The cars that are cheapest to insure for new drivers are usually small hatchbacks with modest engines, a low insurance group and good safety ratings. Choosing the right version matters as much as the model, so check the exact engine and trim and get quotes before you buy.

What is a car insurance group?

Every car in the UK is given a group from 1 to 50. Group 1 is the cheapest to insure and group 50 the most expensive. The group reflects things like repair costs, parts prices, performance, safety and security. Insurers use it as a starting point, then adjust for you as a driver.

For a new driver, a low group will not make insurance cheap, but it can make a big difference compared with a more powerful or expensive car.

Which used cars tend to be cheapest to insure?

Small city cars and superminis with low-powered engines usually sit in the lowest groups. Models often suggested for new drivers include:

Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto: easy to park, cheap to run and simple to maintain.
Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108: closely related small cars that are light and economical.
Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia: a little bigger and more grown-up, best in their smallest non-turbo engines.
Ford Fiesta: no longer made, but plentiful used. Lower-powered versions are the ones to look at.

The group can change a lot between versions of the same model. A sporty trim, a turbo engine or bigger wheels can push it up, so always check the group for the exact car.

What else brings a new driver's quote down?

Black box policies: telematics insurance rates how you drive and can reward careful drivers. Read the rules on curfews and speeding first.
Honest mileage: give a realistic annual figure. Too high costs you money, too low could cause problems with a claim.
Where the car is kept: a driveway or garage can help compared with parking on the street.
Named drivers: adding an experienced driver can sometimes help, but the main driver must be the person who uses the car most. Naming a parent as main driver when they are not is called fronting and can invalidate the policy.
No modifications: changes to wheels, suspension or engine usually raise premiums and must be declared.

What other running costs should a new driver budget for?

Insurance is usually the biggest bill, but fuel, road tax, servicing, tyres and the MOT all add up. Small cars use smaller, cheaper tyres and tend to cost less to service. Older small cars taxed on CO2 emissions can be cheap to tax, while most cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat standard rate. Our running cost calculator helps you compare cars side by side.

For more on choosing a first car, see our guide to the best first cars for new drivers.

Common questions

Is a 1.0-litre car fine on the motorway?

Yes. Modern small engines cope with motorway speeds. They feel slower when overtaking or fully loaded, so leave more room and plan ahead.

Does a higher trim level cost more to insure?

Often. Sportier trims can have bigger wheels, different body parts or more power, all of which can raise the group.

Should I get an insurance quote before buying?

Yes. Use the registration of the actual car if you can. Two similar-looking cars can produce very different quotes.

Looking for a first car in Barnsley?

Browse the cars in stock at anycolourcar.com in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, or see what your current car is worth with sell or part exchange. Call Sales on 01226 574410.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Updated October 2026.

Cheap Cars to Insure for New Drivers: What to Look For