When purchasing a car in the UK, insurance costs can significantly impact your budget. Insurance premiums vary based on several factors, including the car’s make, model, engine size, and safety features. If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle to insure, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Costs
Understanding what influences insurance prices can help you choose a cost-effective car. Here are the main factors insurers consider:
- Car Insurance Group – Cars are classified into insurance groups from 1 to 50, with group 1 being the cheapest to insure.
- Engine Size – Smaller engines (under 1.2L) tend to attract lower premiums.
- Car Value – Expensive cars cost more to repair, leading to higher insurance costs.
- Safety Features – Vehicles with modern safety features and good crash ratings receive lower insurance quotes.
- Theft Risk – Cars with high security and low theft rates cost less to insure.
- Fuel Type – Petrol cars are generally cheaper to insure than diesel and electric vehicles.
Top Cars That Are Cheap to Insure in the UK
Here’s a list of cars that typically fall into the lower insurance groups:
| Car Model | Insurance Group | Engine Size | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta (1.1L) | 2-6 | 1.1L | Petrol |
| Vauxhall Corsa (1.2L) | 3-6 | 1.2L | Petrol |
| Hyundai i10 (1.0L) | 1-4 | 1.0L | Petrol |
| Volkswagen Polo (1.0L) | 1-6 | 1.0L | Petrol |
| Kia Picanto (1.0L) | 1-4 | 1.0L | Petrol |
| Toyota Aygo (1.0L) | 1-5 | 1.0L | Petrol |
| Skoda Citigo (1.0L) | 1-3 | 1.0L | Petrol |
| Nissan Micra (1.0L) | 1-5 | 1.0L | Petrol |
How to Reduce Insurance Costs Further
If you’ve chosen a low-insurance car, you can still take extra steps to reduce premiums:
- Choose a Higher Excess – Voluntarily increasing your excess can lower your monthly premiums.
- Build a No Claims Bonus – The longer you drive without claims, the lower your insurance costs.
- Install Security Features – Extra locks, immobilisers, and alarms reduce theft risk.
- Avoid Car Modifications – Modified cars tend to have higher insurance rates.
- Pay Annually – Paying in one go instead of monthly instalments can save money.
- Add an Experienced Driver – Adding a parent or older relative as a named driver can help young drivers save.
Best Insurance Providers for Cheap Car Insurance
Here are some insurers in the UK known for offering competitive rates:
- Admiral – Affordable options for new and young drivers.
- Aviva – Discounts for safe drivers and multi-car policies.
- Direct Line – No middleman fees and discounts for experienced drivers.
- Churchill – Competitive prices for small city cars.
- LV= (Liverpool Victoria) – Good rates for safe, low-mileage drivers.
Conclusion
Finding a car that is cheap to insure in the UK is about balancing affordability with safety and efficiency. Cars with small engines, low insurance groups, and strong safety features tend to have the lowest premiums. By selecting a suitable model and following cost-saving tips, you can keep your car insurance costs to a minimum while enjoying a reliable ride.
Would you like to see more details on any specific model? Let us know in the comments!
