Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure

June 14, 2009— -- From seeking greater fuel efficiency to carpooling, some American drivers are looking for ways to save on ownership costs.

But one thing most can't do without is car insurance. Each of the nation's 50 states has laws that require drivers purchase liability insurance or provide enough "proof of financial responsibility" to cover a claim in case of an accident.

Premiums are dropping; the average in May was at its lowest point in a year at $1,871 per car, down from the national average of $1,982 in October, according to Insurance.com's RateWatch, a Web site that tracks annual average insurance rates. But they continue, for most, to be a major outlay. Still, consumers worried about the bottom line have options.

Click here to learn more about the most and least expensive cars to insure at our partner site, Forbes.com.

The 185-horsepower, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe costs an average of $832 a year to insure, the lowest of a list of just under 300 2009 models surveyed. The Saturn Vue costs an average of $911 a year to insure, and a Kia Sedona can be covered for an annual cost of $857.

Owners of luxury autos such as the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Porsche 911 pay for that kind of prestige--$2,020, $2,088 and $1,819, respectively. But those who drive the $80,790 Nissan GT-R, the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year, pay an average $2,533 a year. The sports car's super-charged 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged 24-valve V6 engine helped it to the top of the list.

Our numbers come from Insure.com, an online information clearinghouse for consumers. The company calculated nationwide average car insurance premiums for almost 300 2009 model-year vehicles. Averages are based on a 40-year-old male driver who commutes 12 miles to work. This driver has policy limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person; $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident; and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive. This policy also includes uninsured motorist coverage. Rates were averaged across multiple ZIP codes and insurance companies.