So, you’ve finished all your lessons, passed your test and you’re ready to head out on the road as a new driver. Exciting!
Before you do, there’s a big decision to make — you’ll need to choose your first car.
While there are plenty of different makes and models to pick from, it’s important to make the right decision for you and your budget. Style and performance are important factors, but so are things like affordability, reliability and insurance costs.
As a new driver, you're likely to find that car insurance can be quite expensive. However, picking the right vehicle can really help to reduce those costs. To help you make a decision, we've created a list of the top 10 cheapest cars to insure for new drivers in 2024:
- Volkswagen Polo
- Fiat Panda
- Ford Fiesta
- Toyota Aygo X
- Hyundai i10
- Skoda Fabia
- MG 3
- Kia Picanto
- SEAT Ibiza
- Volkswagen Up
Keep reading to learn more about each model.
Volkswagen Polo
Image taken from Volkswagen Polo product page
First on our list is the ever-popular Volkswagen Polo — a beginner-friendly car that strikes the right balance between style and safety. The 80ps 1.0-litre Life model, in insurance group 3, is ideal for those seeking affordable insurance.
And it's not just about the cost — the Polo is packed with safety features, like autonomous emergency braking. Plus, its smooth controls help to make it an easy car to handle, ideal for new drivers.
Pros
- Excellent balance of style and safety.
- Good array of active safety features.
- Strong Euro NCAP crash-test score.
- Easy and secure driving experience.
Cons
- Higher purchase price compared to some other models.
- Limited engine choices in the lower insurance groups.
Fiat Panda
Image taken from Fiat Panda product page
The Fiat Panda offers a chic and practical urban driving experience. The 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine is not only fuel-efficient, but also helps to drive down insurance costs.
The Panda’s affordability is one of its strong suits, but be mindful of its zero star rating in safety by Euro NCAP.
Pros
- Small and easy to handle – ideal for busy urban roads.
- Fuel-efficient 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine.
- Affordability and low insurance costs.
Cons
- Zero star rating for safety by Euro NCAP.
- Slightly dated design compared with other models.
Ford Fiesta
Image taken from Ford Fiesta product page
Despite being discontinued by Ford last year, the Fiesta remains a firm favourite on UK roads. Its 1.1-litre Ti-VCT engine fits into a relatively low insurance group, making it a reasonable choice for new drivers.
The Ford Fiesta is known for its reliability and enjoyable driving experience. And, if you manage to find one of the recent models, from 2019 onwards, you can expect a more plush interior and electronic safety features.
Pros
- Fun to drive with a good balance of power and efficiency.
- Availability of electronic safety aids.
- High resale value due to popularity.
Cons
- Some variants can be more expensive to insure.
- Can be pricier than other options in the same category.
Toyota Aygo X
Image taken from Toyota Aygo X product page
For those who fancy a stylish city car with just a hint of SUV design, take a look at the Toyota Aygo X. It's powered by a 1.0-litre engine and is one of the most affordable new cars in the UK.
With insurance group ratings of between 5–8, it's a financially wise option for new drivers.
Pros
- Stylish city car with SUV design elements.
- Affordable with a strong reputation for reliability.
- Good fuel economy.
Cons
- Limited interior space compared to some rivals.
- Basic model comes with fewer features.
Hyundai i10
Image taken from Hyundai i10 X product page
The Hyundai i10 combines stylish design with a compact, urban-friendly size. Its smaller engine ensures a low insurance group, and impressive safety tech comes as standard.
The five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty on most new models is a testament to its reliability, making it an ideal car for new drivers.
Pros
- Compact, easy to drive and park.
- Comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty.
- Attractive design and modern interior.
Cons
- Less impressive driving experience than some rivals.
- Limited boot space.
Škoda Fabia
Image taken from Škoda Fabia product page
Renowned for its practicality, the Škoda Fabia boasts a spacious interior and impressive boot. The efficient 1.0 80 MPI engine places it in a lower insurance group, helping to make it a more economical choice than other cars in this category.
