When you’re comparing the costs of different vehicles, you must consider more than the sticker price and fuel economy. In most states, you will be required to purchase insurance for your vehicle. Insurance might not be your top priority while shopping for a new vehicle, but it’s important to factor it into your decision. Just like vehicle maintenance and fuel costs, insurance rates vary based on the make, model, year, and even trim level you choose.
To help with your decision, here’s everything you need to know about Nissan auto insurance — including which insurance companies tend to offer the best rates for Nissan owners.
Nissan Auto Insurance Requirements
Not all Nissan owners need to purchase traditional auto insurance. New Hampshire and Virginia, for instance, do not require drivers to carry liability insurance. Several other states, such as California, Florida, and Montana, allow drivers to self-insure with a cash deposit, bond, or proof of net worth.
Before requesting insurance quotes, take a moment to research the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Then decide if you want additional coverage. Many state requirements revolve around liability insurance, but that only covers the property damage and bodily injury costs of the other driver in an accident you cause. Liability insurance does not cover:
- Your own vehicle in an at-fault accident: For that, you need collision insurance, which covers any type of collision even if you are at fault. This includes collisions with other vehicles and instances where you hit a mailbox, fence, tree, pothole, or animal, to name a few.
- Your own injuries in an at-fault accident: Your health insurance might pay for some costs, and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can help make up the difference. PIP works no matter which driver is at fault.
- Damage from natural disasters, theft, or vandalism: A collision with another vehicle is not the only way your vehicle can be damaged. If your vehicle gets stolen or vandalized, only comprehensive insurance will help. Likewise, you need comprehensive insurance to cover damage from falling trees, hail, floods, and other natural disasters.
- Your costs in an accident caused by another driver: In most cases, you can file bodily injury and property damage claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, you might discover the other driver isn’t insured or your expenses exceed their coverage limits. That’s where your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would kick in to make up the difference. Many states require drivers to carry this type of insurance in addition to liability insurance.
Investing in comprehensive or collision insurance is usually a smart move, especially for new vehicles that would be expensive to replace. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the terms of your lease or loan might even require this coverage. Gap insurance is another common requirement for financed vehicles. This type of insurance makes up the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe if you’re upside-down on your loan or lease when the vehicle is totaled.
How Much Does Nissan Auto Insurance Cost?
The exact cost to insure your Nissan will depend on several factors. However, the average cost for full-coverage car insurance in America is $1,630/year or $136/month. The average cost for a minimum-coverage policy, meanwhile, is $785/year or $65/month. In some states, such as Florida, Louisiana, and New York, you will see rates well above the national average.
The average insurance rates for Nissan vehicles rise about the national average. According to The Zebra, the average cost to insure a Nissan is $1,950/year or $162/month. However, you might find significantly better rates depending on your state and vehicle. Safety features and replacement part costs impact insurance costs, too.
Nissan Auto Insurance Rates by Model
Below are the average annual car insurance premiums for several Nissan models, as reported by The Zebra. The list is ordered from least to most expensive to insure.
- Frontier: $1,486
- NV200: $1,486
- Rogue: $1,585
- Versa: $1,701
- Murano: $1,715
- Sentra: $1,772
- Pathfinder: $1,787
- Leaf: $1,801
- Altima: $1,819
- Armada: $1,852
- Titan: $1,897
- 370Z: $2,284
- Maxima: $2,397
- GT-R: $3,992
Bankrate also lists average annual premiums for six popular Nissan models. Its figures are very similar to those provided by The Zebra but include the rates for both minimum and full coverage:
- Altima: $526 minimum coverage or $1,788 for full coverage
- Pathfinder: $525 minimum coverage or $1,685 for full coverage
- Rogue: $507 minimum coverage or $1,560 for full coverage
- Sentra: $541 minimum coverage or $1,745 for full coverage
- Titan: $521 minimum coverage or $1,867 for full coverage
- Versa: $538 minimum coverage or $1,631 for full coverage
Note that sports cars and luxury models tend to be more expensive to insure than other sedans and SUVs. One reason is these cars are often more expensive to repair because of the price and availability of parts. The GT-R and 370Z are Nissan’s two offerings in the sports car category, while the Maxima is its most luxurious sedan. Generally, the higher the sticker price, the more expensive a Nissan model will be to insure.
Best Companies for Nissan Auto Insurance
In its review of Nissan insurance rates, Bankrate looked at quotes from five insurance companies: Amica, Erie, Geico, State Farm, and USAA. USAA and Erie had the best rates for most models. Geico wasn’t far behind and even beat Erie’s price for the Rogue. It’s worth noting, though, that not all drivers qualify for USAA insurance, which is only available to military members, veterans, and their immediate families.
Overall, Nissan models can be safe and affordable options for many drivers. As long as you aren’t purchasing a sport or luxury model, you might not notice much of an increase in your insurance rates. Still, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare car insurance rates. Ask your current insurance company for quotes on the models you’re considering to get a better idea of how much insurance will cost. Then, once you’ve settled on a vehicle, ask for quotes from other companies to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
