List of cars cheap to insure
We’ve put together a list of cars we think are the cheapest to insure. Without exception, they are all group 1 rated in order to keep insurance costs as low as possible. However, be careful when choosing, as within each make and model can be specific trim variations that are of a higher specification and a different rating group.
10. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio 1 Air model was made between 2011 and 2017 and was originally priced between £13k and £20k. Auto Express described it as a supermini with an efficient diesel engine.
9. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 made between 2014 and 2020 has a number of trim levels that are all group 1 rated including: S Air, S, SE, Premium.
8. Seat Mii
The Mii made between 2012 and 2019 has four different group 1 rated trim levels and different styles within each trim level. The models are: S, Ecomotive, SE, Toca.
7. Citroen C1
Both the Vibe and Airplay trim levels of the 2005 to 2014 C1 include group 1 rated versions.
6. Ford Ka+
The Studio is the only group 1 Ka Plus model. It was made between 2016 and 2019 and comes with a 1.2L engine.
5. Volkswagen Polo
The Polo Hatchback from 2017 onwards has seven different trim levels that are group 1 rated and all have a 1.0L engine. They are: S, SE, Beats, SE Tech Edition, Match, United, Active.
4. Skoda Fabia
The cheapest Fabia models to insure are the group 1 rated trim levels for the following 1.0L engine sizes: S, SE, SE Drive, Colour Edition.
3. Kia Picanto
The Picanto 2 trim model made from 2017 onwards has a 1.0L automatic group 1 rated version.
2. Skoda Citigo
The 2012 to 2019 Citigo has four different trim levels that are group 1 rated and all have a 1.0L engine: S, SE, Sport, Elegance.
1. Volkswagen up!
The VW up! made from 2012 onwards has four different trims that all have insurance group 1 rated options. They are: Take up!, Move up!, High up!, up! Beats.
Vehicle Factors Affecting Car Insurance Costs
| Factor | Cheaper to Insure | More Expensive to Insure |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Group Rating | Low insurance group rating (groups 1-10) | High insurance group rating (groups 11-50) |
| Replacement Cost | Lower value replacement cost (e.g., economy cars, older models) | High value replacement cost (e.g., luxury cars, new models) |
| Engine Size | Smaller engine size (e.g., less than 1.4 liters) | Larger engine size (e.g., greater than 2.0 liters) |
| Vehicle Age | Newer cars with modern technology | Much older cars lacking modern safety and security features |
| Security Features | Improved security features (e.g., alarms, immobilizers, tracking systems) | Lack of security features or basic security systems |
| Modifications | No modifications, maintaining factory specifications | Modifications that increase performance or aesthetics |
| Availability of Replacement Parts | Easy to find replacement parts (e.g., common models, widely available) | Scarcity in getting replacement parts (e.g., rare models, discontinued parts) |
| Cost of Replacement Parts | Cheap replacement parts (e.g., mass-produced, standard parts) | Expensive replacement parts (e.g., imported, specialized parts) |
| Repair Costs | Low repair costs (e.g., easy to repair, fewer labor hours required) | High repair costs (e.g., complex repairs, more labor hours required) |
| Safety Features | High level of safety features (e.g., multiple airbags, ABS, electronic stability control) | Lack of advanced safety features (e.g., minimal airbags, no stability control) |
