Published November 2026.
The car you choose is one of the few things about your insurance you control completely. Two cars of the same size and price can sit many insurance groups apart, and that difference shows up in every quote. This guide shows which kinds of car are cheapest to insure, some examples in the lowest groups, and how to check a car before you commit to buying it.
What are the cheapest cars to insure? The short answer
- Small city cars and superminis with small, low-powered engines are usually the cheapest, often in insurance groups 1 to 10.
- Trim and engine matter as much as the model: the same car can span several groups.
- Check the exact car with our free car specs check, which shows its insurance group from the registration.
How insurance groups work
Every car sold in the UK has an insurance group from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive), set by the Group Rating Panel using research by Thatcham Research. It reflects how much the car is likely to cost insurers: repair costs, the price new, performance, safety technology and security. Our guide to what insurance group your car is in explains the factors in detail.
Newer models are also being given a Vehicle Risk Rating, the system Thatcham launched in September 2024 to replace the 1 to 50 groups over time. Cars already on sale keep their group.
Examples of low insurance group cars
These new-car versions were listed by Auto Express in October 2025, with their insurance groups:
| Car and version | Insurance group |
|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 1.0 MPi auto Advance | 1 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 DPi 2 | 3 |
| Volkswagen Polo 1.0 Life | 3 |
| Skoda Fabia 1.0 MPI SE Comfort | 4 |
| Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVT-i Pure | 5 |
| Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi auto 2 | 8 |
| Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution | 10 |
| SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI SE Edition | 10 |
Other versions of the same models can be in higher groups, and groups for older used cars differ again, so treat this as a guide to the kind of car to look at, not a list to buy from.
What makes a car cheap to insure?
- A small, low-powered engine. Performance is a big factor.
- Cheap, quick repairs. Common parts and simple bodywork keep claim costs down. Cars packed with sensors and cameras cost more to repair, even after a small knock.
- A lower price new. A car that’s cheap to replace costs less to insure.
- Good security. Cars that are hard to steal are rated lower.
- Safety technology, such as autonomous emergency braking fitted as standard.
How much does the insurance group affect the price?
The group is a starting point, not the whole story. Insurers also price on your age, address, driving and claims history, mileage and job, and those usually matter more. But repair costs are a big part of what insurers pay out: in the second quarter of 2026 the ABI reported an average premium paid of £566 and an average claim payout of about £4,900, up 4% on the previous quarter. Cars that are cheap and quick to repair help keep both down.
Cheapest cars to insure for new drivers
Young drivers pay the most for insurance, as the ABI explains, so the car matters even more. Look at small superminis and city cars in the lowest groups, with the smallest engine, and avoid sporty trims and modifications, which push premiums up and must be declared. Get quotes before you buy, not after.
Our guides to black box insurance and how to lower your car insurance cover other ways to cut the cost.
How to check a car’s insurance group before you buy
- Enter the registration in our free car specs check: it shows the insurance group for that exact car, with its engine size and performance.
- Get insurance quotes for the exact car before you commit to buying it.
- Check the version on the V5C matches the advert: a higher-powered engine can mean a higher group.
Before you pay for a used car, run a full car history check: a car that’s been written off, stolen or still has finance owing is no bargain, however cheap it is to insure. See Silver and Gold check prices, and our used car checklist for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car to insure in the UK?
Cars in insurance group 1 are cheapest to insure. Auto Express listed the Hyundai i10 1.0 MPi auto Advance in group 1 in October 2025, but your own premium depends on you as well as the car.
What insurance group is cheapest?
Group 1. Groups run from 1 to 50, and most small city cars and superminis with small engines are in groups 1 to 10.
Are electric cars cheap to insure?
Often not. Electric cars tend to be in higher groups because they cost more to buy and repair.
Does an older car cost less to insure?
Not always. Value falls with age, but the group is set when the model launches, and parts for older cars can be harder to find.
How do I find a car’s insurance group?
Enter the registration in our free car specs check. Insurers and comparison sites also show it when you get a quote.
- Auto Express: cheapest cars to insure (6 October 2025)
- Thatcham Research: group rating
- Thatcham Research: Vehicle Risk Rating (September 2024)
- ABI: age and motor insurance
- What insurance group is my car?
- What to check when buying a used car
Look up any car’s insurance group before you buy with our free car specs check.