What Is the Cheapest Pickup Truck to Insure?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
So you need a pickup truck, but you do not want to pay a lot for insurance. The good news: many pickups (especially smaller trucks and basic trims) can be reasonably priced to insure. The bad news: move up to heavy-duty models, high-performance trims, EV trucks, or fully loaded crew cabs and your premium can jump quickly.
Pickup insurance rates depend on more than the badge on the grille. Insurers price your premium based on the truck’s value, repair costs, safety tech (which can be expensive to repair), theft risk, engine power, and how the truck is typically used (commuting vs. towing/work). In general, simpler trucks and lower-priced models tend to be cheaper to insure, and trucks with fewer costly components can be cheaper to repair.
Also, while 4WD/AWD is great for capability, it can sometimes cost more to insure because it often comes bundled with higher trims, higher MSRPs, and more expensive parts. But the model (and trim) matters more than any single feature.
With that in mind, here are the pickups that tend to come with the lowest average insurance costs in nationwide rate comparisons.
- In recent nationwide pricing comparisons, the Ford Maverick, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier are among the cheapest pickup trucks to insure.
- Compact and midsize trucks usually cost less to insure than heavy-duty models and high-performance trims.
- Expensive pickups to insure often include EV trucks, heavy-duty models, and specialty trims (like off-road and performance packages).
- You can often lower your truck insurance by comparing quotes, choosing a cheaper trim, increasing deductibles, and stacking discounts.
Cheapest Pickup Trucks to Insure
Rates change constantly, but one of the most widely cited datasets comes from Insure.com, which analyzed truck insurance costs using a standardized driver profile and full-coverage limits (so you can compare models apples-to-apples).
Top 5 cheapest trucks to insure (average annual premium):
1) Ford Maverick
The Maverick is a compact pickup that tends to land at the top of “cheapest to insure” lists because it is smaller, usually less expensive than full-size trucks, and commonly purchased in practical trims. For many drivers, it hits the sweet spot of pickup utility without the heavy-duty price tag.
2) Ford Ranger
The Ranger is another strong value pick. As a midsize pickup, it often costs less to insure than full-size trucks when you stick to mainstream trims and avoid high-performance variants.
3) Nissan Frontier
The Frontier has long been one of the more affordable pickups to insure, especially compared to larger, more expensive full-size models.
4) Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is a unibody pickup that drives more like an SUV than a traditional body-on-frame truck. It often compares well on insurance pricing, especially for drivers who want a comfortable “do-it-all” truck for daily use.
5) Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado rounds out the top tier of affordable-to-insure pickups. Like other midsize trucks, base and work-oriented trims tend to be the friendliest for insurance pricing.
Quick comparison table (average annual premium):
| Rank | Truck model | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Maverick | $2,118 |
| 2 | Ford Ranger | $2,156 |
| 3 | Nissan Frontier | $2,209 |
| 4 | Honda Ridgeline | $2,317 |
| 5 | Chevrolet Colorado | $2,327 |
| 6 | GMC Canyon | $2,342 |
| 7 | Toyota Tacoma | $2,345 |
| 8 | Toyota Tundra | $2,357 |
| 9 | Hyundai Santa Cruz | $2,376 |
| 10 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $2,413 |
Notice the pattern: compact and midsize pickups dominate the cheapest list. Full-size trucks can still be affordable, but trim level matters a lot. For example, a base work trim is often far cheaper to insure than an off-road or performance version.
Most Expensive Pickup Trucks to Insure
At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive pickups to insure tend to be high-performance trims, heavy-duty models, hybrids/EVs with expensive components, and trucks with very high MSRPs.
Top 5 most expensive pickups to insure (average annual premium):
- GMC Hummer EV Truck: $4,111 per year
- Ram 1500 TRX: $3,255 per year
- Ford Super Duty: $2,815 per year
- Ram HD: $2,759 per year
- Toyota Tundra Hybrid: $2,755 per year
Can You Get Cheaper Pickup Truck Insurance?
Yes. Even if you own a model that is “typically expensive,” you can often lower your rate with smart coverage choices and by shopping around. Start with these high-impact moves:
- Compare quotes with multiple insurers (prices can vary a lot for the same driver and the same truck). Use a tool like our compare insurance prices guide to make it easier.
- Choose the right trim and drivetrain before you buy. Avoid high-performance trims and expensive packages if your goal is the lowest premium.
- Raise your deductible (if you can comfortably cover it in an emergency).
- Ask about usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance if you do not drive much.
- Stack discounts (bundling, safety features, multi-car, good driver, defensive driving, etc.).
What Coverage Level Were These Rates Based On?
The rates above are based on a standardized full-coverage profile used for comparison (so you can compare trucks consistently). Your actual premium can be much lower or higher depending on your age, driving record, ZIP code, annual mileage, and the exact trim you choose.
If you only buy minimum coverage auto insurance, your premium may drop, but you take on more financial risk if you cause a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher liability limits like 100/300 (and some policies use 100/300/50 or higher) to better protect their finances.
If you are trying to spend as little as possible, this guide on the cheapest auto insurance companies can help you find providers that tend to price competitively.
FAQs on Cheap Pickup Truck Insurance
Final Word on the Cheapest Pickup Truck to Insure
Pickup trucks can be expensive, but insuring a pickup truck does not have to be. If you want the cheapest premiums, start with compact and midsize pickups, stick to practical trims, and avoid high-performance or heavy-duty models unless you truly need them.
As always, shop multiple quotes before you buy. The “cheapest pickup truck to insure” on paper may not be the cheapest for your ZIP code, driving record, and coverage needs.