The Cheapest First Cars to Insure

Choosing the cheapest first cars to insure can make a huge difference to the cost. Before an insurer looks at your age, driving history or where you live, it will also consider the car you want to insure. For a new driver, that makes your choice of car one of the biggest pricing factors you can control.

Cars in the UK sit in insurance groups from 1 to 50. Generally, cars in lower groups cost less to insure, while cars in higher groups cost more. Factors such as performance, repair costs, security and the value of parts all help determine where a particular model and trim sits.

For a new driver, the difference can be significant. A car in insurance group 3 could cost hundreds of pounds less to insure than one in group 15.

So, which cars should you look for? Here are some of the cheapest first cars to insure, plus a few popular choices where picking the right version really matters.

First cars in low insurance groups

Small city cars with modest engines tend to dominate the lowest insurance groups. They’re usually affordable to run, relatively inexpensive to repair and less powerful than larger alternatives.

Some popular options include:

• Volkswagen Up!, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii: These three cars share much of the same engineering and many versions fall into very low insurance groups. They’re compact, economical and well suited to new drivers.
• Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto: Both have plenty of low insurance group versions and offer the practicality you need from an everyday first car without unnecessarily powerful engines.
• Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1: Another closely related trio. Their small engines, compact size and relatively low running costs make them popular choices for first-time drivers.
• Fiat Panda: Certain versions start in very low insurance groups, while its practical shape gives you more usable space than you might expect from a small car.
• Dacia Sandero: Basic, smaller-engined versions can sit in relatively low insurance groups while offering more space than many traditional city cars.

There’s a clear pattern. If cheap first car insurance is the priority, small engines, standard trims and compact cars are usually the best places to start.

Popular first cars where the exact version matters

The Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo remain popular choices for first-time drivers. However, don’t assume every version will be cheap to insure.

Insurance groups can vary considerably between different engines and trim levels of the same model.

A basic Fiesta with a small engine, for example, could sit in a much lower insurance group than a sportier version. The same applies to the Corsa and Polo.

That’s why you should always check the exact engine, trim and model year rather than relying on the car’s name alone.

Sporty badges should also make you stop and check the insurance price before buying. Versions such as ST, GTI and VXR models usually bring more performance and, as a result, potentially much higher premiums.

Modifications can push prices up too. A car with aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, engine modifications or bodywork might look appealing, but you need to declare those changes to your insurer.

For a first car, a standard, unmodified example will often make more financial sense.

Insurance groups aren’t the only thing that matters

A low insurance group is a great starting point, but insurers consider much more than the group number when calculating your quote.

Modifications can increase the price because they may affect the car’s performance, value or repair costs. You also need to declare them accurately.

Security can matter too. Insurers consider theft risk when pricing policies, so some desirable or frequently stolen cars may cost more to insure.

Where you keep the car overnight also affects your quote. Parking on a driveway, in a garage or on the street can produce different prices depending on your circumstances and location.

Finally, don’t assume an older and cheaper car will automatically mean cheaper insurance.

A £1,000 car isn’t necessarily cheaper to insure than a £4,000 one. A newer city car could have better safety technology, easier-to-source parts and a lower insurance group, all of which can affect the final quote.

The only reliable way to compare them is to get actual insurance quotes.

Check insurance before buying your first car

It’s easy to find a car you love and only think about insurance afterwards. For a new driver, doing things in the opposite order can save a lot of money.

Start by shortlisting two or three cars in low insurance groups. Then find specific examples for sale and get insurance quotes before you buy.

Remember to quote the actual version you’re considering. Two cars that look almost identical could have different engines, trims and insurance groups.

Checking beforehand means you know roughly what the car will cost to insure before handing over any money.

Once you’ve found an affordable option, you can move on to checking its MOT history, condition, running costs and vehicle history before deciding whether it’s the right first car.

Cheapest first car FAQs

What insurance group should a first car be?

If keeping insurance costs down is your priority, looking at cars in insurance groups 1 to 5 is a sensible place to start.

That doesn’t mean you should automatically rule out anything above group 5. Insurance prices depend on the driver as well as the car, so always get a quote before deciding.

Most importantly, check the insurance group of the exact engine and trim you’re considering.

How do I find a car’s insurance group?

You can find insurance groups through vehicle lookup tools, manufacturer information and many used-car listings.

Make sure you’re checking the specific version of the car. Different engines and trims can sit in very different insurance groups even when the cars look almost identical.

Are older cars cheaper to insure for new drivers?

Not always.

An older car may have a lower purchase price, but that doesn’t automatically translate into cheaper insurance. Safety features, repair costs, theft statistics, parts availability and previous claims data can all affect the premium.

In some cases, a newer low-group city car could cost less to insure than a much older car.

Is a bigger engine worth it for a first car?

If your main goal is keeping costs down, a smaller engine will usually make more sense.

More powerful cars often sit in higher insurance groups and can also use more fuel. For young and newly qualified drivers already facing higher insurance premiums, the extra performance can become an expensive upgrade.

Do electric cars make cheap first cars?

Some small electric cars can work well as first cars, but don’t assume an EV will automatically be cheap to insure.

Repair costs, battery technology, parts prices and the value of the vehicle can all influence premiums. Insurance groups also vary significantly between electric models.

If you’re considering an electric first car, get a quote for the exact model and version before buying. As more affordable EVs enter the used market, the options available to new drivers will continue to change.

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