For many car enthusiasts, the thrill of speed or sporty styling is tempered by one big question: what does insurance cost? High horsepower, large engines, convertible bodies, or rare parts can all send premiums skyward. But there are vehicles that deliver spirited driving without reaching supercar or exotic cost territory. Here are fast cars that punch above their price class — and whose insurance is more reasonable than you might expect.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.
6
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Average annual insurance: $1,900–$2,100 (national average hovers $2,100)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is about as “fun car” as it gets without turning your insurance bill into a horror story. As of mid-2025, the average cost to insure a MX-5 Miata is roughly $1,980/year for full coverage, or around $165/month. Some trims and drivers pay more; others less, depending on how “sporty” the variant is.
Light weight, modest power, excellent safety ratings, and relatively low repair and parts costs contribute to keeping the Miata’s insurance bills far below what you’d pay for many V8 or luxury sports alternatives. Because it’s often driven more for leisure, many owners have lower annual mileage or garaging situations that insurers favor. Also, trims with fewer add-ons or simpler equipment cost less.
5
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Average annual insurance: $1,600–$1,700
The 4-cylinder Mustang, the “EcoBoost” version, gives you the classic Mustang styling and sharper handling cues without the cost premium that comes with the GT/V8s. For full coverage, the Mustang EcoBoost tends to average about $1,601/year.
Because it lacks the bigger engine and higher performance specs of the GT, this Mustang is viewed by insurers as lower risk in many respects — less power, often lower speed in stock form, somewhat better fuel economy, and generally lower repair costs. Insurance can still be elevated compared to sedans, but when compared to high-output muscle or performance models, the EcoBoost is in a much more digestible bracket.
4
Subaru WRX
Average annual insurance: $1,400–$1,800
The Subaru WRX combines all-wheel drive, sporty performance, and a rally pedigree. For example, full coverage for a 2025 WRX comes in around $1,435/year on average. Another estimate from MoneyGeek shows average full coverage at $1,497/year.
Yes, its insurance is higher than something like a compact sedan, but the WRX still costs significantly less in premiums than many high-end European performance cars. Its strong safety record, popularity (which helps with parts supply, repair cost), and moderate resale value work in its favor. You’ll pay more if you push into higher trims, add mods, or have less favorable personal factors, but the base sport-car-feel comes for less than the sticker shock.
3
Chevrolet Camaro V6
Average annual insurance: $1,350–$1,500
If you choose a V6 Camaro (not the SS or ZL1), you’ll find that insurance jumps well less compared to the bigger muscle trims. For example, a full-trim 2023 Camaro “LT” or “V6” model shows average annual premiums around $1,442/year.
The V6 Camaro gives strong everyday performance with less risk than the top-end variants. Insurers often see lower potential damage or repair costs (compared to super high horsepower trims), and sometimes fewer claims, which helps keep premiums down. Still, insurance will always be higher than non-sport sedans or light coupes, but compared to a Camaro SS or other V8 monsters, it’s much more affordable.
2
Volkswagen GTI
Average annual insurance: $1,500/year
The GTI is arguably one of the best “hot hatch” bargains: quick, practical, usable, and relatively affordable to insure. The 2025 VW GTI, for example, has average premiums around $1,503/year.
Because it’s still a compact class vehicle, GTIs benefit from many of the same insurance advantages as other hatchbacks: lower repair costs, safety features, high production volumes (so parts are available), and less dramatic performance than a true sports car (even though it feels sporty). It checks a lot of boxes: weekend fun, daily usability, and insurance that won’t necessarily make your heart skip as much as the sprint from 0-60.
1
Hyundai Veloster N
Average annual insurance: $1,850–$2,000/year
The Veloster N pushes harder than many of the cars above — turbocharged engine, aggressive styling, sport-tuned suspension — so naturally insurance is a bit higher. Most recent estimates put full coverage for a 2025 Veloster N around $1,887/year.
Still, while it’s more expensive than a GTI or base hatch, the Veloster N is cheaper to insure than many comparable high-performance models (like the Civic Type R, Golf R, or various German hot hatches). There’s a trade-off: more power and more “sport” features often mean higher premiums, but if you drive it cleanly, keep it stock, and don’t live in an insurance-unfriendly ZIP code, it can still be surprisingly reasonable for what you’re getting.
What “Actually Afford to Insure” Really Means
Even though the numbers above represent vehicles with “lower than one might expect” premiums in the sporty car category, affordability depends heavily on personal circumstances. Here are a few levers that matter:
- Driver profile: age, driving record, credit or equivalent, how long you’ve been insured, etc. Younger or riskier drivers can see premiums multiply rapidly.
- Location: ZIP code, state laws, local accident/theft rates, repair cost areas, etc. Urban areas with high theft or accident rates are always costlier.
- Coverage choices: liability-only vs full coverage, deductibles, optional add-ons, etc. Dropping or raising deductibles, avoiding unnecessary extras, can lower costs.
- Vehicle condition & trim: stock trim, safety features, fewer expensive optional extras, regular maintenance, lower mileage all help.