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Trucks are large, versatile vehicles — ideal for towing, handy on move days and sturdy in inclement weather. While it’s easy to presume these powerful road haulers cost a pretty penny to insure, after running the numbers, we found many are more affordable to insure than sedans. 

So, how much is truck insurance? The national average for truck insurance premiums in 2023 was $2,160, compared to the national average for cars at $2,790. That comes to a 23% savings for truck insurance over car insurance. 

According to our data analysis, the most expensive truck to insure in 2024 is the Ford F-450 with an annual rate of $3,010. The cheapest truck to insure is the Ford Maverick at an annual rate of $1,746. Learn more about the cheapest and most expensive pickup trucks, including how makes and models stack up as well as tips for budgeting for truck insurance.

Our take on the cost of truck insurance

Insurance rates have been on the rise since last year, growing to double-digit increases in most states. While it’s easy to lament the impact this can have on your pocketbook, it’s essential to understand how premiums are calculated and what you can anticipate paying based on personal factors and your vehicle’s make and model.

Lauren Mckenzie, ​​an insurance broker with A Plus Insurance, says car insurance pricing fluctuates continuously, similar to any market over time. She says various factors contribute to cost changes, but one factor over the past couple of years has led to significant rate spikes – inflation. 

“Inflation significantly impacts insurance costs across all vehicle categories, as the expenses associated with vehicle repairs, medical treatments, and legal proceedings have experienced escalations, resulting in a nationwide uptick in premiums,” she says.

Finding the cheapest trucks to insure comes down to identifying your needs and budget, checking out more standard models versus those with all the bells and whistles, doing your research and shopping around for your best options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger are the cheapest trucks to insure at $1,746 and $1,864 annually, respectively.
  • The Ford F-450 is the most expensive to insure at $3,010 annually. 
  • Truck insurance premiums tend to fluctuate based on vehicle costs, repair and replacement parts, assessed risk of theft and personal driving factors.

The cheapest pickup trucks to insure overall

The list of the most affordable trucks to insure includes two Ford trucks (Maverick and Ranger), the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, how much you’ll pay for truck insurance monthly varies. The cheapest starts at $146 monthly and ranges to $162 monthly for the cheapest models. 

Ford takes the lead for the cheapest average annual premiums. Three of its models are in our top 10 most affordable rates — the Maverick, Ranger and F-150, ranging from $1,746 to $1,959 per year. 

The Nissan Frontier comes in third behind Ford’s Maverick and Ranger, with an average annual premium of $1,885, followed by the Toyota Tacoma at an average annual premium of $1,917 and the Hyundai Santa Cruz at $1,941.

Cheapest trucksAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Ford Maverick$1,746$146
Ford Ranger$1,864$155
Nissan Frontier$1,885$157
Toyota Tacoma$1,917$160
Hyundai Santa Cruz$1,941$162
Honda Ridgeline$1,956$163
Ford F-150$1,959$163
Toyota Tundra$2,010$168
Jeep Gladiator$2,045$170
GMC Sierra 1500$2,120$177
Chevrolet Silverado 1500$2,122$177
Ram 1500$2,147$179
Ford F-150 Raptor$2,149$179
Ram 1500 Classic$2,177$181
GMC Sierra 2500HD$2,195$183
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD$2,208$184
Ram 2500$2,211$184
Nissan Titan$2,270$189
Ford F-250$2,273$189
GMC Sierra 3500HD$2,285$190
Ford F-350$2,347$196
Ram 3500$2,434$203
Nissan Titan XD$2,464$205
Ram 1500 TRX$2,565$214
Ford F-450$3,010$251

The Ford Maverick 

The cheapest Ford to insure in 2024, out of the two that made the top of the list, is the Maverick. 

Introduced in 2022, this newer pickup truck model received high marks for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and four out of five overall stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

In addition to safety ratings, reviews commend the Ford Maverick for its off-road performance, 1,500-2,000 pound towing capability, hybrid drivetrain option and reasonable purchase price point. With the hybrid option, there are also gas mileage savings. 

However, critics say the Maverick’s ride is bumpy and that the interior’s hard plastic panels surrounding the seats can be uncomfortable over choppy roads. Additionally, there are limited adjustment options between the driver’s seat and the steering wheel. 

Ford Ranger 

The midsize Ford Ranger pickup comes in second in our cheapest trucks to insure. It received top overall ratings from the IIHS for its safety features and four out of five overall stars from the NHTSA.

Some of its best features in addition to its towing capabilities and twin-turbo-charged engine, is its Sync 4A system offering audio and stereo system features, including Wi-Fi, navigation, wireless charging, satellite radio and a 360-degree camera system. It also offers trailer and parking assist features that provide automated steering and self-parking.

Critics say the Ranger doesn’t provide the smoothest ride on uneven pavement and has limited in-cabin storage. Additionally, it may not stack up to its competitors’ upgrades year-over-year. 

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier, one of three Nissans on our list, offers a standard V6 engine, a technology package that features blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, emergency reverse braking, an Amazon Alexa navigation system and reasonable fuel economy. It also received a four out of five star overall rating for safety from the NHTSA. 

