Which Vehicle Is Cheaper to Insure: Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Shopping for a car isn’t just about the sticker price. To figure out which vehicle gives you the best value, you’ll want to look at the “true cost to own” over several years—things like depreciation, financing, fuel, maintenance/repairs, taxes/fees, and (often the biggest wildcard) car insurance.

To estimate the true cost of owning different types of vehicles, compare the full 5-year picture instead of just the purchase price. A car that’s slightly cheaper up front can still cost more overall if it depreciates faster or costs more to insure.

• The “true cost to own” is about more than price—it includes depreciation, financing, fuel, maintenance/repairs, taxes/fees, and insurance over several years.
• Using common base trims, 5-year ownership estimates often put the Toyota Corolla below the Honda Civic—sometimes by a few thousand dollars.
• Insurance is frequently the category that creates the biggest cost gap: the Civic usually runs higher to insure than the Corolla for comparable drivers.
• You can lower costs on either car by shopping quotes annually, choosing a less “sporty” trim, optimizing deductibles, and stacking discounts (bundle, safe driver, usage-based, etc.).

Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla: the 5-year cost difference

One of the most popular ways to compare ownership costs is the Edmunds True Cost to Own® tool. It estimates five-year expenses using categories like depreciation, financing, fuel, maintenance/repairs, fees, and insurance.

Using Edmunds estimates for common base trims of the 2024 models, the Toyota Corolla (LE) comes in lower over five years than the Honda Civic (LX):

• 2024 Toyota Corolla LE: about $33,908 to own for five years (estimate)
• 2024 Honda Civic LX: about $37,044 to own for five years (estimate)

That’s a difference of roughly $3,100+ over five years based on those trims. The exact gap can change a lot depending on your ZIP code, trim level, financing terms, and the coverage you choose—but it’s common for the Corolla to have the edge on long-term cost.

Quick comparison: Civic vs. Corolla (what matters for cost)

• Space and practicality: The Civic tends to feel roomier, and the hatchback versions (if you’re comparing hatchbacks) can be more flexible for cargo.
• Fuel economy: Both are efficient. The Corolla has long offered a very high-mpg hybrid, and the Civic now also offers hybrid trims, which can reduce fuel costs if you drive a lot.
• Performance: Both are easy daily drivers, but some Civic trims skew “sportier,” which can matter for insurance and replacement parts.
• Depreciation and demand: Resale value varies year to year, but small differences in depreciation can swing the 5-year total.

When you total everything up, you’ll often find the two cars are relatively close in predictable categories like fuel and scheduled maintenance. The category that can create the biggest separation is usually insurance.

Insurance costs of the Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla

On average, the Honda Civic usually costs a bit more to insure than the Toyota Corolla for comparable drivers—especially when you’re comparing similar model years, similar safety tech, and similar coverage.

For example, Edmunds’ 5-year estimates show a noticeable spread in insurance costs between common base trims:

• Estimated 5-year insurance (2024 Corolla LE): about $4,971
• Estimated 5-year insurance (2024 Civic LX): about $7,042

Want model-specific guidance and typical price ranges? Start with our pages on Toyota Corolla insurance cost and Honda Civic insurance cost, then compare real quotes for your ZIP code and driver profile.

Why is a Honda Civic often more expensive to insure?

It can feel odd because the Civic and Corolla are in the same “affordable compact” category. But insurance pricing is based on risk and claims data—not just MSRP. Here are the most common reasons the Civic can come out higher.

1) Claims history (frequency and severity)

Insurers look at how often a vehicle is involved in claims and how expensive those claims tend to be. Even small differences—more frequent fender benders, pricier sensors, more expensive body work—can push the rate up over time.

2) Theft risk and vandalism risk

Car theft doesn’t just affect older vehicles—insurers also price in theft trends by make/model. Historically, Civics have ranked high on theft lists, which can raise comprehensive rates in some areas (and can raise the cost of full coverage overall).

3) Repair costs and parts pricing

Both cars are generally affordable to maintain, but insurance claims are about repairing crash damage. Advanced driver-assist tech, lighting assemblies, cameras, sensors, and even trim-specific wheels can make certain Civic repairs pricier than you’d expect for a compact sedan.

4) Safety ratings help, but they aren’t the whole story

Safety performance can absolutely affect injury claim costs. That said, insurers don’t use a single score to set rates. They combine safety performance, loss data, repair costs, theft rates, and driver demographics. If you want to check safety details yourself, look up the model year and trim at NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

How to lower Civic or Corolla insurance costs

• Shop quotes at least once per year: insurers price the same car very differently. This is the fastest way to save.
• Compare trims before you buy: sport trims and higher replacement costs can raise premiums.
• Raise your deductible (if you can afford it): going from $500 to $1,000 often lowers full-coverage premiums.
• Ask about discounts: bundling, good driver, paid-in-full, usage-based programs, and good student (if applicable).
• Consider anti-theft measures: especially if you’re in a high-theft ZIP code (and ask your insurer if it changes your rate).

Bottom line: both the Corolla and Civic are strong, budget-friendly choices. But when you zoom out to five-year ownership, the Corolla often wins on total cost—largely because it tends to be cheaper to insure.

FAQs on Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla Cost to Own