Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026

(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.

To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.

“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”

While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.

“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”

A Cost You Can Plan For

Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.

Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.

Factors Influencing Insurance Costs

Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:

• Repair and replacement costs
• Historical claims experience
• Vehicle safety features and crash performance
• Theft frequency
• Availability and cost of replacement parts
• Vehicle performance characteristics

The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure

This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.

SUVs:

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Honda Pilot
• Kia Sportage
• Honda Passport

Trucks:

• Chevrolet Colorado LT
• Chevrolet Silverado C3500
• Ford Maverick and Ranger
• Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
• Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Sedans and Coupes:

• Volkswagen Golf R
• Acura Integra
• Honda Prelude
• Kia K4
• Mazda3

Electric and Hybrids:

• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Chevrolet Blazer EV
• Kia Sportage Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Honda CR-V Hybrid

“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”

Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.

The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.

What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes

Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.

Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.

Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits

The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:

• Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
• Free general parking (restrictions apply)
• Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
• Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
• Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
• One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7

Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access

For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:

• Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
• Preferred parking at many parks
• Complimentary fountain beverages
• VIP entrance access at participating parks
• Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
• One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
• A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7

Memberships: month-to-month flexibility

Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.

Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.

Why Six Flags is making a big push now

The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.

Highlights announced so far include:

• East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
• Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
• West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.

Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.

You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming

Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:

• Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
• Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
• Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
• Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
• Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
• Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
• Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
• A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)

And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.

The deadline to know

If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.

For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.

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Source: Six Flags

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ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists

(Feature Impact) A new school year means there’s more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one.

To make sure no parent worries about their child getting to school safely, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to remember their “ABCs” on every trip: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street.

With students in school and traffic patterns changing, consider these tips so students arrive to and from class safely:

Drivers

Because children outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers, drivers have an outsized role to protect people walking, biking and rolling.

• Take your time and be patient.
• Always follow the speed limit.
• Use extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially if you notice children nearby.
• Don’t drive distracted – even a quick glance at your phone can have tragic consequences.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Adjust your driving to the conditions and use extra caution in rain, fog and darkness.
• If you see a bicyclist ahead, wait until it’s safe to pass and give them at least 3 feet of space when you do.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have an important role in their own safety, particularly in school zones and crosswalks where children and other people may be present.

• Use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see drivers and they can see you.
• Avoid crossing outside of crosswalks. If there is a signalized crosswalk or marked crosswalk, use it.
• Before crossing the street, look both ways. If there are any stopped or turning cars, try to make eye contact with the drivers before crossing so you know they see you.
• If you’re walking after dark or when visibility is poor, make yourself visible by wearing something bright or reflective and shining a light.
• Stay alert – don’t wear headphones or use your phone while crossing the street or walking across a busy road.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists can help protect themselves by staying alert and visible, especially in areas where traffic, pedestrians and young students may be present.

• When possible, plan your route along bike paths or roads with dedicated bike lanes away from vehicle traffic.
• Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors to be more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
• Learn cyclist hand signals to communicate when you’re turning, slowing or stopping.
• Stay aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians.

To learn more and join the movement, visit GoSafelyCA.org.

E-Bike Safety Tips

With more young people using e-bikes than ever before, it’s important that riders and their parents or guardians understand the risks involved and make smart, safe choices.

Since e-bikes can travel at faster speeds than traditional bicycles, they pose greater risk for serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can both travel at up to 20 mph unassisted, while Class 3 e-bikes can go as fast as 28 mph unassisted.

E-bike rules vary based on the top unassisted speed, but parents and guardians should follow these tips for e-bikes:

• Many local ordinances and state laws restrict e-bike use for minors or require special licensing.
• Helmets are required for riders under age 18 for Class 1-2 e-bikes and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age.
• You must be 16 years or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
• Never ride e-bikes that don’t have pedals as they could be considered e-motos and not legally permitted on roads.
• Ride in bike lanes or on legal paths, avoiding roads with traffic when possible.
• Be as predictable as possible and use caution when making turns, crossing streets or riding in conditions with poor visibility.

E-bike rules may vary by state and regionally. Contact local law enforcement regarding local laws.

SOURCE:

Go Safely California

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