However, critics say driver’s seating can be uncomfortable, the steering is overly heavy and there may be less rear seat space compared to other midsize crew-cab trucks.

Toyota Tacoma

Of the two Toyotas on our list, the Tacoma comes in as one of the more affordable models. Reviews commend the Tacoma’s tough and well-built structure, providing top off-road performance and traction over difficult terrain. It also comes with standard driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision and lane-departure warning technology and special mode cameras for views around the truck.

Some reviews state that Tacoma’s steering can be slow and not especially fast when the vehicle is traveling on the pavement. Additionally, braking can feel grabby and hard stops can create nosedives. 

Hyundai Santa Cruz 

The Hyundai Santa Cruz provides SUV comfort in a pickup truck. It has a standout aesthetic and provides a ride more like a car than a truck. It offers a hybrid option, which improves its fuel economy, and standard safety features, including monitoring, warnings, braking, lane-assist and a semi-autonomous driving system. 

Some reviews have also commented that its standard version has mediocre fuel economy and compromised rear visibility. 

The most expensive pickup trucks to insure overall

The list of the most affordable trucks to insure in 2024 includes three F-series Ford trucks, the Ram 1500 TRX, the Nissan Titan XD and the Ram 3500. On average, truck insurance ranges from $251 to $184 monthly for the top 10 most expensive pickup trucks in our listing. 

Ford takes the lead for the priciest average annual premiums. Three of its models are in our top 10 most expensive rates — the F-450, F-350 and F-250, ranging from $3,010 to $2,273 annual average premiums. 

Three Ram pickups also make our most expensive trucks to insure list — the 1500 TRX, 3500 and 2500 models. They have an average annual premium of $2,565 to $2,211. The Nissan Titan XD rounds out our most expensive trucks to insure the top five with an average annual premium of $2,464. 

Note that the most expensive trucks to insure are very large – not comparable to a Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma.

Most expensive trucksAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Ford F-450$3,010$251
Ram 1500 TRX$2,565$214
Nissan Titan XD$2,464$205
Ram 3500$2,434$203
Ford F-350$2,347$196
GMC Sierra 3500HD$2,285$190
Ford F-250$2,273$189
Nissan Titan$2,270$189
Ram 2500$2,211$184
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD$2,208$184
GMC Sierra 2500HD$2,195$183
Ram 1500 Classic$2,177$181
Ford F-150 Raptor$2,149$179
Ram 1500$2,147$179
Chevrolet Silverado 1500$2,122$177
GMC Sierra 1500$2,120$177
Jeep Gladiator$2,045$170
Toyota Tundra$2,010$168
Ford F-150$1,959$163
Honda Ridgeline$1,956$163
Hyundai Santa Cruz$1,941$162
Toyota Tacoma$1,917$160
Nissan Frontier$1,885$157
Ford Ranger$1,864$155
Ford Maverick$1,746$146

Ford F-450

The most expensive Ford to insure in 2024 is the F-450. Reviews applaud its high-tech options, solid steering control, comfortable suspension, top towing and payload capabilities — from 1,050 to 40,000 pounds based on the model year. 

However, due to its newer parts and V8 engine, towing strengths and safety technology, its insurance premiums are higher due to potentially pricier replacements and repairs. 

Ram 1500 TRX

Reviews praise the Ram 1500 TRX for its comfortable and quiet ride, with self-parking steering in parallel and perpendicular spaces, standard coil spring rear suspension and a six-seat interior cab. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick.

However, because of its newer technology and hefty price tag, insurance premiums are also more expensive, making this the second most-expensive truck to insure in 2024. 

Nissan Titan XD

Reviews commend the Titan XD for its powerful V8 engine, smooth rideability and newer technology. It’s also a great truck for varying situations, ranging from work, hauling, towing and off-road jaunts. 

It is also in its own category — between a full-size and heavy-duty truck. This can be a potential disadvantage as this type of truck type may not be a great fit for everyone. Additionally, some of the new technology and safety features may not be an option in the Titan XD. 

Ram 3500

The Ram 3500 has received strong reviews for its strong towing capabilities (more than 37,000 pounds), comfortable interior, large internal digital driver information display and sound system, automatic trailer steering control and strong off-road capabilities. 

However, some reviews note the Ram 3500 has a louder diesel engine and it may have stronger competition between the Ford Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado. Based on some of its higher-end features, such as its powerhouse engine, tech features and towing capabilities, it is also more expensive to insure. 

Ford F-350

The Ford F-350 makes it to our top five most expensive trucks to insure for some of its top features and its potentially high price tag — based on selected options and features. Reviewers like its comfortable cabin, upgraded powertrain, tech features, easy-to-use towing and hauling options and off-road options. 

The F-350 has strong competition with similar trucks with similar capabilities and features, and it is challenging to get into without side steps. 

Why is truck insurance cheaper than car insurance?

Trucks tend to be cheaper to insure than cars for several reasons. For one, many trucks have standard parts that are less expensive to repair than sedans. They also have a higher safety crash impact due to their size and frame.

