Jump directly to the content
CHEAP AS

10 cheapest cars to insure in the UK this year – including iconic hatchback and Seat that’s impressively roomy inside

Naturally, it includes the UK's all-time best-selling car

A GROUP of motoring experts have unveiled the 10 cheapest cars to insure in the UK for 2025.

According to , drivers can find a good selection of vehicles with low-cost insurance policies – without having to compromise on practicality or certain creature comforts.

When it comes to car insurance, vehicles are categorised into groups ranging from group 1, the cheapest option typically reserved for small city cars, to group 50, which is the most expensive and generally applies to high-performance models.

These insurance groups are determined based on a variety of factors, including repair costs, parts prices, standard safety equipment, and security features.

To that end, here are 10 cars that fall into the lowest insurance groups, offering some of the most affordable policies available.

Volkswagen Polo – Insurance Group: 1 (depending on model)

Orange Volkswagen Polo driving on a wet road.
10
VW PoloCredit: heycar

The lower-powered 1.0-litre Polo, which produces a modest 79bhp, qualifies for group 1 insurance - but do be cautious with higher-powered models, as they fall into higher insurance groups.

Read more Motors News

The Polo, which has been around since 1975, is now in its sixth generation, which launched in 2017.

It remains a practical, high-quality small car with a spacious and refined interior.

What's more, it's the perfect beginner-car for new drivers.

Kia Picanto – Insurance Group: 1 (depending on model)

Kia Picanto driving on a road.
10
Kia PicantoCredit: Adam Warner

The compact Kia Picanto is an excellent choice for cheap insurance, with some automatic models qualifying for group 1.

That said, CarGurus advises steering clear of the basic ‘1’ trim and opting for the ‘2’ trim, which includes features such as alloy wheels and air conditioning.

Britain's best-selling car of 2024 revealed - and it looks great, drives sweetly and has the right mix of engines

While the Picanto is ideal for city driving, the small 66bhp engine isn’t particularly quick.

Older Picantos and the slightly larger Kia Rio also offer affordable options, and both are backed by Kia’s renowned seven-year warranty.

Nissan Micra (2017–2019) – Insurance Group: 1 (depending on model)

Red Nissan Micra parked in front of a yellow building.
10
Nissan MicraCredit: ©2019 Nissan

One of Britain’s most beloved superminis, the Nissan Micra, has early 1.0-litre models that qualify for group 1 insurance.

While it’s not the quickest car, it offers excellent fuel economy, modern styling, and a crucial five-star safety rating.

The Acenta trim is the one to look out for, as it features extras such as climate control and touchscreen technology.

Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today

If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.

Enjoy:

  • A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
  • A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
  • A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
  • Financing options
  • Trusted dealers

Volkswagen Up – Insurance Group: 1–2

Silver Volkswagen Up! car at a car show.
10
VW UPCredit: Alamy

The Polo’s smaller, quirkier sibling, the Up, is another fun and nimble city car that qualifies for group 1 insurance – provided you choose a 1.0-litre engine.

Impressively, despite its compact size, the Up offers decent boot space and room for four adults.

Its VW-owned counterparts, the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo, are nearly identical and also deliver similarly low insurance costs.

Skoda Fabia – Insurance Group: 1 (depending on model)

Blue Skoda Fabia driving on a road.
10
Skoda FabiaCredit: simon thompson

With its spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped entry-level models, the Skoda Fabia with a 1.0-litre engine is another motor that qualifies for group 1 insurance.

While it’s not the fastest car, it’s practical and reliable, making it a great choice, particularly for younger drivers.

Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today

If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.

Enjoy:

  • A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
  • A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
  • A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
  • Financing options
  • Trusted dealers

Ford Fiesta (2017–2022) – Insurance Group: 2 (depending on model)

Ford Fiesta driving on a road.
10
Ford FiestaCredit: Ford

The nation’s favourite hatchback may have been discontinued in 2023, but it remains a top pick on the second-hand car market.

In fact, last year it was described as the ideal city car, with prices starting at under £5,000.

The 1.1-litre Fiesta in Style trim qualifies for group 2 insurance, making it an affordable option.

The Fiesta has always been a superb all-rounder, offering excellent handling and a fun driving experience – which is likely why it remains the UK’s best-selling car of all time.

Hyundai i10 – Insurance Group: 1–3

Red Hyundai i10.
10
Hyundai i10Credit: heycar

To qualify for group 1 insurance, drivers should look for the previous-generation Hyundai i10, built from 2014 to 2019, with the 1.0-litre engine.

Despite its compact size, the i10 is practical, roomy, and comfortable, much like the Picanto and the Up.

For those interested in the newer model, from 2019 onwards, it falls into group 3 but comes with improved refinement and equipment.

Renault Clio – Insurance Group: 3 (depending on model)

Renault Clio E-Tech full hybrid.
10
Renault ClioCredit: Renault

Almost as iconic as the Fiesta, the Renault Clio remains in production, though the cheapest insurance options are found with older models.

Specifically, Clios with the 1.0-litre SCe engine are the most affordable to insure, while still offering stylish looks, a spacious front cabin, and a large boot.

Seat Ibiza – Insurance Group: 2 (depending on model)

SEAT Ibiza driving on a road.
10
Seat IbizaCredit: heycar

Much like the relationship between the Picanto and the i10, the Seat Ibiza is closely related to the VW Polo, sharing much of the same technology.

The Ibiza, however, boasts sportier styling.

The 1.0-litre non-turbo engine, producing 79bhp, qualifies for group 2 insurance, while still offering a roomy interior, good equipment levels, and excellent value for money.

Dacia Sandero – Insurance Group: 4 (depending on model)

Blue car driving on a road.
10
Dacia SanderoCredit: All rights reserved

Romanian manufacturer Dacia has built its reputation on affordability, and the Sandero is no exception.

Currently available from £13,795, the Sandero is set for a slight price increase in 2025 but will remain significantly cheaper than its rivals.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

It’s also one of the UK’s most affordable new cars to insure, even in its Essential trim, which includes features such as cruise control and a DAB radio.

Yes, it’s basic, but it’s also practical and highly economical to insure.

Topics