It’s an excellent all-rounder for those looking for space, safety, and affordability.
Pros
- Spacious interior and large boot.
- Economical engine with low insurance grouping.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Somewhat conservative design might not appeal to all.
- Basic models lack some desirable features.
MG3
Image taken from MG3 product page
The lesser-known MG3 has earned its place on our list. The VTI-Tech engine falls into insurance group 7, making it an affordable option for new drivers.
Available in a vibrant range of colours, it’s also well-equipped for a small car, and comes with a seven-year warranty for that extra peace of mind.
Pros
- Vibrant colour options and stylish design.
- Competitive insurance ratings.
- Seven-year warranty offers peace of mind.
Cons
- Interior quality is not as high as some rivals.
- Lower fuel efficiency compared to competitors.
Kia Picanto
Image taken from Kia Picanto product page
The Kia Picanto’s compact size and affordability makes it a great choice for those who prioritise economy. Most models, like the 2 trim, fall into insurance groups 3–5.
The Picanto is fun to drive and comes with a seven-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for new drivers.
Pros
- Affordable and economical to run.
- Seven-year warranty provides long-term reliability.
- Good road handling and manoeuvrability.
Cons
- Smaller size might not be suitable for all needs.
- Less powerful engines compared to others in the segment.
SEAT Ibiza
Image taken from SEAT Ibiza product page
The SEAT Ibiza is another favourite among young drivers. Popular for its sporty appearance and advanced tech, the 1.0 MPI petrol engine places it in a low insurance group, helping to make it a cost-effective option.
The Ibiza is packed with connected tech and standard safety systems, making it a good choice for the tech-savvy new driver.
Pros
- Sporty appearance and packed with technology.
- Low insurance groups for most models.
- Good safety features and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Cons
- Slightly higher price point than some competitors.
- Some interior materials feel less premium.
Volkswagen Up
Image taken from Volkswagen Up product page
Another Volkswagen rounds off our list. The Volkswagen Up is a practical choice for new drivers, with its 1.0-litre engine achieving in the region of 55 miles per gallon.
Its spacious interior and practical design make it a great city car. And, with an insurance group of 3 or above, it’s an economical choice for those looking to save on insurance costs.
Pros
- Practical and efficient city car.
- Spacious interior for its size.
- Low insurance group rating.
Cons
- Less powerful than some other options.
- Basic models lack advanced safety features and tech.
Why is car insurance often more expensive for new drivers?
Many new drivers might find that their insurance quotes are higher than they were expecting. This is mostly due to their lack of experience and years on the road.
Here are a few of the main things that can drive up insurance costs for new drivers:
Risk factor
Insurance companies often consider new drivers as being a higher risk, mostly due to their lack of driving experience. This higher risk means higher insurance costs.
Statistical data
Unfortunately, claims data and national statistics tend to prove the point above — that new drivers are more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident, and therefore more likely to make a claim. Again, this forces insurance costs up.
Type of Car
If a new driver chooses an older model car, or one with fewer safety features, this can also influence insurance rates. The same goes for expensive cars with powerful engines. The trick is to choose a smaller, less-expensive car with a good safety rating, as this can help to lower the insurance group.
How can new drivers cut the cost of car insurance?
Here are a few things you can do to pay less for car insurance as a new driver:
- Choose a car in a lower insurance group — Vehicles with smaller engines and less power tend to fall into lower insurance groups, which means lower insurance costs.
- Increase your voluntary excess — Choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it's an amount you can afford to pay in case of a claim.
- Avoid modifications — Aside from better security features, car modifications can drive up your insurance costs. Try to keep your car as close to its original specifications as possible.
- Park in a safe place — Cars parked on driveways or in garages overnight are less likely to be stolen or vandalised, which can lead to lower insurance costs.
- Choose a telematics policy — This new type of insurance measures how you drive, and gives you discounts when you drive safely. Check out Zego Sense, a telematics policy for good drivers.
- Shop around — Don't just accept the first quote you get. Compare insurance providers to find the best deal for you and your budget.