Sports cars: the very words conjure images of wind-in-your-hair freedom and exhilarating drives. They represent the fun side of driving, a world away from the daily grind of commuting. However, the dream of sports car ownership can quickly be deflated when you consider the often hefty price tag that extends beyond the car itself – particularly insurance costs. The stereotype of high-performance vehicles equating to sky-high insurance premiums often holds true. But fear not, thrill-seekers on a budget! We’ve explored the automotive landscape to bring you a list of the top 10 Cheapest Sports Cars to insure, proving that you can have your fun and drive it too, without breaking the bank on insurance.
Understanding the factors that drive up insurance costs for sports cars is crucial. Typically, insurers assess risk based on factors like horsepower, driver demographics (sports cars are sometimes associated with younger, riskier drivers), and the potential for higher repair costs due to performance parts and bodywork. However, not all sports cars are created equal in the eyes of insurance companies. Some models, despite their sporty nature, manage to keep insurance premiums surprisingly reasonable.
To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve consulted industry experts, like Chong Gao, director of product management R&D for Mercury Insurance, who emphasizes the importance of considering insurance costs early in the car buying process. “Insurance costs are a vital part of that research,” Gao notes, highlighting the need to look beyond the sticker price of the vehicle. So, if you’re in the market for a sports car that won’t empty your wallet every time your insurance bill arrives, read on. We present the top 10 cheapest sports cars to insure, starting with number 10 and working our way down to the most affordable.
Image alt text: Front side view of a red 2020 Hyundai Veloster N parked on an asphalt road, showcasing its sporty hatchback design and performance styling.
10. Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster is an object lesson in automotive balance. Its mid-engine layout, combined with potent engines, delivers a driving experience that’s nothing short of sublime. While the starting price exceeds $60,000, placing it firmly in the premium category, the Boxster offers enduring driving pleasure. To keep insurance costs manageable, sticking with the base model is a smart move, but even “base” Porsche is far from basic. The entry-level 718 Boxster boasts a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine, a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess. A classic 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, appealing to purists, while a 7-speed PDK automatic is also available for those prioritizing convenience. The interior is strictly for two, as befitting a focused sports car, especially a mid-engine one. Of course, more powerful engines and performance-enhancing options are available, but they will inevitably nudge both the purchase price and insurance premiums upwards. The Porsche 718 Boxster proves that German engineering and relatively affordable sports car insurance can coexist.
Image alt text: Dynamic shot of a red Porsche 718 Boxster convertible driving on a scenic winding road, emphasizing its handling and open-top driving experience.
9. Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe
Within the extensive Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C-Class represents a more accessible entry point, but don’t mistake “affordable Mercedes” for “compromised performance.” The Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe carries a price tag north of $60,000, but its blend of style and performance justifies the investment. Under the hood lies a 385-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive ensures that all that power translates into rapid acceleration, launching the C 43 from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds – sports car territory indeed. Despite this performance pedigree, the C 43 manages to keep insurance costs in check relative to more extreme AMG models. While a new C-Class generation is on the horizon, the current C 43 Coupe still offers a luxurious interior that enhances the ownership experience. The Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe balances luxury sports car appeal with surprisingly reasonable insurance rates.
Image alt text: Sleek silver Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe showcased in a modern urban environment, highlighting its sophisticated design and sporty elegance.
8. BMW 230i Coupe
BMW has streamlined its 2 Series lineup in North America, but the BMW 230i Coupe remains a strong contender in the affordable sports car segment. Offering seating for four, the 230i coupe boasts a longer wheelbase and overall length compared to the Z4 roadster, translating to more interior space while retaining agile handling. Power comes from a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, shared with the BMW Z4. (The more potent M240i variant packs a 382-horsepower six-cylinder). True to sports coupe tradition, the 230i is rear-wheel drive, while the M240i features all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission caters to everyday driving, but BMW also offers Dynamic Handling and M Sport packages, allowing drivers to sharpen the 230i’s performance capabilities. The BMW 230i Coupe delivers a compelling mix of sporty driving dynamics, practicality, and manageable sports car insurance costs.
Image alt text: Side profile of a blue BMW 230i Coupe parked, emphasizing its classic coupe silhouette and sporty stance.
7. BMW Z4 Roadster
In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs, the BMW Z4 Roadster stands as a proud reminder of the enduring appeal of the classic sports car. This two-seat convertible not only looks the part but also delivers on the promise of sporty driving enjoyment, and surprisingly, it does so without exorbitant insurance premiums. The relatively low insurance cost is an added bonus to the Z4’s inherent charms. The core of the Z4 experience is its 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While 255 horsepower might not seem overwhelming in today’s performance landscape, it’s perfectly matched to the Z4’s nimble chassis, providing ample thrills. For those craving more power, the Z4 M40i offers a 382-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, but expect insurance costs to climb accordingly. The BMW Z4 Roadster offers open-top sports car thrills with a surprisingly affordable insurance proposition.
Image alt text: White BMW Z4 Roadster convertible driving along a picturesque coastal road, highlighting its open-air driving pleasure and roadster design.
