What are the cheapest cars to insure?
If you’re in the market for your next car, you’ll want to factor in the cost of insurance. As one of the biggest costs car owners face, it’s worth finding out what the cheapest cars to insure are – especially if you’re a younger driver.
We look at low insurance group cars that could help you get a cheaper quote.
If you’re in the market for your next car, you’ll want to factor in the cost of insurance. As one of the biggest costs car owners face, it’s worth finding out what the cheapest cars to insure are – especially if you’re a younger driver.
We look at low insurance group cars that could help you get a cheaper quote.
Cheapest Cars to insure (2024)
We’ve put together a list of some of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK.
This includes some of the bestselling cars that are allocated to the lowest car insurance group (group one), including new and used cars. Low insurance group cars can be the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers. However, the price of your insurance will depend on your personal details and driving history.
1. CITROEN C1
Vibe (2005-2008) and Airplay (2006-2007) models are in group one
With its compact size, the Citroen C1 makes for a great city runner. While it may be small, it’s smart with the space it does have and offers a modern look. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine means it doesn’t have a lot of power behind it, but it’s cheap to run.
2. FIAT PANDA
Active (2004-2008) and Active ECO (2008-2012) models are in group one
Thanks to its shape and design, the Fiat Panda is quite roomy for a hatchback. It’s a relatively cheap model, which means it’s fairly basic in terms of features, but offers good value for money.
3. FORD KA+
Studio model (2016-2018) is in group one
That plus has gone a long way. The Ford Ka+ puts that extra into everything. It’s more spacious and stylish than its predecessor, but remains an affordable, comfortable, albeit simple, car.
4. HYUNDAI i10
Premium, S, SE, SE Blue Drive and S Air models (2014-2016) are in group one
Good things sometimes come in small packages, and the Hyundai i10 certainly fits that description. Ideal as a small city car, this practical hatchback has a smart design and features plenty of modern tech, all at a competitive price.
5. KIA RIO
1 Air (diesel) model (2015-2017) is in group one
As a cheap family hatchback, the Kia Rio offers style and features that could go toe-to-toe with its rivals. Although it might not be the most exciting to drive, the diesel models in particular offer good fuel economy and it’s competitively priced. But what really sets it apart from the competition is the seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty that comes with all Kia models.
6. NISSAN MICRA
Visia 71 and Visia+ 71 (2016-2022) models are in group one
The newer Nissan Micra has a sharper, more edgy design than its predecessors, making it a more modern-looking hatchback. The Micra is known for being approachable, reliable and cheap to run – hence its popularity with driving schools. It’s a little bit tight for space in the back though.
7. SKODA FABIA
SE, SE Drive and Colour Edition MPI 60 models (2019-2021) are in group one
A great value-for-money hatchback, the Skoda Fabia is cheap to buy and to run. It also has plenty of room for a hatchback, with a comfortable and stylish interior. It might lag slightly behind some of its competitors in terms of modern features. But, if you’re on a budget, this could still be a great no-nonsense choice.
8. VAUXHALL CORSA
Expression (2006-2009) and Expression Ecoflex (2010-2011) models are in group one
A regular sight on UK roads, the Vauxhall Corsa is a popular choice for young drivers looking for a cheap first car. It’s easy to drive and thanks to its popularity, there are plenty of used Corsas on the market.
9. VOLKSWAGEN POLO
S, SE, Beats, Active and Match models (2018-present) are in group one
Another familiar model in the UK, the Volkswagen Polo is popular for a reason. It’s known for being roomy, comfortable and easy to drive. It may be a little more expensive to buy than other group 1 models on this list, but maintenance and repair costs tend to be economical.
10. VOLKSWAGEN UP!
MOVE UP model (2012-2016) is in group one
While the VW UP! might be small, don’t underestimate it. It’s smart, smooth and more spacious on the inside than you’d expect, and that small size makes it ideal for a city runaround car.
How can I compare car insurance quotes?
One of the quickest ways to make sure you get great value car insurance is to compare quotes. It’s simple to do and won’t take more than a few minutes of your time to generate quotes.
Give us some details about you and your car, and we’ll provide you with a list of quotes. Your results will start with the cheapest insurance available for you from our panel.
Frequently asked questions
Which car is the cheapest to insure in the UK?
The cheapest cars to insure in the UK will typically be those assigned to car insurance group 1. Broadly speaking, the lower the insurance group a car is in, the cheaper it will be to insure.
Bear in mind that different versions of the same car model can be placed in different insurance groups. For example, the Volkswagen Up! MOVE UP model (released from 2012-2016) is in car insurance group 1 while the Volkswagen Up! GTi 115 model (2018-2020) is in insurance group 17.
The insurance group your car is in depends on factors including the value of the car, the cost of repairs, the engine size and security and safety features.
Are old or new cars cheaper to insure?
Unfortunately, it’s not clear-cut which is cheaper to insure when it comes to new cars vs used cars.
In some ways, an older car can be cheaper to insure than a new car because they’re typically worth less, less attractive to thieves and they may be easier to repair. On the other hand, newer cars typically have much better security and safety features.
Are second-hand cars cheaper to insure?
Second-hand cars are not necessarily cheaper to insure. A car’s insurance group depends on several factors including value, repair costs, engine size, safety and security features.
There are second-hand cars in low insurance groups and second-hand cars in higher insurance groups. Similarly, you can buy safe and economical cars brand new that are in low insurance groups or high-performance, high-value brand-new cars in high insurance groups.
What's the cheapest insurance group?
Group 1 cars are the cheapest to insure, although the price you pay for your car insurance premiums will be influenced by other factors including your age, postcode, mileage and driving history.
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Julie Daniels - Motor insurance expert
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News and Capital FM, about car and home insurance, as well as our rewards scheme.
Rebecca Goodman – Personal finance expert
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs. Rebecca regularly writes for national newspapers including The Independent and The Mail on Sunday on a wide-range of financial topics. She covers everything from money-saving tips and holiday advice to investigations into how energy efficient appliances can cut the cost of household bills and the impact donating money can have on those in need. Along with features in national papers, Rebecca also writes news stories for websites including Yourmoney.com and The Money Edit.