The cheapest cars to insure 2024
Discover the UK’s cheapest cars to insure in the UK and what to look out for
One of the main concerns we often have when purchasing a new car is how much it'll cost to run. Finding the cheapest cars to insure, however, will go some way towards reducing your overall running costs.
Car insurance is influenced by many factors, such as your address, job title, and any driving-related offences.
It’s also influenced by the insurance group that the car is placed in – group one is the cheapest, and group 50 is the most expensive.
If you need a bit of help, take a look at our top picks for cheap cars to insure.
What are the cheapest cars to insure?
The cheapest cars to insure
If you're looking for cheap cars to insure, compact and inexpensive cars with smaller engines are a great place to start. These are most likely going to be cheaper to insure and in lower insurance groups.
Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is a great little city car that’s often inexpensive to insure. It usually sits in insurance groups one to seven, depending on the model you choose. It’s got a modern look about it and will feel right at home in urban settings.
Fiat Panda
The Fiat Panda is another great option when it comes to cheap insurance, as it usually sits between insurance groups three and 12. It’s still a compact car, but it offers a bit more space than the C1.
Hyundai i10
For something modern and eye-catching, the Hyundai i10 is a solid choice that’s still inexpensive to insure for most motorists. Expect it to sit in insurance groups one to 10.
Cheapest family car to insure
Ford Focus
If you’re after something spacious and suitable for a family but still cheap to insure, the Ford Focus is an ideal contender.
One of the cheapest family cars to insure, the Ford Focus usually sits in insurance groups six to 22 for models that aren’t performance-focused.
You’ll find that models like the Focus RS sit in higher insurance groups (39 to 42) as these have more powerful engines and a focus on speed.
All models are comfortable and easy to drive, with a comfortable interior and spacious boot that will suit busy families.
Cheapest SUV to insure
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a classic SUV and one that’s been well-loved for many years, but it’s also one of the cheapest SUVs to insure. It’s comfortable and roomy, and would be ideal for a family or driver that fancies some extra space.
Usually sitting in groups 11 to 15, the Juke has low running costs all-round. You can also expect to achieve up to 56.5mpg in the petrol hybrid engines, or up to 48.7mpg in the standard petrols.
The best Nissan Juke to pick for cheap insurance is usually the 1.0-litre engine model. Costs go up when you consider the 1.6-litre models and the hybrid options.
Cheapest estate car to insure
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia Estate is not only a reliable and well-built car, it's also one of the cheapest estate cars to insure while still being fun to live with.
Usually sitting in insurance groups 13 to 23, running costs are low, so it makes perfect sense for a daily driver.
It’s based on Volkswagen Golf foundations, so you know it’s going to be a quality model. Plus, you can expect fuel efficiency of up to 67.3mpg from the diesel models or 54.6mpg from the petrol.
We particularly like the infotainment system – the latest models benefit from a 10-inch infotainment screen and a flashy digital instrument display.
Cheapest coupé to insure
Volkswagen Scirocco
With VW finesse and sleek styling, a used Volkswagen Scirocco is one of the cheapest coupés to insure. It’s also a fresh and modern car to live with, so you’re not compromising to get a good deal.
The Scirocco usually sits in insurance groups 18 to 35, with the 1.4 TSI engines being the cheapest to insure for most people. All models have a great driving position and comfortable interior, so they’re perfect for longer drives.
You can choose from a range of engines, depending on how much you’re willing to spend to insure. The entry-level 1.4 TSI is smooth and enjoyable to drive, while the 2.0 TSI gets an efficient BlueMotion engine.
Cheapest electric car to insure
Smart EQ ForFour
One of the cheapest electric cars to insure is the Smart EQ ForFour, and it’s a great contender for an everyday cruiser. It’s especially helpful if you live in an urban area or busy city – its compact size makes manoeuvring easy.
The EQ ForFour usually sits in insurance groups nine to 11, with the 82hp Prime Premium and Electric Drive models sitting in the higher groups.
All models get a 17kWh battery that can cover up to 70 miles on a single charge. This makes it ideal for a daily commute or if you have easy access to charging stations.
Cheapest hybrid car to insure
Hyundai Tucson PHEV
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a practical and reliable car that’s also fun to drive, and it's one of the cheapest hybrid cars to insure if you’re not after something compact.
Usually sitting in insurance group 21, the Tucson PHEV brings low running costs while still being usable for busy families or commuters. It also has a spacious 558-litre boot and plenty of interior space.
If you’re planning on using the Tucson as a family car, the five-star Euro NCAP rating should be impressive. It’s a sturdy and secure model, with safety kit like lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
How to get the cheapest car insurance
Car insurance prices are heavily based on the car you choose, but your individual circumstances have a big impact as well.
There are a few things to consider if you want the cheapest car insurance:
Do you have any points on your licence or driving offences? These could be making your insurance more expensive
Can you reduce your annual mileage? Insurers might see you as less of a risk if you’re driving fewer miles
Can you pay off your insurance in one go? Annual prices are usually cheaper than paying per month
Could you increase your excess? Having a higher voluntary excess can bring down the cost of your premium, but just make sure you can afford it in the event of a claim.
Why do some cars cost less to insure than others?
Some cars are cheaper to insure than others, so it’s worth doing your research to see if a model suits your budget.
Things that could make your car cheaper to insure include:
Engine size – smaller engines are usually cheaper to insure
Theft – some cars are more likely to be stolen and this makes them riskier (and pricier) to insure
Age of the car – modern cars are usually cheaper and easier to fix than old models, so are often cheaper to insure
Used vs. New – it's usually cheaper to insure a used car as they’re seen as less valuable compared to brand-new models.