Cheapest cars to insure

When you’re looking for car insurance, one of the most important factors to consider is the car you drive. It’s not always easy to work out which cars are the cheapest to insure – it’s often assumed that insurance costs less for cheaper and sturdier cars. But depending on your age and your driving history, that might not actually be the case. 

Luckily, MoneySuperMarket has the data. We help thousands of drivers get insurance every year, and along the way we’ve learned a lot about the cost of insuring different makes and models. Whether you’re an experienced motorist or a new driver just starting with your first car, we can tell you which cars can get cheap insurance – and which might end up costing more than you’d expect.

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

The cheapest car for insurance might surprise you – it’s actually a two-seat convertible last produced in 2011. According to MoneySuperMarket data, the number one cheapest car for insurance is the MG TF, a sports car sold under the classic British brand, with average annual premiums of £219.38 a year.

But before you go out and buy one yourself, remember that this might have something to do with the kind of motorist that usually opts for this type of car – they tend to be older and more responsible drivers. A car like the MG TF is also less likely to be used on a daily commute, which reduces the risk of an accident.

Elsewhere on our list, you’ll see cars similar to the MG TF – like the BMW Z3, which comes in fourth with average annual premiums of £267.02. 

But many of the other cheapest cars to insure are different, like the Honda Jazz SE or the Fiat Panda. They’re small, reliable, and easy to maintain – maybe not as fun to drive, but much less likely to be involved in an expensive accident.

*Based on fully comprehensive car insurance quotes with one driver holding a full UK driving licence. MoneySuperMarket data collected between January and June 2021.

Why are some cars more expensive to insure?

Every car registered in the UK is included in one of 50 insurance categories. The easier a car is to repair, and the less rare, expensive or powerful it is, the lower the group it will be in. The lower the insurance group, the cheaper your car is to insure.

A car's grouping is based on multiple factors, including:

• How much it costs: Pricier vehicles will of course cost more to replace in the event of a total write off, so these cars are more expensive to insure
• The cost to repair damage
• The cost of 23 common replacement parts
• How long it takes to repair
• The car's performance, including acceleration and top speed
• The safety and security features

A car in a higher insurance group will typically cost more to repair or replace, pushing up premiums. Insurance groupings are not the only reason for increased premiums, however: every driver's details and driving history are also a major deciding factor in the total cost of their insurance.

A car's age and value also affect how much you'll pay to insure it, along with any modifications you've made to its appearance or performance. If you're not sure which group your own car will fit into, you can use the MoneySuperMarket car insurance group checker tool.

What are car insurance groups?

Insurers sort all cars into one of 50 car insurance groups. These range from group 1 (the cheapest to insure) to group 50 (the most expensive). In general, faster, flashier, and more expensive cars are sorted into a higher group.

Your car’s group isn’t the only thing that determines the cost of insurance, though – your age and driving experience will also be taken into account. In fact, data from MoneySuperMarket shows that the average cost of insurance for cars in groups 1-10 is actually more expensive than groups 10-20. This is because cars in lower groups tend to be more popular with younger drivers, who are more expensive to insure in general.

If you’re not sure what group your car is in, you can find out with our car insurance group checker. Simply enter your registration number, or look up the make and model manually, and we’ll show you how your car’s been ranked. 

What are the cheapest cars to insure for young drivers?

Younger drivers can end up paying a lot more for car insurance – our data shows that the average premiums for drivers under 20 are over £1,000, nearly twice what motorists in their 30s pay. But if you pick a car that’s cheaper to insure, young drivers can knock hundreds of pounds off their premiums.

Car insurance is more expensive for younger drivers because they’re more likely to be involved in an accident, so you can get a better deal by choosing a car that’s smaller, safer, and easier to drive. Something like the Vauxhall Adam Energised – with average premiums of £684, our data shows it’s the cheapest car to insure for under-25s.

*Based on fully comprehensive car insurance quotes with one driver aged 25 or under holding a full UK driving licence. MoneySuperMarket data collected between January and June 2021.

What are the cheapest cars to insure for drivers over 50?

If you’re an older driver, your premiums are likely to be much lower – insurers trust you to drive safely and responsibly, and they’ll even offer you cheap insurance on some more powerful cars. While some of the cheapest cars to insure for over-50s are smaller, safer cars like the Fiat 500 or the Ford Ka, the number one spot goes to the Mazda MX-5 – an iconic sports car with up to 182 bhp.

*Based on fully comprehensive car insurance quotes with one driver over 50 holding a full UK driving licence. MoneySuperMarket data collected between January and June 2021.

How can I get cheaper car insurance?

Whatever your age, and whatever band your car is in, there are plenty of extra steps you can take to reduce the cost of your car insurance:

• Improve your security: If your car is parked off the street – for instance, in a garage on or a driveway – you’ll be able to pay less for car insurance. It also helps to have an alarm or an immobiliser fitted
• Limit your claims: If you have the money, consider paying for small repairs yourself. That way, your insurer will see you as less of a risk, and you’ll get to keep your no claims bonus. 
• Use a black box: If you’re a younger driver, telematics insurance can help keep costs down by letting your insurer know how you’re using your car. Sensible driving habits should earn you a discount on your premiums
• Pay annually: If you can, paying your insurance as one lump sum every year will wind up being cheaper than making monthly instalments

Compare car insurance quotes

No matter what car you’re driving, it’s easy to find a great deal on cheap car insurance with MoneySuperMarket. Simply tell us a little about yourself and your car, and we’ll show you a list of car insurance quotes tailored to your exact requirement. Then, all you have to do is pick the policy that suits you best. Start comparing now, and see how much you could save!