Car insurance can be a significant expense, especially for young drivers. However, the type of car you drive can significantly impact your insurance premiums. New drivers, particularly young ones, are often considered high-risk by insurance companies, leading to higher premiums. Fret not, choosing a car that falls into a low insurance group can help keep these costs down. Here are our top picks for the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers in 2023.
Insuring your car is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to gather necessary information, including your driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and details about your car. Then, you can compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal. Remember, the cheapest policy isn’t always the best – consider the coverage level and any additional benefits.
1. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a popular choice for young drivers due to its affordability and ease of driving. Opt for the 1.1-litre petrol engine for the cheapest insurance.
Price: Starting from £16,640
Pros:
- Excellent driving dynamics
- High-quality interior
- Good fuel economy
Cons:
- Smaller boot compared to rivals
- Higher trims can be expensive
2. SEAT Ibiza
The SEAT Ibiza offers affordability and style. The 1.0-litre MPI unit with 80PS falls into insurance group 3, making it a cost-effective choice.
Price: Starting from £15,965
Pros:
- Spacious interior for its class
- Good handling and ride comfort
- Economical engines
Cons:
- Some rivals have more standard equipment
- Interior quality could be better
3. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is easy to drive and comes with a generous amount of standard equipment. The entry-level Life model with its 1.2-litre petrol engine falls into group 2 insurance.
Price: Starting from £16,915
Pros:
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Generous standard equipment
- Economical engines
Cons:
- Some rivals offer more engaging drive
- Interior quality lags behind some competitors
4. Renault Twingo
The Renault Twingo is a compact city car with a unique rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The 1.0-litre petrol engine in Expression trim falls into group 2 insurance.
Price: Used models available from £3,000
Pros:
- Unique rear-engine layout provides good cabin space
- Tight turning circle makes it great for city driving
Cons:
- No longer in production, so only used models available
- Not as comfortable on motorways
5. Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia is comfortable and practical. The 1.0-litre MPI petrol engine with 75PS in SE spec falls into insurance group 3.
Price: Starting from £14,905
Pros:
- Spacious and practical interior
- Comfortable ride
- Economical engines
Cons:
- Some rivals are more fun to drive
- Entry-level models lack some desirable features
6. Dacia Sandero
The Dacia Sandero is incredibly affordable and practical. The 2013-2021 model with a 1.2-litre petrol engine falls into group 2 insurance.
Price: Starting from £7,995
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Spacious interior for the price
Cons:
- Some interior materials feel cheap
- Base model lacks some basic features
7. Fiat Panda
The Fiat Panda is a great first car for new drivers. Choose the basic Pop trim with a 1.2-litre petrol engine for group 3 insurance.
Price: Starting from £11,895
Pros:
- Compact size is great for city driving
- Distinctive styling
Cons:
- Poor safety rating
- Some rivals offer more refined drive
8. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris 2011-2020 with the 1.0-litre petrol engine falls into group 3 or 4 insurance, making it a good choice for new drivers.
Price: Used models available from £4,000
Pros:
- Reliable and well-built
- Good fuel economy
Cons:
- Newer models have higher insurance groups
- Interior space is not as generous as some rivals
9. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is great value and perfect for new drivers. Opt for the lower powered 66PS 1.0-litre petrol engine to keep insurance down.
Price: Starting from £12,820
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Spacious interior for its size
Cons:
- Some rivals offer more engaging drive
- Base models lack some desirable features
10. SEAT Mii
The SEAT Mii is a compact city car that’s deceptively large on the inside. The base 1.0-litre petrol engine with 60PS falls into group 1 and 2 insurance.
Price: Used models available from £4,500
Pros:
- Compact size with spacious interior
- Low running costs
Cons:
- No longer in production, so only used models available
- Some rivals offer more standard equipment
Conclusion
Choosing the right car can significantly reduce your insurance premiums as a new driver. The cars listed above are not only affordable to insure but also offer great value and are suitable for new drivers. Remember, when choosing an insurance policy, consider the level of coverage and any additional benefits, not just the price. Happy driving!