Is It Cheaper to Insure a Ford F150 or a Chevy Silverado?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
The Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado are two of the most popular trucks in the United States. They are often priced similarly in base trims, but real-world insurance costs can vary based on trim level, engine, drivetrain, safety tech, theft rates, and repair costs.
So is it cheaper to insure a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado? In many national datasets, the Silverado is slightly cheaper on average, but the difference is usually modest. The bigger premium swings come from comparing a basic work truck to a high-trim off-road or performance model.
- When you compare similar trims, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 usually cost about the same to insure, with only small differences in many national datasets.
- Trim level matters more than the badge: higher MSRPs, off-road packages, and performance models can raise premiums significantly.
- Safety ratings and theft risk can affect premiums, especially for comprehensive and injury-related claims.
- The best way to get the lowest rate is to shop multiple insurers using identical coverage limits and deductibles for both trucks.
- Quick Answer: Which Is Cheaper to Insure?
- Cheaper Trims Are Usually Cheaper to Insure
- Safety Can Affect Insurance – But Repair Costs Still Matter
- Theft Rates Can Push Comprehensive Costs Up
- How to Get the Best Rate on F-150 or Silverado Insurance
- FAQs on F-150 vs. Silverado Insurance
- Conclusion: F-150 vs. Silverado Insurance Costs
Quick Answer: Which Is Cheaper to Insure?
If you compare similar model years and trims, the F-150 and Silverado 1500 are typically close in price to insure. In one large national rate dataset (2026 estimates for 2024 models), the Chevrolet Silverado averages about $2,413 per year while the Ford F-Series averages about $2,481 per year (roughly $68 per year more). That is not a guaranteed outcome for every driver, but it shows how close these trucks usually are in many “average premium” comparisons.
Bottom line: you can often get a better deal on either truck by shopping insurers than you will by switching brands.
Cheaper Trims Are Usually Cheaper to Insure
Generally speaking, a vehicle with a lower MSRP is cheaper to insure than a vehicle with a higher MSRP. That is because higher-priced trucks cost more to repair and replace, and they often have pricier components (larger wheels/tires, premium headlights, sensors, cameras, and driver-assist tech).
Years ago, you could buy a base half-ton truck in the low-$20,000 range. Today, new-truck starting prices are typically in the high-$30,000 range, and it is common for well-equipped trims to reach $60,000 to $80,000+ depending on packages and drivetrain. That is why “F-150 vs. Silverado” is really a trim vs. trim comparison.
For example, a basic F-150 XL or Silverado WT usually costs far less to insure than an off-road/performance model (like an F-150 Raptor-style build or a Silverado ZR2-style build). Options matter too: adding expensive tech packages can increase repair costs and premiums.
This is also why you may see big differences in insurance options and premiums depending on how your truck is equipped.
Safety Can Affect Insurance – But Repair Costs Still Matter
It is true that safer vehicles can be less expensive for insurers over time, but safety is only one part of the pricing equation. Vehicle value, parts prices, and repair complexity can offset the advantage of good safety performance.
If you are looking at modern models, the IIHS ratings show meaningful differences between the F-150 and Silverado 1500 in certain tests. For example, IIHS ratings for the 2025 F-150 (crew cab) show “Good” ratings in some crashworthiness tests and strong pedestrian crash prevention, while the 2025 Silverado 1500 (crew cab) shows weaker performance in some crashworthiness and headlight categories. These differences can influence claims severity, but they do not guarantee one truck will always be cheaper to insure in every ZIP code.
If you want the simplest rule: compare the same model year, similar trim, and similar safety/tech packages before assuming one brand is “always cheaper.” You can also see how safety ratings can affect pricing in our guide on vehicle safety ratings.
Theft Rates Can Push Comprehensive Costs Up
Theft risk is another factor insurers consider, especially for comprehensive coverage. Full-size pickups are common targets, partly because they are popular and partly because they often contain valuable tools and gear.
In recent national theft data (first half of 2025), the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 both appear among the most-stolen vehicles, with the Silverado 1500 showing a higher theft count than the F-150 in that dataset. That does not mean your specific truck will be stolen, but higher theft frequency can contribute to higher comprehensive premiums in some areas. Learn more in our guide: does my car insurance cover theft?
How to Get the Best Rate on F-150 or Silverado Insurance
Because the “average” difference between these trucks is often small, your biggest savings usually comes from shopping and optimizing your policy.
- Quote the exact trucks you are considering. Same year, same trim, same engine/drivetrain, same cab and bed.
- Keep coverages identical. Use the same liability limits and deductibles for both quotes.
- Shop multiple insurers. Different companies weight risk factors differently (including credit score in states where it is allowed), which can flip which truck is “cheaper.”
- Ask about discounts. Bundling, usage-based programs, multi-car, paid-in-full, and safety feature discounts can all help. If you are rate shopping, start here: cheapest auto insurance companies.
- Choose trims wisely. If your goal is a lower premium, avoid high-performance/off-road trims and expensive option packages unless you truly need them.
FAQs on F-150 vs. Silverado Insurance
Conclusion: F-150 vs. Silverado Insurance Costs
For many drivers, the Chevy Silverado is a bit cheaper to insure than the Ford F-150 in national averages, but the gap is usually small. The bigger difference comes from trim level and equipment: a basic work truck is typically much cheaper to insure than a high-trim, high-MSRP model.
If you want the most accurate answer for your situation, get quotes for the exact vehicles you are considering. You can also explore model-specific pricing here: Ford F-150 insurance cost and Chevrolet Silverado insurance cost.