Cheap Cars To Insure For New Drivers: Young And Old (2026)

Passing your test is an amazing feeling, offering the freedom to explore the country without supervision.

However, new drivers often face high insurance costs due to their lack of experience. To minimise expenses, choose a car with a low insurance rating, which leads to lower premiums.

Below, we've listed 8 of the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers in 2026 to help you get on the road without spending a fortune.

Cheap Cars to Insure for Young Drivers

If you’re under 20 years old, insurance companies will penalise you even more for your lack of experience. The cars below are perfect for travelling to and from college or school and road trips with friends.

We’ve also listed some guideline insurance prices based on a 17-year-old driving while living at home with parents. Remember that your insurance quotes will vary greatly depending on personal circumstances.

Here are some of the cheapest cars to insure for 17-year-olds and young drivers in 2026:

1. Ford Fiesta - Group 2 - £1,500 per year

One of the most common first cars and cars for young people, the Ford Fiesta is a legendary supermini, having been produced since 1976 right up until 2023. There’s been plenty of innovation, changes and improvements over the years.

For a great used bargain, check out the Mark 6 model, years 2008 - 2016, which came with cruise control, electric windows and A/C on the mid-range to high-end models such as Titanium.

2. Renault Twingo - Group 2 - £1,450 per year

Renault excels at making small city cars, and the Twingo was its smallest car in production for a long period. Designed to be made for people who need slightly less space than the Clio, its clever packaging and design meant it actually had almost as much interior passenger space as one.

Because of its small engine, high safety rating and low cost, the insurance group is only level 2, meaning it's very cheap to insure, and will help bring the price of new driver insurance down.

3. Vauxhall Corsa - Group 2 - £1,470 per year

The Corsa is another young driver favourite and has been since its release in 1993. This is due to its compact size, low maintenance and running costs. The new Corsa is no different but is no longer the smallest car in the Vauxhall lineup.

If you’re lucky enough to be buying a new car for your first one, Vauxhall offers great zero percent interest deals, and the cars come fully loaded with Apple CarPlay, cruise control and more.

4. SEAT Mii - Group 3 - £1,640 per year

Even though it’s built on the same platform as the VW Up!, surprisingly the Mii is cheaper to insure. This may be because the insurance groupings are based on risk and statistics rather than just car type.

Subjectively, the Mii does have better styling and a better-designed interior, which is another reason to opt for it over the VW Up! It also comes with more equipment as standard such as 16” alloys, and a DAB radio playing through a 6-speaker sound system.

5. Volkswagen Polo - Group 1 - £1,250 per year

The Volkswagen Polo is a perfect pick if you want a small car with high ratings. It’s also pretty cheap to insure, meaning you can zip from A to B in a popular car without high costs.

Polos with 1.0-litre engines fit into Group 1 insurance classifications — the lowest group. So, make sure you’re looking at 1L variants before you purchase. Other perks of a Polo include a big boot, space for four adults, internal soundproofing, and lots of comforts.

6. Hyundai i10 - Group 1 - £750 per year

If you’re really keen to get a good price, a Hyundai i10 is another excellent choice. This car fits into the Group 1 insurance bracket, and you can get deals where you only have to pay £750 per year. Awesome.

This car is often overlooked as it’s not the most trendy. However, with a high-quality interior, a five-year warranty, and plenty of space, it’s worth considering. Only the 1.0-litre engine version qualifies for Group 1 insurance. This is slower but fine if you drive mainly around towns or cities.

7. Kia Picanto - Group 1 - £800 per year

Another Group 1 option, the Kia Picanto, can be insured for as little as £800 per year. It’s another small car without any high-tech extras, but it’s ideal for those who have just passed their tests.

Though the Picanto is small, there’s enough cabin and boot space for comfortable driving experiences. The interior is also surprisingly high-quality compared to the price. You even get a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, meaning you’ll be covered for longer than the Hyundai i10.

8. Volkswagen Up! - Group 1 - £900 per year

Volkswagen is a fantastic choice for new drivers, not only with the Polo but also the Up. With a 1L engine, this minimalist model comfortably sits into Group 1 and saves you money. Of course, a 1L engine isn’t fast, but this is a compromise you might have to make for cheaper insurance!

The Up has a surprising amount of room, including a generous boot. Pair that with a smooth drive and a more attractive look, and you’ve got a strong contender for a first car.

Cheap Cars to Insure for Older First-Time Drivers

Even though many people learn to drive as soon as possible, at age 17 or 18, we know that it’s not always possible or required for some people until later in life. Therefore, we’ve also compiled a list of ideal first cars for older drivers, who may need space for families and work duties.

These would also be great for foreign nationals who’ve recently moved to the UK, as insurance costs for expats can be considerably higher.

Here are the lowest insurance cars for new drivers in 2026:

1. Skoda Octavia - Group 13 - £1,150 per year

The 1.6 diesel version of Skoda’s popular saloon or estate car is a good choice for those looking for low insurance. The relatively low power but great safety features mean the insurers don’t deem them a high-risk vehicle.

Perfect for a family, they have plenty of room for 4 people and luggage, the estate being ideal for carrying a dog, bikes or just doing tip runs. The infotainment is up there with the sister car, the Volkswagen Passat, but at a lower price point.

2. Kia Sorento - Group 12 - £1,070 per year

Whilst the 2.2 diesel Sorento doesn't have the smallest of engines, its low insurance group means it's still relatively economical to insure. The SUV platform would suit someone who prefers a high driving position too.

