Tesla Model 3 vs Nissan Altima Insurance Cost
The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to insure by about $325 a year for full coverage by our estimate ($1,670 vs. $1,995), and cheaper in 51 of 51 states.
Side-by-side insurance estimate
| Coverage | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan Altima | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $590 | $810 | −$220 |
| Standard (100/300/100) | $855 | $1,175 | −$320 |
| Full coverage | $1,670 | $1,995 | −$325 |
National average base rates, driver in their 30s with a clean record, latest model year of each car. Difference = Model 3 minus Altima.
Why one costs more to insure
| Factor | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize car | Midsize car |
| Powertrains | Electric | Gasoline, Hybrid |
| HLDI collision (100 = avg) | 133 | 135 |
| HLDI comprehensive | 87 | 106 |
| HLDI property damage liability | 98 | 134 |
| HLDI bodily injury liability | 91 | 174 |
| NHTSA overall rating | 5★ | 5★ |
| NICB most-stolen rank | Not in top 10 | #10 |
| Recalls (latest 3 model years) | 4 | 3 |
Collision losses are the biggest swing factor: the Nissan Altima has 2 points higher relative collision losses, meaning its crash repairs cost insurers more on average. Comprehensive losses (theft, weather, glass) also favor the Tesla Model 3. The Nissan Altima appears on the NICB most-stolen list, adding to comprehensive costs.
Model 3 vs Altima insurance by state
By driver profile (full coverage)
| Driver | Model 3 | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Teen driver (18, own policy) | $4,595 | $5,485 |
| Young adult (22) | $2,675 | $3,190 |
| Adult in their 30s | $1,670 | $1,995 |
| Adult in their 50s | $1,535 | $1,835 |
| Senior (72) | $1,870 | $2,235 |
| 30s, one at-fault accident | $2,425 | $2,895 |
| 30s, DUI on record | $3,090 | $3,690 |
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 or the Nissan Altima cheaper to insure?
By our estimate the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper, by about $325 a year for full coverage ($1,670 vs. $1,995) for a driver in their 30s with a clean record.
Why does insurance cost differ between the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Altima?
Mostly because of insurance-loss history: HLDI collision indices of 133 vs. 135 and comprehensive indices of 87 vs. 106 (100 = average), plus repair costs, theft rates and segment.
How we estimate this
We start from the state's average liability, collision and comprehensive premiums published by the NAIC, then apply a location factor (population density and commute time from the Census ACS, weather hazard scores from FEMA's National Risk Index), a vehicle factor (HLDI insurance-loss data where available, otherwise vehicle segment), and a driver-profile multiplier. Results are rounded ranges for comparison, not quotes. Read the full methodology.