SUVs?
Vehicle category alone doesn’t determine the final insurance premium, because insurers also consider factors such as the vehicle’s safety features, repair costs, theft risk, your driver profile, where you’re located, coverage limits, and claims history.
What makes a truck or SUV more affordable to insure?
Vehicles may be more affordable to insure when they have lower repair and replacement costs, widely available parts, strong safety performance, lower theft exposure, and less complicated repair requirements. Request a quote from your insurer using the exact vehicle identification number or year, make, and model.
Should you get an insurance quote before buying a vehicle?
Yes. Getting quotes before you buy a vehicle can help you compare the full ownership costs of several trucks or SUVs, not just their sale prices or loan payments. For the most useful comparison, quote the same coverage limits and deductibles for every vehicle you’re considering.
Justin Yoshizawa is Director of Product Management for Mercury Insurance, overseeing California’s personal lines, including auto, homeowners, landlord, and umbrella. He has led major initiatives such as the rollout of the aligned umbrella product across all Mercury territories and serves as a company spokesperson on auto-related topics. Yoshizawa holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Applied Statistics from UC Santa Barbara.
The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.