I’m planning to buy a RAV4, leaning towards the hybrid model. I’m trying to understand all the running costs involved with a hybrid.
I’ve heard that insurance costs for hybrids are higher than gas vehicles. Is this true? By how much did your insurance cost go up?
How does the overall annual running cost of a hybrid compare to a gas vehicle?
I live in California (Silicon Valley).
My insurance is $130/month. 26 years old, no accidents. Has been steadily going up every six months—not fun.
Maintenance-wise, it’s been comparable to my other Toyota/Lexus vehicles. 5K tire rotations, 10K oil changes. The nice thing about the hybrid is that I haven’t needed brakes at all and probably won’t until 90K-100K miles. That’s saved me about $1,000. Also, no brake fluid flushes, which saves a couple hundred more.
Glad I went hybrid.
@irmah
That’s why I change insurance companies at least every two years. They lure you in with good rates and then raise them every renewal period.
I’m in California. My insurance went up by $40 a month, but that’s coming from full coverage on a 20+ year-old car, so I found the increase reasonable, if not cheaper than expected.
I’m in NC, and mine is $80/month for a 2023 Hybrid with full coverage.
Drake said:
I’m in NC, and mine is $80/month for a 2023 Hybrid with full coverage.
Really? Who’s your insurance company?
Drake said:
I’m in NC, and mine is $80/month for a 2023 Hybrid with full coverage.
Really? Who’s your insurance company?
Just checked—$80/month, not $60. I always think of my six-month premium instead of the full year. I’m with Progressive, still a good deal for my coverage.
You can always call your insurance provider for an estimate on how much your insurance will be. I’ve done this many times when deciding which car to buy.
About $600 every six months ($100/month) through Progressive. XLE Hybrid, California. Full coverage, $2,500 deductible on collision.
Higher premium than my 2017 Subaru, but it’s worth a lot more than my old Subaru.
@Lucy
Which insurance company?
Benaiah said:
@Lucy
Which insurance company?
Progressive.
Have you tried calling your insurance company? They can give you the best answer since rates vary based on different factors.
Merrill said:
Have you tried calling your insurance company? They can give you the best answer since rates vary based on different factors.
This right here. I work in insurance, and there are many factors that determine your rate. The vehicle year, make, and model are just one of them.
I went from a 2014 Subaru Impreza to a 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. My rate went up marginally (~$10/month) with Geico. I think the added safety features helped offset the increased car value.
After switching to Progressive, my rate dropped by nearly 40%.
In my experience, a hybrid isn’t that much more expensive to insure. It’s always worth shopping around for better rates.
I’m in Oregon. My insurance went from $125/month (full coverage) to $211/month.
Teo said:
I’m in Oregon. My insurance went from $125/month (full coverage) to $211/month.
I’m in Oregon and pay $75/month with State Farm. The Drive Safe tracking device helps. It also doesn’t hurt to be older and work from home. 
@Zev
I’m self-employed and have the Drive Safe tracker. Is yours a new or used vehicle?
Teo said:
@Zev
I’m self-employed and have the Drive Safe tracker. Is yours a new or used vehicle?
New. Bought a 2023 RAV4 Prime EV in February.
Teo said:
@Zev
I’m self-employed and have the Drive Safe tracker. Is yours a new or used vehicle?
New. Bought a 2023 RAV4 Prime EV in February.
Interesting. Not sure why mine is so high.
We live in Oklahoma. All of our cars (RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus GX, Lexus IS convertible) are between $55-$70 per month. No accidents, good credit, garaged cars, and we bundle with house and life insurance.