Some other common considerations that impact truck premium rates include:

  • Affordable repairs: Trucks typically are made of sheet metal or aluminum, which are more affordable parts to replace or repair should your truck need it. These types of parts are also more readily available.
  • Larger frames: In general, pickup trucks are some of the larger vehicles on the road. Trucks are often safer for occupants when involved in a car accident because they absorb crash impact better than a car. This can create cheaper premiums for trucks. 
  • Rural staple: Trucks serve a large need in rural, ranching and farming communities. Their larger back areas and towing capabilities are necessary for those working their properties. From an insurance standpoint, this creates a lower risk of accidents, including fewer traffic incidents on country roads, bringing premium costs down. 
  • Standard models: Many pickup trucks traditionally were made for durability, towing, hauling and work reliability. These base models often don’t include the same technology and automatic features that most sedans have. When it comes to repairs or part replacements, standard models are more affordable to insure because of these differences.

However, truck premiums are trending slightly higher than last year. This could be attributed to assessed risks when determining premiums, such as vehicle value, theft, safety features, estimated repair and replacement costs and crime rates for specific makes and models. Mckenzie says that natural disasters and catastrophes, such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires also impact insurance rates. 

“These calamities have inflicted substantial damage on both vehicles and infrastructure, thereby escalating insurance claims. In response to large volumes of claims and heightened payout amounts, insurance firms are compelled to recalibrate premiums for all policyholders within affected ZIP codes and surrounding regions, ensuring the maintenance of financial stability,” she says.

Cars are more expensive than small trucks to insure. See rates for the cheapest vehicles classified as cars by data provider Quadrant, as well as the cheapest rates for trucks, in the table below.

How much car insurance costs vs. truck insurance

Car make and modelCar insurance rates Truck make and model Truck insurance rates 
Hyundai Venue SEL $1,718 Ford Maverick XL $1,728 
Hyundai Venue Limited $1,720 Ford Maverick XLT $1,745 
Kia Soul LX $1,790 Ford Maverick Lariat $1,771 
Subaru Legacy $1,798 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE $1,806 
Mini Countryman Cooper $1,802 Toyota Tacoma SR $1,815 
Kia Soul S $1,821 Ford Ranger XL $1,828 
Subaru Impreza $1,822 Jeep Gladiator Freedom $1,837 
Mini Hardtop 2 Door Cooper $1,828 Nissan Frontier S $1,857 
Subaru Impreza Limited $1,830 Ford F-150 XL $1,862 
Mini Convertible Cooper $1,836 Ford Ranger XLT $1,865 
Kia Soul GT-Line $1,841 Nissan Frontier SV $1,885 
Subaru Legacy Premium $1,853 Toyota Tundra SR $1,885 
Subaru Impreza Premium $1,853 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL $1,893 
Subaru Impreza Sport $1,855 Ford Ranger Lariat $1,898 
Mini Countryman Cooper ALL4 $1,858 Ford F-150 XLT $1,902 

Don’t forget to budget for truck insurance

Whether you’re purchasing a truck for work, as a secondary hunting vehicle or for your off-road adventures, it’s important to consider the cost of insurance before purchasing. Knowing the cheapest and most expensive trucks to insure in 2024 can help ensure your budget fits your needs. 

Most insurance premiums are assessed by risk, the price of the vehicle and personal factors, such as driving history, age and gender and where you live. It’s a good idea to compare at least three truck insurance premiums on several makes and models you are interested in before shopping for your new pickup and insurance policy. 

It may also help create a list of what’s essential in a pickup truck for your needs and compare costs to find the best option. A more affordable truck may meet your needs and save you on your annual premiums. 

“Truck owners, like any driver looking for insurance, should shop around multiple insurance companies to compare several quotes. Each company is slightly different with coverage options and applicable discounts that may help lower the premium for truck owners,” McKenzie says.

expert

What our expert says

Q: Why is truck insurance so expensive?

expert-image
Lauren McKenzieInsurance broker/agent, A Plus Insurance.
“These calamities [natural disasters] have inflicted substantial damage on both vehicles and infrastructure, thereby escalating insurance claims. In response to large volumes of claims and heightened payout amounts, insurance firms are compelled to recalibrate premiums for all policyholders within affected ZIP codes and surrounding regions, ensuring the maintenance of financial stability.”

Resources & Methodology

Methodology

Insure.com editors in 2024 collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male driving 1,439 makes and model trucks with a good insurance score, no violation on record, driving 12 miles commute with 10,000 annual mileage for a full coverage insurance policy with limits 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductible. We analyzed 28,561,720 insurance companies nationwide, 501 cities and 510 ZIP codes.

author image
Katrina Raenell
Contributing Researcher

 
  

Katrina Raenell is a writer, editor and educator with 20 years of experience in content and communications for international organizations, nonprofits and start-ups. In her previous roles, she was a communications manager for study abroad, content project manager for higher education and finance websites, reported on arts and culture, and was a managing editor for an online health and wellness publication.

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