Kias have become a great choice for those wanting peace of mind too, with their 7-year warranty as standard, and reputable dealer network.

3. Mazda 6 Estate - Group 16 - £1,320 per year

Another roomy estate, the Mazda 6 is a slightly bigger offering than the Octavia but is still in a low insurance group - meaning affordable cover. The boot is cavernous at over 520 litres, and the 2.2 diesel engine has plenty of grunt too.

We think the Mazda interiors of recent years are some of the most stylish out there, easily competing with the harsh lines of VW and BMW interiors, and being more subtle than Mercedes.

4. Vauxhall Combo Life XL - Group 12 - £1,240 per year

If practicality is your main concern, a car based on a van would probably be ideal. The Combo Life is just that, with 7 spacious seats and windows in what was a Combo Van floor plan and drivetrain.

A clever folding mechanism and the removal of the rear row of seats result in an enormous amount of space, perfect for hauling furniture, pets or other large items. The Combo Life comes well equipped too, with a touchscreen navigation system as standard, with a DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

5. SEAT Ibiza - Group 2 - £750 per year

At first, the Seat Ibiza looks like it should be in the first half of the list. It’s a smaller car with a lower-power engine that may suit some younger drivers. However, it’s also great for older drivers who don’t need a larger vehicle or extra power.

The Seat Ibiza is in insurance Group 2, so it has very affordable costs. It also has a stylish look, plenty of space for passengers, and a touchscreen infotainment system with the possibility of full smartphone integration. Don’t skip this option if you’re a city or town driver!

Other Ways New UK Drivers Can Lower Their Insurance Costs

Alongside looking for the cheapest car to insure for 17-year-old, here are some additional ways to secure affordable insurance.

• Consider adding a more experienced driver to the policy. For example, a parent or sibling who has been driving for a while.

• Buy a pre-owned car. Used cars typically come with lower insurance premiums.

• Opt for a specialist policy. Specialist policies, such as temporary insurance or black box policies, can reduce cover costs.

• Take an advanced driving course. Advanced courses (e.g. Pass Plus) show you’re a safer driver and lower your insurance.

• Make annual payments. Paying upfront for insurance can reduce interest costs and work out cheaper.

Why is insurance so expensive for new drivers in the UK?

Car insurance is expensive for new drivers in the UK because insurers see them as higher risk. With little or no driving history, insurers have less data to predict how safely a new driver will behave on the road.

Statistically, younger and inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, which leads to higher claim costs. It might feel unfair at first, but as you spend time on the road and drive safely, your premium will be lower.

Other key factors that increase prices include:

• Lack of no-claims bonus

• Higher likelihood of driving older or less safe cars

• Greater risk of theft or uninsured driving claims in younger age groups

• Limited experience handling complex road conditions

So, remember that it’s not the car alone that drives the cost. Rather, it’s the risk profile of the driver combined with limited experience.

Which car brands are cheapest to insure in the UK?

Some car brands consistently appear in lower insurance groups due to lower repair costs and lower theft risk. They also tend to have higher safety ratings. 

Other factors that lead certain brands to be more affordable include smaller engines, simple trims, and high availability of parts.

Typically, the cheapest brands to insure for new drivers include:

• Toyota – Especially models like the Aygo and Yaris

• Volkswagen – Particularly the Up!

• Skoda – Known for low repair costs and shared VW parts

• Hyundai – Strong reliability and affordable parts

• Kia – Good safety ratings and low running costs

• Citroën – Often positioned in lower insurance groups

What is the best first car for new drivers in the UK?

The best first car is usually one that balances low insurance costs, reliability, safety, and ease of driving. 

The “best” option ultimately depends on budget and your driving needs, but small hatchbacks with modest engines remain the safest starting point.

Popular choices for first-time drivers include Volkswagen Up, Toyota Aygo, Skoda Citigo, and the Kia Picanto. These cars are typically inexpensive to insure and maintain. They also tend to sit in lower insurance groups, making them ideal for building a no-claims history.

What is the best car size for a new driver?

For most new drivers, smaller cars are the best choice. Compact 1L vehicles are easier to control and manoeuvre,  especially in busy urban environments.

Small hatchbacks are generally preferred because they offer:

• Better visibility in traffic

• Easier parking and lower stress in tight spaces

• Lower repair and insurance costs

• More predictable handling for beginners

Supermini-sized cars (such as the VW Up or Toyota Aygo) are often ideal for first-time drivers in 2026. Larger cars can be harder to judge and usually come with higher insurance costs.

New driver insurance mistakes to avoid

Many new drivers accidentally increase their insurance costs by making avoidable mistakes when setting up their policy. Bumper recommends brushing up on the new driver blunders before you take to the wheel!

Common pitfalls include:

• Fronting (naming a parent as the main driver when they aren’t)

• Overestimating mileage, which can raise premiums unnecessarily

• Choosing a powerful car too early, even if it seems affordable to buy

• Ignoring insurance groups when buying a vehicle

• Failing to compare quotes, leading to overpaying

• Not declaring modifications, which can invalidate insurance

Getting the setup right from the start is one of the easiest ways to keep insurance affordable. So, keep the list above handy as a checklist before you commit.

The Conclusion On Cars For First-Time Drivers With Cheap Insurance

Navigating high insurance costs can take the excitement out of passing your test — but it doesn’t have to be doom and gloom. Hopefully, this blog has inspired you and helped you find your first car.

For more tips on how to get cheaper car insurance check out our guide.

How Bumper Can Help

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