Contributor, Benzinga
December 15, 2021

Want to save money on your car insurance? Find and compare free custom quotes here.

Over the past decade or so, the 4x4 has surged in popularity. You are likely to see this type of vehicle being driven around cities and throughout the countryside. The four-wheel-drive car has a lot going for it. These cars are ideal for battling weather elements with the changing climates. They can also easily handle all terrains.

From another perspective, it has plenty of space for a growing family to use every day, from the daily commute to school. Also, 4x4 cars are great for towing caravans, trailers and horseboxes. Consumers have many model options like the Land Rover Discovery to even more modern SUVs like the Peugeot 5008, Ford Kuga and Jaguar F-Pace.

Best Car Insurance for 4x4/4WD Vehicles

To maximize your savings, refer to the table below. It takes the best 4x4 car insurance companies and compares their quoted premiums to determine which option meets your budget needs. The table below displays the quoted premiums for drivers over age 25 for 12 months.

ProviderQuoted Premium
SavvyN/A - helps find you the best rates
Allstate$2,242
Progressive$1,370
USAA$1,408
AAA$1,032

1. Savvy

With Savvy insurance, let someone else shop around for the best prices. Savvy is a free website designed to help you find the best rates in under 30 seconds. It has been known to save drivers upwards of an average of $826 per year.

Using it is simple and easy. Connect your current insurance to Savvy, and it will search through hundreds of insurers for a better price on the same coverage. Savvy can also help you cancel your old policy and get a refund from your current provider.

2. Allstate

Allstate offers numerous bundled rates and discounts if you want to protect more than one vehicle. It also offers replacement value coverage that will give you the actual replacement value of your vehicle if it is totaled.

It is easy to sign up, has an extensive agent network and has a reputation for many customer service options.

3. Progressive

Purchasing progressive car insurance is an excellent option since it provides coverage for everyone at affordable rates. Discounts are available.

Progressive is more welcoming to less experienced drivers, has a great website and app functionality and offers generous driving-based discounts.

4. USAA

If you have served in the military, you may qualify for USAA insurance. Policies are affordable and comprehensive but are only available to armed forces members, veterans and their families.

Even though not everyone qualifies for a policy, it needs to be addressed that rates are low and free quotes are available. USAA has a wide range of discounts that you can take advantage of if you are looking to lower your rates.

5. AAA

One of the top choices for drivers is AAA. It is affordable and has many benefits. The online quote tool is marked at an average of $1,101.04 for a 1-year policy. There are discounts if you have multiple drivers, use anti-theft and safety devices, have taken a defensive class or are a good student.

AAA mentions new car forgiveness and accident forgiveness, too. Memberships provide Road and Battery Services and discounts.

What Is Considered a 4x4 or 4WD Vehicle?

Both 4x4 or 4WD vehicles are referred to as a two-axle vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. In some instances, it may be full time or on-demand; however, it is usually linked by a transfer case that provides additional output drive shaft and even gear ranges.

What Kind of Coverage Is Best for a 4x4 car?

As with standard car insurance, 4x4 car insurance offers three levels of protection to select from:

  • Third-party: the minimum legal level of insurance you must have. It covers the costs of any damage you may cause to another driver, their vehicle or their property. You are not necessarily covered for the cost of damage done to your 4x4, though.
  • Third-party, fire and theft: includes everything from third-party insurance but simultaneously offers coverage if your 4x4 is stolen or damaged in a fire.
  • Comprehensive coverage: the highest level of insurance available. Protection includes third party, fire and theft, as well as any other damage caused to your 4x4. Sometimes it can also cover injuries you may sustain in an accident, depending on your policy.

It isn’t uncommon for 4x4 vehicles to be protected under standard car insurance, but it is smart to invest in 4x4 car insurance for optimum coverage.

Do 4x4 Vehicles Have Different Insurance Needs?

When it comes to 4x4 car insurance, whether or not you need special protection will depend heavily on how often you use your car. For example, an SUV driven on regular roads most of the time is covered under standard insurance. If you plan on using your 4x4 for off-roading, you might want to consider special or additional cover.

You may also want to look into unique coverage options if you have intentions of taking part in competitive off-road use. Many individual 4x4 car insurance providers can offer you certain benefits as standard. This option contrasts with other providers who only provide that kind of protection as optional extras. When you consult with a specialist provider, they tend to have much more knowledge and experience, so doing your research before buying insurance is well worth it.

What Kind of Supplemental or Add-On Coverage is Needed?

With 4x4 car insurance, you may need to add extra coverage to your already existing car insurance policy to ensure your vehicle is fully protected for all the reasons you plan on using it. This includes:

  • Off-road cover: should you plan on taking your 4x4 car off-road, you want to check your policy beforehand because some providers will exclude off-roading. As previously stated, you want to check with your carrier if you are interested in participating in competitions because this activity is very likely to require special cover.
  • Towing: whenever you tow trailers or caravans with your 4x4, you need to know that not all insurance policies will cover this activity as standard. A tow bar is considered a modification if it hasn’t been fitted as part of the manufacturer’s standard factory settings.

Drivers should also keep in mind that there are weight limits to what you can tow that depend in part on your driving license category. Check your insurance company’s guide to towing, limits and insurance for more information.

How to Buy 4x4 Car Insurance

The best advice for buying 4x4 car insurance is to shop around. Drivers should get quotes from at least three companies and then try to bargain for the best price. Many companies will beat another quote, which is ultimately how you get the best deal. Talk to insurance agencies and look at and compare quotes, rates and premiums. If you have questions, concerns or inquiries, you can discuss them with an agent.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest Rates on 4x4 Car Insurance

  • Compare different insurance providers
  • Get package covers
  • Bargain for discounts
  • Reconsider comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Increase your deductible
  • Take pay-per-mile insurance into account
  • Maintain a good driving record
  • Work on your credit rating
  • Pay your bills on time
  • Terminate insurance for idle vehicles if your state allows it

4x4 Car Insurance Final Thoughts

Driving can be risky if you aren’t properly and fully protected against damage or harm. You want to drive with confidence, knowing that you are covered in the event you are involved in an accident, whether you are at fault or not. Your standard and 4x4 car insurance are essential for that purpose alone. You should continually evaluate your situation. Compare quotes to find the best option for you when you want to make a change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is insuring a 4x4 more or less expensive than other vehicles?

A

Often it is more expensive because 4×4 vehicles are placed in higher insurance groups due to their size and weight. If they are involved in an accident, they can cause a lot of damage.

Q

What are the cheapest 4x4 vehicles for insurance?

A

The top five cheapest vehicles for 4×4 car insurance are the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Q

What factors make my 4x4 more or less expensive to insure?

A

The factors determining how expensive it is to insure a 4×4 vehicle are voluntary excess, parking location, annual mileage and modifications. Talk to your insurance provider to find out more ways to lower your premium and rates.