Although auto insurance premiums vary widely depending on where you live, how many accidents you've had in the past, how many miles you drive each year, and so on, the kind of car you drive also helps insurers make decisions about you. To help out, we've put together a list of the 10 vehicles with the lowest average injury and collision losses, based on data collected by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) for 1998-2000 models. Note that injury loss rates are calculated according to claim frequencies filed under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies, while collision loss rates are calculated on the basis of average loss payments per insured vehicle year. (The HLDI also tracks theft loss rates, but unless you live in a large city where theft is a major problem -- New York, Los Angeles or Memphis, for example -- this isn't likely to affect your premium significantly.) Obviously, a low insurance loss rate isn't the only reason to buy a particular vehicle, but it is one more factor to consider before making a final decision. One other thing to keep in mind: The results here are generally representative of the current versions of these models, according to the HLDI; however, a substantial redesign may affect a vehicle's loss rates, so we've noted where vehicles have been redesigned or replaced by a new model since the 2000 model year.
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1. 1998, 1999 and 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
(The 4WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 2WD versions are still significantly above average.)
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3. 1998, 1999 and 2000 Ford F-250
(The 2WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 4WD trucks are still significantly above average.)
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5. 1998, 1999 and 2000 Chevrolet C/K 2500 Series
(The 4WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 2WD trucks are still significantly above average. Also note that the light-duty 2500s were redesigned for 1999 and renamed "Silverado," while the heavy-duty 2500s carried over through 2000.)
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7. 1998, 1999 and 2000 Buick Park Avenue (t) 1998, 1999 and 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe (t)
(The 4WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 2WD versions are still significantly above average.)
1998 Trans Sport & 1999 and 2000 Pontiac Montana (t)
(The Trans Sport was renamed "Montana" for the 1999 model year.)
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8. 2000 Ford Excursion (t) 1998, 1999 and 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada (t)
(Redesigned for 2002)
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(The 2WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 4WD trucks are still significantly above average.)
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10. 1999 and 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
(The 4WD models recorded the lowest losses, though the 2WD versions are still significantly above average.)
