Best First Cars for Cheap Insurance
Just passed your test? Insurance is often the biggest cost of your first car. It can be more than the car itself. The good news is that picking the right car can cut your quote by hundreds of pounds.
WHAT ARE INSURANCE GROUPS?
Every car in the UK is put in an insurance group from 1 to 50. Group 1 is the cheapest to insure and group 50 the most expensive. Insurers look at things like engine power, repair costs, parts prices and security. For a first car, aim for group 1 to 10.
OUR TOP CHEAP-TO-INSURE FIRST CARS
1. Hyundai i10. Small, reliable and among the lowest groups. Great around town.
2. Kia Picanto. Cheap to run, and newer ones come with a long warranty.
3. Volkswagen Up. Feels solid and grown-up, with very low groups on basic trims.
4. Skoda Citigo / SEAT Mii. Basically the same car as the Up, often cheaper to buy.
5. Toyota Aygo. Very economical, simple and cheap to fix.
6. Fiat Panda. Practical, with a tall seat that gives a good view of the road.
7. Dacia Sandero. More space for the money, with low groups on entry models.
8. Ford Fiesta (1.0 or 1.1, lower trims). Fun to drive, and parts are everywhere.
Tip: The same model can sit in very different groups depending on the engine and
trim. Always check the exact version before you buy.
WHAT ELSE AFFECTS YOUR QUOTE
- Engine size: under 1.2 litres is usually cheapest.
- Your postcode, and where the car is parked overnight.
- Modifications: alloys, body kits and tints can push prices up.
- Age of the car: very old cars can cost more to repair.
HOW TO CUT YOUR INSURANCE
- Get a black box (telematics) policy.
- Add an experienced named driver, but never "front" (put the policy in their name).
- Pay annually instead of monthly if you can.
- Choose a higher voluntary excess, but only one you could afford.
- Compare quotes on at least two comparison sites.
- Consider Pass Plus, as some insurers give a discount.
