Insuring a HUMMER

After enjoying a brief spurt of popularity during the 1990s, HUMMERs have largely been overshadowed by sleeker, more lightweight utility vehicles. These behemoths simply don't make sense in a world of ever-increasing gas prices. With that being said, one thing that the average model has going for it is its annual premium. In the scheme of things, these models are very affordable to insure. On a list of 36 brands, HUMMER is ranked 16th. There are less expensive cars out there in terms of insurance, but these autos aren't too expensive in that department. The average annual cost to protect one is $1,513.59, which puts it within easy reach of many people. Of course, those same people must be prepared to fork over a small fortune for gas. As large and heavy as these vehicles are, they aren't terribly fuel efficient. Rumors abound that more fuel-efficient models will be produced, but it hasn't happened yet.

The History of the Automaker

The company history looks a lot like the history of Jeep. Like Jeep, HUMMER has intricate ties to the U.S. Army. In fact, Jeep's Government Products division split off and took the name A.M. General in 1971. The new company began actively seeking out government contracts and got its wish in 1981. In that year, A.M. General produced the first High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled automobile, or HMMWV. This vehicle went on to be called the Humvee, and it rose to prominence during the Persian Gulf War. The company decided to make like Jeep and produce a civilian version, and the first one, the HUMMER, was produced in 1992. The brand was purchased by GM in 1999, and it has largely been quiet over the last few years.

So-So Safety Ratings Make Policy Costs Rise

Insurers take long, hard looks at a car's safety ratings while calculating premiums. Although models like the H3 have fared pretty well in government tests, they have also had a few issues. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the H3 an overall score of "Acceptable," which is one slot below its perfect score of "Good." There are many SUVs and crossovers out there that have impeccable safety ratings, so drivers are sure to be somewhat dismayed by this information.

Thieves Typically don't Bother

These automobiles are large and noticeable. It isn't surprising that they aren't popular targets for thieves. Data that is compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau reveals that these vehicles are not stolen very often. That is good because it helps to keep policy costs down. Cars that are stolen on a regular basis are riskier for insurance companies. As a result, they are usually given higher premiums.

Mid-Range MSRPs Keep Premiums Under Control

Although the average model is far from being an economy car, it is a lot cheaper than many competitors in its class. The H3, in particular, is a very affordable option. It has a starting MSRP of $25,500, which is low when you consider how large it is. The H1 Alpha, on the other hand, has a starting MSRP of over $70,000, and the H2 has a price tag that begins around $50,000. Specific information about the average amount to protect various models is not available at this time.