Cheapest Cars to Insure for Young Drivers in the UK

Summary

• Insurance groups 1-10 are cheapest: Smaller engines and safer cars cost less to insure.
• Popular choices: Volkswagen Up, Fiat 500, Seat Ibiza, Toyota Aygo, and Vauxhall Corsa.
• You can save hundreds with the right car choice and a few smart moves. Read our young driver insurance guide.

Just passed your test? Congratulations! Now comes the expensive bit — insurance.

For drivers aged 17-25, car insurance can cost more than the car itself. But choosing the right vehicle makes a huge difference. Here are the cheapest cars to insure.

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Why Is Insurance So Expensive for Young Drivers?

It comes down to risk. Young drivers are statistically more likely to have an accident. Insurers charge more because they pay out more for this age group.

Drivers aged 17-24 make up just 7% of UK licence holders but are involved in 24% of fatal and serious crashes.

The good news? The car you choose can cut hundreds off your premium.

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How Insurance Groups Work

Every car in the UK is placed in an insurance group from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive). The group is based on:

• Engine size and power: Smaller, less powerful engines are cheaper.
• Repair costs: Cheaper parts mean lower insurance.
• Safety features: Cars with airbags, ABS, and stability control score better.
• Security: Built-in alarms and immobilisers reduce theft risk.
• Performance: Faster cars cost more to insure.

For young drivers, aim for insurance groups 1-10. Groups 1-5 are the very cheapest.

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Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure for Young Drivers

Car	Insurance Group	Typical Used Price
Volkswagen Up	1-3	£4,000 - £7,000
Fiat 500 (1.0/1.2)	3-7	£5,000 - £9,000
Seat Ibiza (1.0)	2-6	£6,000 - £10,000
Toyota Aygo	1-3	£4,000 - £8,000
Vauxhall Corsa (1.0/1.2)	2-8	£5,000 - £10,000
Hyundai i10	1-4	£4,000 - £8,000
Ford Fiesta (1.0)	3-8	£6,000 - £11,000
Citroën C1	1-3	£3,000 - £6,000
Dacia Sandero	2-6	£5,000 - £9,000
Skoda Fabia (1.0)	2-6	£6,000 - £10,000

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Tips to Reduce Your Insurance Premium

1. Choose a low insurance group car: This is the single biggest factor you can control.
2. Add a named driver: Adding an experienced driver can reduce your premium. But don't let them say they're the main driver if they're not — that's fronting and it's illegal.
3. Pay annually: Monthly payments usually cost 15-30% more due to interest charges.
4. Increase your voluntary excess: A higher excess means a lower premium. But make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.
5. Get a black box: Telematics insurance tracks your driving. Safe driving earns discounts.
6. Build no-claims bonus: Every claim-free year reduces your premium. After 4-5 years, you could save 60-70%.
7. Shop around: Never auto-renew. Compare quotes every year using comparison sites.

Warning: Never be tempted by fronting. This is where a parent says they're the main driver when it's really you. It's fraud and can void your insurance entirely.

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Cars to Avoid as a Young Driver

Some cars are much more expensive to insure. Avoid these if you're watching your budget:

• Hot hatches: Ford Fiesta ST, VW Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R.
• Large engines: Anything over 1.6 litres will be pricier.
• Modified cars: Any modifications increase insurance. Even cosmetic changes.
• High-theft cars: Some popular models are targeted by thieves, pushing up premiums.

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Buying Tips for Young Drivers

Before buying your first car, always get an insurance quote first. The cheapest car to buy might not be the cheapest to insure.

Run a car history check on any used car before buying. Check for outstanding finance, accident history, and mileage issues.

Read our best first cars guide for more suggestions.

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Insurance is a big expense for young drivers. But choosing the right car can save you hundreds every year. Pick a small-engined car in a low insurance group, shop around for quotes, and build that no-claims bonus as fast as you can.

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