6. Mercedes-Benz E 450 Coupe
While the Mercedes-Benz E 450 sedan might be considered a luxury car with sporting pretensions, the E 450 Coupe unequivocally earns the sports car designation. This stylish and sleek two-door, accommodating up to four passengers, packs genuine performance. Beneath the iconic three-pointed star grille resides a 362-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, channeling power to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Performance is brisk, with 0-60 mph sprints accomplished in under five seconds. The E 450 Coupe’s interior exudes luxury, a welcome complement to its performance capabilities. For longer journeys, the coupe offers a practical 10 cubic feet of trunk space. The Mercedes-Benz E 450 Coupe blends luxury, performance, and surprisingly reasonable insurance costs for a car in its class.
Image alt text: Elegant gray Mercedes-Benz E 450 Coupe showcased in a studio, emphasizing its luxurious styling and coupe design.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, now in its fourth generation, remains a benchmark for affordable, pure driving fun. Powered by a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Miata prioritizes driving engagement over outright power. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, perfectly aligning with the Miata’s back-to-basics sports car ethos. A 6-speed automatic is also available for those preferring self-shifting gears. Instead of relying on brute force, the Miata masterfully combines modest power with an exceptionally well-tuned chassis. Its responsive handling and rear-wheel-drive configuration deliver the visceral driving feel that enthusiasts crave. And with its easily retractable soft top, the Miata offers the quintessential open-top sports car experience. Its accessible price point and moderate horsepower contribute to the Mazda MX-5 Miata being one of the cheapest sports cars to insure, making it a champion of affordable fun.
Image alt text: Vibrant red Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible cruising on a sunny day, highlighting its compact size and iconic roadster silhouette.
4. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI, the original hot hatchback, continues its reign as a performance icon, now simply known as the Golf GTI. It delivers a compelling blend of sharp handling, brisk acceleration, and respectable fuel economy. The current Golf GTI S model features a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Its four-door hatchback configuration adds a layer of practicality akin to a small crossover, alongside its performance credentials. Unlike many on this list, the Golf GTI is front-wheel drive, yet its handling prowess remains impressive. For those needing to haul cargo along with enjoying spirited driving, the Golf GTI is a versatile and relatively affordable choice, both to buy and to insure. The Volkswagen Golf GTI proves that practicality and sporty driving fun can come in an affordable, insurable package.
Image alt text: Red Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback parked in a city setting, showcasing its sporty five-door design and urban appeal.
3. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, a legendary name in American muscle cars, offers a diverse range of powertrains to suit various budgets and insurance considerations. For those prioritizing lower insurance costs, focusing on the more accessible end of the Mustang spectrum is key. Fortunately, even Mustangs with less potent engine options still deliver a balanced and engaging driving experience. Ford has increasingly incorporated efficient yet powerful turbocharged engines into the Mustang lineup, alongside its traditional V8 offerings. The most affordable Mustang variant is powered by a 310-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a higher-output 330-horsepower version also available. Both 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions are offered. The lighter four-cylinder engines contribute to a more balanced weight distribution, resulting in predictable handling and confident roadholding. The Mustang’s chassis has evolved significantly, making even the EcoBoost versions genuinely enjoyable to drive. The Ford Mustang offers iconic styling and fun driving dynamics with insurance costs that can be kept surprisingly reasonable, especially with the EcoBoost models.
Image alt text: Dynamic red Ford Mustang muscle car speeding on a racetrack, emphasizing its performance heritage and powerful presence.
2. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, the Mustang’s long-standing rival, continues to offer a wide array of configurations, from mild to wild. While crossover SUVs have impacted the sports coupe market, the Camaro remains a compelling option, especially for those seeking value and relatively affordable insurance. Even the higher-performance Camaro variants can represent insurance bargains compared to other cars with similar power. The base Chevrolet Camaro provides a cost-effective entry point into sports car ownership. It features a 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, along with essential safety features like traction control and electronic stability control. Stepping up the performance ladder, a 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine is also available. The Camaro’s rear-wheel drive and well-tuned suspension make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The Chevrolet Camaro offers classic American sports car appeal and performance with insurance costs that are surprisingly manageable, particularly for the base models, making it one of the cheapest sports cars to insure.
Image alt text: Eye-catching yellow Chevrolet Camaro sports car parked, showcasing its aggressive design and iconic American muscle car styling.
1. Hyundai Veloster N
Topping our list of the cheapest sports cars to insure is the Hyundai Veloster N. This quirky and fun-to-drive hatchback proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a thrilling sports car experience and keep your insurance premiums low. The Veloster N stands out with its unique three-door design and a potent 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (or up to 295 hp with the Performance Package). A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, catering to driving enthusiasts, while an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available. The Veloster N’s agile handling, engaging driving dynamics, and hatchback practicality make it a standout in its class. Its relatively affordable price point and insurance costs make the Hyundai Veloster N a champion of accessible sports car fun. If you are looking for a unique, exciting, and budget-friendly sports car, the Veloster N should be at the top of your list.
Image alt text: Action shot of a blue Hyundai Veloster N hatchback driving dynamically on a racetrack, emphasizing its performance and sporty handling.
Conclusion:
The dream of owning a sports car doesn’t have to be financially out of reach, especially when it comes to insurance. As our list demonstrates, numerous models offer the thrill of sporty driving without triggering exorbitant insurance premiums. From European roadsters and coupes to American muscle cars and hot hatchbacks, there’s a cheapest sports car to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. By carefully considering factors beyond just the purchase price, including insurance costs, you can experience the joy of sports car ownership responsibly and affordably. So, start your engines and explore these options – your dream sports car might be more attainable than you think!
