The best (and cheapest) cars to insure in Canada

This article has been updated from a previous version published on February 19, 2025.

When it comes to insurance, safe vehicles often translate to lower premiums.

Insurance companies use crash test ratings, repair costs, and theft records to calculate premiums, which means vehicles recognized for their safety features—like the ones awarded the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+—usually cost less to insure. They also offer better protection.

So, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, here are the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners and insights on which models may help you stay safe on the road while saving on insurance costs.

Fewer winners, tougher tests

This year, fewer vehicles are earning top safety awards and it’s no accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has made its crash tests tougher, especially when it comes to protecting passengers in the back seat.

According to IIHS, only 48 models have earned a TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award so far in 2025, down from 71 at the same time last year. The drop comes after IIHS made one of its crash tests more demanding. The updated test now includes a second dummy in the back seat, representing a small adult or child. 

To win a TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle now needs a good rating in this new test. For the base TOP SAFETY PICK, an acceptable rating is enough.

IIHS made the change after finding that many newer vehicles offer better protection in the front than in the back. In fact, belted adults in the rear seat are found to be 46% more likely to suffer fatal injuries than those in the front. The updated test is meant to close that gap and push automakers to improve safety for all passengers.

For drivers, especially families, this shift matters. Vehicles that perform well in the updated test are likely to be safer overall and that can lead to lower insurance costs, since insurers often reward safer cars with cheaper premiums.

Read more: Can a vehicle’s safety features get you cheaper car insurance?

The Top Safety Pick+ vehicles with the cheapest car insurance

Cars that earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ go through a series of tough crash tests run by the IIHS, including the newer test that checks how well the back seat protects passengers.

To get the “plus” rating, a car needs to score well in all major crash tests, have good or acceptable headlights on every trim, and show strong performance in avoiding crashes with pedestrians—during both the day and night.

Because these vehicles are built to protect everyone inside, they’re often seen as lower-risk by insurance companies. That can lead to cheaper insurance rates, making them a smart pick for drivers who want safety and savings.

Here’s a list of 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles by category, ranked from most to least affordable to insure* in Canada based on quotes generated by the RATESDOTCA auto insurance quoter:

Which cars are the cheapest to insure?

Now that we’ve looked at the full list, let’s look into which models offer the best value. For example, some models—especially small SUVs and small cars—tend to come with lower premiums.

These vehicles are usually cheaper to repair, less likely to be involved in expensive claims, and have strong safety records, which makes them more appealing to insurance companies.

Based on data from the RATESDOTCA Auto Insurance Quoter, the Mazda CX-30 was associated with the lowest premiums among TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles, at $1,996 annually.

Other affordable picks include the Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda 3 sedan. These models offer a strong mix of safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

On the other hand, larger and luxury vehicles—like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class—tend to cost more to insure. That’s often because of higher repair costs and more expensive parts.

If you're looking to save, stick to smaller models with strong safety ratings.

Read next: Why your new car's headlights cost $6,500 more than your old car's headlights

How are auto insurance rates determined?

Safety features aren’t the only variable affecting your rate. Insurers also consider the following factors when calculating premiums:

• Your driving record: Tickets, accidents, or claims can raise premiums.
• Age and location: Younger drivers and those living in urban areas often pay higher rates.
• Vehicle use: The more you drive, the greater the risk, impacting your rates.
• Repair costs: Models that are expensive to repair after collisions come with pricier policies.

Every person is different, so even if your neighbour drives the same vehicle as you, you may end up with a significantly different rate. Compare and save on car insurance before making your final purchase decision.

Learn more: These are the top five factors that influence your auto insurance rate