15 cars that are cheaper to insure in the Philippines

Getting yourself a convenience isn’t cheap. New car owners are often under the impression that car expenses will take a downturn after making the down payment. However, the fact is, that a car comes with recurring costs that often overwhelm the car owners. When this happens, the vehicle that was purchased with so much happiness starts looking like a bad investment.

To help you better manage your car-related expenditures, here is a list of annual expenses that come with a car.

Major expenses associated with car ownership are -

• Downpayment
• Monthly auto loan repayment
• LTO car registration fees
• Fuel
• Parking fees
• Car insurance premium
• Car repairs
• Toll fees
• Car wash/auto detailing
• Preventive maintenance service
• Car modification

Now, the important question is, how to save on car expenses? While adjusting your budget to accommodate new car expenses can be challenging, there are ways to curb them. One of which is buying the right car.

Yes, it all starts with the car you choose to purchase. The clear logic here is, the more expensive the car, the more expensive it is to maintain. The same applies to large cars and utility vehicles.

Experts suggest that when buying a car, go for a smaller model. Not only are they cheap, light, and easy to maintain, but the insurance is often more affordable. And that is what we’ll be discussing today - cars that are cheaper to insure in the Philippines. So, let’s get started.

Cars with the cheapest insurance

Purchasing a car that is cheap to insure can significantly reduce a car’s overall ownership cost. Several models in the Philippines are affordable to purchase and insure, thus creating a win-win situation for the buyer. Here are a few popular options -

Toyota Vios

The Vios is one of the most popular models in the Philippines, for years it has attracted buyers with its reliability and affordability factors. Further, its impressive fuel efficiency makes it a suitable city car. In terms of insurance, it is the cheapest sedan to insure in the Philippines with insurance packages starting from as low as PHP 15,000 for the J variant with three airbags.

Suzuki Ertiga

Suzuki Philippines lineup consists of two seven-seater cars and Ertiga is one of the two. The Ertiga is a perfect family car that offers a spacious cabin, several convenience features, and an array of safety gear. The car also comes with a mild hybrid system. As for insurance, Ertiga’s insurance may start from as low as PHP 17,000 for its entry-level model.

Toyota Wigo

Another affordable Toyota car available in the Philippines is the Wigo hatch. Famously regarded as one of the best cars for first-time buyers, the Wigo, is known for its pocket-friendly price tag, reliability, and easy maintenance. As for insurance, Wigo’s insurance package will cost you around PHP 13,000, for the entry-level E variant.

Honda Brio

Here’s another hatch, but from the house of Honda, the Brio. A direct competitor of the Toyota Wigo, the Brio, is known for its sportier looks and impressive driving dynamics. As for insurance, the entry-level Brio hatch package begins at just under PHP 15,000.

Suzuki Celerio

Here’s another hatch offered in the Philippines market, the Suzuki Celerio. This small car runs on a 1.0-litre petrol engine that is paired with either a manual gearbox or a CVT unit. This Suzuki car is quite popular in the affordable category and is known for its impressive fuel economy. As for insurance, its annual premium only costs about PHP 15,000 for the entry-level trim.

Suzuki Dzire

While Suzuki offers several famous small cars in the Philippines, the automaker also has a stylish sedan onboard, the Dzire. Known for its sleek body, and smooth performance, powering this Suzuki is a 1.2-litre mill. Further, its HEARTECT platform contributes towards low fuel consumption and improved performance (in terms of turning, stopping, and running). The Dzire’s insurance package usually starts at PHP 15,000.

Suzuki APV

The Suzuki APV might look a bit boring to some because of its large and boxy body, but it is a versatile car priced at PHP 740,000. The car’s generous interior space can accommodate eight people and includes features like an infotainment system, manual air conditioning, side mirror controls, and power windows. As for insurance, the APV’s annual car insurance premium starts at PHP 14,000 for the entry-level variant.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Mirage G4 hatch showcases a sporty look, generous cabin space, and several technical specs. It is powered by a responsive engine that offers flexible driving capabilities. The car might look small, but it’s pretty big on safety. As for its annual insurance premium, the Mitsubishi’s hatch will cost you about Php 16,000 for its lower trim.

Kia Soluto

The Kia Soluto gives competition to some popular sedans in the market including, the Toyota Vios and Honda City. One of its key differentiating factors is its long array of tech features including, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AM/FM radio, USB portal, and MP3. Not to forget the Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto integration. Further, like all Kia cars, the Soluto also packs a generous amount of safety features like airbags, ABS, an immobilizer, an electronic door lock, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX. As for insurance, the annual insurance package for the entry-level trim of the Kia Soluto is around PHP 13,337.

Honda City

There is hardly a prospective car buyer or enthusiast unaware of the iconic Honda City. The subcompact sedan is well-known for its well-equipped feature kit, fuel efficiency, and stunning looks. The City is now offered with Honda SENSING (across all variants), ensuring neither the car nor the insurance policy will leave the owner with the short end of the stick. As for its annual insurance premium, it starts at about PHP 20,000 for the entry-level variant.

MG 5

Priced at PHP 700,000, the MG 5 sedan showcases high-end aesthetics, stylish & ergonomic interior, leather seats, smartphone integration, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity. In terms of performance, the sedan offers easy handling allowing the driver effortless maneuvering around corners. Furthermore, owning an MG 5 means lower insurance costs i.e., around PHP 14,236 annually.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is one of the most affordable and fuel-efficient hatchbacks available in the Philippines market. This tiny car packs several safety features including, driver & passenger airbags, ABS, security alarm, immobilizer, speed-sensing door lock, electronic door lock, and ISOFIX. Coming to the cost of insurance, it is quite cheap to insure the Kia hatch i.e., around PHP 14,254 for the base variant.

Geely Emgrand

With a price starting from PHP 753,000, the Geely Emgrand is offered in three variant options in the Philippines. This Geely subcompact sedan is a true head turner with several comforting and convenient features like - intelligent interactive air conditioning, spacious legroom, eight-inch infotainment with wireless screen mirroring via EasyConnection, split trunk pass-through with ISOFIX tethers, and speakers. It may be a Chinese product but it doesn’t skimp on safety features. It comes with front airbags, traction, and stability control, central locking, hill start assist, and an immobilizer. As for insurance, it would cost just over PHP 16,000 per year.

Volkswagen Santana

There is a common misconception that Volkswagen is not that easy to own and maintain. However, that is not the case with the Santana sedan. This German car serves the mass market and offers a sleek design & engineering, and several safety features (ABS, airbags, electronic door locks, and immobilizer). As for insurance, the VW Santana’s annual premium would cost around PHP 14,010.

Suzuki S-Presso

The Suzuki S-Presso is a perfect car for both young individuals/parents and growing families. This stylish car from Suzuki is packed with several smart comfort and convenience features and many safety gears. The car is reasonably priced and is expected to have an annual insurance premium cost of PHP 9,338.

A few other options that a prospective buyer can look out for or include -

• JAC S1 (approx. annual insurance PHP 10,122)
• Tata Vista Ini (approx. annual insurance PHP 6,083)
• JAC S4 (approx. annual insurance PHP 11,653)
• JAC S2 (approx. annual insurance PHP 13,557)
• Nissan Almera (approx. annual insurance PHP 15,627)
• Kia Stonic (approx. annual insurance PHP 16,133)

Bottom line

Buying a car might be difficult and more so you want one with the cheapest insurance, but remember all your hard work will pay off in the future, in the form of all the money that you will save. As for finding a car, Zigwheels Philippines will help find you the best deals.

Also Read: Do’s and don’ts of car insurance policy in the Philippines