Compare crossover insurance

The popularity of the crossover has led automakers to introduce a string of new models, including hybrids, electrics and crossovers that are off-road capable. And while crossovers tend to be among the least expensive vehicles to insure, insurance add-ons could make a big difference if you plan to take advantage of these new features.

What kind of crossover coverage do I need?

Your state’s insurance requirements may vary, but the following coverage options are often required to operate your crossover:

• Liability. This insurance covers damage done to others if you crash your crossover into another car or object. Most states require this coverage.
• Uninsured motorist. The state usually requires uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.But even if it’s not, it’s a good idea to have so you’re not stuck paying out-of-pocket for repairs to your crossover.
• Comprehensive. This coverage will pay for damages to your crossover that happen while you’re not driving it, such as theft, fire, weather damage and vandalism. It’s usually optional unless you have a car loan.
• Personal injury protection (PIP). Even if your crossover has high safety ratings, you could still suffer an injury in an accident. PIP provides coverage for medical costs regardless of who’s at fault.

What crossover add-on coverage should I consider?

Driving a crossover includes special considerations that these insurance add-ons might help you navigate:

• Collision. If your crossover is your daily ride or you frequently drive it, consider adding collision coverage to cover repairs to your car in an at-fault accident. This might be required with a car loan.
• Gap insurance. A new crossover will start to depreciate the minute you drive it off the lot. Having gap insurance covers you so you’re not left paying off a loan that’s worth more than the depreciated value of your vehicle.
• Roadside assistance. This provides help with a flat, a battery jump or a tow if you have trouble with your crossover out on the road. If you buy a hybrid or electric model, make sure your roadside assistance covers towing to the specialty mechanic that you’ll need to work on your crossover.
• Trailer or boat coverage. If you’re using your crossover to tow anything, this coverage will make sure damage to the towed vehicle is covered.
• Glass replacement. More and more crossover models with off-roading capabilities are being released, which can come with the potential for damage to your windshield and other glass. This coverage replaces your glass with no deductible — a feature you’ll appreciate if you plan to take your crossover off-roading.

Do different kinds of crossovers have different insurance requirements?

Some crossover types may come with higher insurance premiums:

• Luxury crossovers. If you choose a luxury crossover, you’ll be paying a higher insurance premium since your vehicle costs more to repair or replace.
• Hybrid crossovers. Hybrid crossovers are really popular, but because they’re more expensive specialty cars, they also require specialty mechanics. These higher repair costs mean higher insurance rates.
• Electric crossovers. Electric cars have historically cost more to insure than gas-powered cars for similar reasons to hybrids. While they aren’t common, this car’s new technology, specialty technician requirements and higher sticker price will increase your insurance rate.

How can I get cheap crossover insurance?

Crossovers typically make most lists of the cheapest cars to insure, but to find the lowest-price insurance, consider the following:

• Avoid luxury brands. Luxury cars come with a larger sticker price and a larger insurance premium. To keep your costs down, buy a cheaper crossover.
• Stick with the standard model. Your base model crossover is almost always going to be the cheapest to insure. With upgrades comes an increase in sticker price, a higher cost to repair and higher premiums because of it.
• Safety first. Safety and antitheft features put you in good standing to reduce your insurance rates, especially if your crossover has high safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which many do.

What should I watch out for?

Some carriers will try to put a lower liability limit on midsize SUVs and crossovers, with the rationale that a smaller car will do less damage than a full-sized truck or SUV. But if you cause an accident and the damages exceed your insurance limits, you could be paying excess damages out-of-pocket.

Bottom line

Crossovers are the most popular models in the US right now, and not only because they can be cheaper to insure than smaller cars like coupes and sedans. Consider using some of your savings to supplement your policy with add-ons to protect your investment. You’ll have a lot of policy options and carriers to choose from, so be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money.

Frequently asked questions about crossover insurance

• What's the difference between a crossover and an SUV?

  The most simple difference is that crossovers are built on car chassis (unibody design), and SUVs are built on truck chassis (separate body and frame) making crossovers lighter weight and with a better fuel economy.

• Will my insurance go up if I take my crossover off road?

  No. Damage that happens off-road tends to be cheaper overall than the damage in accidents on roads and freeways where multiple cars and higher speeds are involved. But consider adding glass or comprehensive coverage, so you don’t have to spend your deductible fixing chipped glass or deep scratches.