Are automatic cars more expensive to insure?
Key takeaways
Automatic cars are often more expensive to insure than manual cars, generally due to higher value and repair costs
Automatic cars are usually easier to drive, but if you pass your test in an automatic you won't be allowed to drive a manual car
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, and most are automatics
Are automatic cars more expensive to insure?
Yes, automatic cars are often more expensive to insure than manual cars - MoneySuperMarket data shows automatic car insurance cost £648
Automatic cars can cost more to insure because they are often more expensive to buy and repair.
Why can automatic cars cost more to insure?
Automatic cars can cost more to insure because their gearboxes are usually more complex - if an automatic gearbox is damaged, repairs can be expensive. Automatic cars may also be newer, higher-spec or more likely to be electric or hybrid, which can affect repair costs and insurance groups.
Insurance prices are not based on gearbox alone - your insurer will also look at your age, address, job, mileage, claims history, driving record and the car’s value, repair costs and security features.
What is the difference between manual and automatic cars?
The main difference is how the car changes gear - in a manual car, you use a clutch pedal and gearstick to change gear yourself, while an automatic car changes gear for you so there is no clutch pedal.
Manual cars usually have three pedals, the clutch, brake and accelerator, but automatic cars usually just have the brake and accelerator. Some cars also have semi-automatic gearboxes, which allow some manual gear changes without a clutch pedal.
What is a semi-automatic car?
A semi-automatic car can change gear without a clutch pedal, but may still let you choose gears manually. Some semi-automatic cars use paddles behind the steering wheel or a gear selector that lets you change gear yourself, while others feel very similar to standard automatic cars.
If you passed your test in an automatic, check whether you are allowed to drive the vehicle before buying or borrowing it. The key issue is whether the vehicle is legally classed as automatic or manual.
Can I drive a manual car with an automatic licence?
No, you cannot drive a manual car if you passed your test in an automatic. An automatic-only licence only lets you drive automatic vehicles - this restriction usually appears as code 78 on your driving licence.
If you want to drive a manual car, you will need to pass a practical driving test in a manual car - but you do not usually need to retake your theory test.
Can I drive an automatic car with a manual licence?
Yes, you can drive an automatic car if you passed your test in a manual. A manual licence gives you more flexibility because it lets you drive both manual and automatic cars, which can be useful if you borrow cars, hire cars, share a family car or want more choice when buying a vehicle.
If you are learning to drive and want the widest choice later, a manual test may be worth considering.
How does an automatic-only licence affect insurance costs?
MoneySuperMarket car insurance sales data between January and March 2026 shows drivers with an automatic-only licence typically paid more than drivers with a full UK car licence across several age groups. For example, drivers aged 17-24 paid an average of £872.96
Should I learn in a manual or automatic car?
It comes down to personal preference - you should choose a manual if you want more flexibility, or an automatic if you want driving to feel simpler. Learning in a manual can take longer because you need to master clutch control and gear changes, but once you pass, you can drive both manual and automatic cars.
Learning in an automatic can be easier because there is no clutch or gearstick to manage, but if you pass in an automatic, you will be limited to automatic cars unless you later pass a manual test.
Are automatic cars better than manual cars?
Automatic cars are not always better, but they can be easier to drive - an automatic may suit you if you drive in heavy traffic, prefer simpler controls or want an electric or hybrid car. A manual may suit you if you want more control, lower purchase costs or a wider choice of cheaper used cars.
The best option depends on your budget, driving style, confidence and the cars you are likely to drive.
Are automatic cars more expensive than manual cars?
Yes, there tends to be a notable price difference between automatic and manual cars, with automatics more expensive to buy, maintain and insure. Most electric and hybrid cars are automatics, and these are generally more expensive to buy and insure than manual petrol cars.
Are manual cars more fuel efficient than automatic cars?
Manual cars used to be more fuel efficient, but the gap is smaller with modern cars. Older automatic gearboxes were often less efficient than manuals, but modern automatic, semi-automatic and continuously variable transmission cars can be much more efficient than older models.
Fuel economy depends on the car, engine, age, weight, gearbox, journey type and how you drive - you should check the fuel economy figures for the specific car you're considering rather than relying only on gearbox type.
What are the pros and cons of manual cars?
Pros of manual cars
Faster acceleration and more control in challenging driving conditions
Cheaper to purchase and maintain because the gearbox technology is less complex than that of automatics
Manual licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars
Cons of manual cars
Can be more skill-intensive and exhausting, particularly in heavy traffic
More difficult to learn in
Stalling a car is very common, especially on hills
Clutch control can be difficult to maintain on long journeys
What are the pros and cons of automatic cars?
Pros of automatic cars
Offer a more relaxed driving experience, especially in congested traffic
They are generally easier for novices to learn and master
Gear shifting is often smoother
Cons of automatic cars
The initial purchase and maintenance costs can be higher for automatic cars
Historically, automatics were less fuel-efficient, but this gap is closing with technological advancements
If you pass your test in an automatic, you’re not allowed to drive a manual
Will manual cars still be available in the future?
Yes, manual cars will still be available second-hand, but they are likely to become less common. The UK government has confirmed that new purely petrol and diesel cars will be phased out from 2030, with all new cars and vans fully zero emission from 2035.
Most electric cars are automatic because they do not use a traditional manual gearbox. However, you will still be able to drive and buy second-hand manual petrol and diesel cars after 2030.
How can I get cheaper automatic car insurance?
If you're planning on insuring an automatic car, here's what you can do to bring the cost down:
Look at lower insurance groups: Choosing a car in a lower insurance group can help keep costs down as these cars are generally cheaper to insure
Compare quotes before renewal: Shopping around before your policy renews can help you find a better deal and avoid paying more than necessary
Pay annually if you can afford it: Paying for your insurance in one lump sum is often cheaper than spreading the cost over monthly instalments
Set an accurate mileage: Giving a realistic estimate of your annual mileage can help ensure you are not paying more than you need to
Improve your car's security: Adding security features or keeping your car in a secure location may help reduce your insurance costs
Increase your voluntary excess carefully: Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your premium, but make sure it remains affordable if you need to make a claim
Build a no-claims discount: Driving safely and avoiding claims can help you earn a no-claims discount and reduce future premiums
Avoid unnecessary modifications: Modifications can increase the cost of insurance, so keeping your car as close to standard as possible may help keep premiums lower
Where can I buy automatic car insurance?
Comparing quotes through MoneySuperMarket is the best way to find the cheapest premiums for your car, you can also find cover to drive in Europe and also get included breakdown cover in your policy. Compare insurance prices here.
Author
Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
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Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
