08 August 2025
The 10 cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers in 2025
11 minutes
For learner drivers in the UK, choosing your first car is a big decision, and insurance costs can be one of the biggest hurdles. With premiums rising, picking a car that sits in a low insurance group can make a huge difference. These cars are typically small, safe, and economical, making them ideal for new drivers.
In this guide we will cover what makes a car cheap to insure, factors affecting car insurance costs, and our 10 picks for the cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers right now.
Are you looking for learner driver insurance? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!
What makes a car cheap to insure?
The amount it costs to insure a car will largely depend on the car insurance group it’s in.
It works like this:
- Cars are placed into one of 50 groups by a panel of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). You can read more about each group via our Car Insurance Groups List page.
- The panel uses data collected by car safety researchers Thatcham Research to score the vehicles across a range of categories.
- The categories include the price of the vehicle, engine power, cost of repairs, and safety and security features.
If the car is cheaper to buy, cheaper to repair, less powerful and has performed well in security tests, it’s placed into a low insurance group. On the flip side, a more expensive, more powerful car is considered riskier and therefore placed in a higher insurance group. As a rule of thumb, the lower the insurance group, the cheaper it is to insure.
Not sure which insurance group your car belongs to? Find out with our Car Insurance Group Checker tool.
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What else affects car insurance costs?
In addition to the car insurance group your vehicle falls into, your insurance costs will also be affected by:
- Your driving history. Insurance providers want to understand the level of risk you pose as a driver, so they’ll look at your overall driving history before calculating your premium. Age, experience, and any past claims or convictions all affect how insurers assess your risk. Of course, as a learner, your driving history will be very limited!
- Vehicle security features. Insurance providers also want to know that your car is protected against theft. If you have alarms, immobilisers, or other built-in security features (like GPS trackers), it’s more likely to deter thieves and will therefore be cheaper to insure.
- Where you park. Finally, where you park your car when it’s not being used can also affect your car insurance premium. If you park on the street, it could be a target for thieves or suffer damage from passing vehicles or vandals. But if you keep it in a secure garage or CCTV-covered car park, it could be considered lower risk by insurance providers.
For more tips on how to keep your insurance costs low, check out our guide:
The 10 cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers
1. Hyundai i10
A zippy little motor built for nipping around town, the Hyundai i10 is a group 1 insurance model new drivers simply must consider. The interiors feel like they belong in a higher-end vehicle and, depending on the spec you opt for, the tech is second to none (rear-view camera, anyone?).
- Great fuel economy
- Easy to handle and park
- Spacious for its size
- Entry-level auto gearbox is sluggish
- Basic trim lacks premium features
2. Kia Picanto
The Picanto is a stylish little hatchback that’s easy to handle and light on the wallet. It’s available in a range of colours and trims, with a comfortable interior and solid infotainment system. Whether you go for the 1.0-litre or slightly punchier 1.25-litre version, both are learner-friendly and sit in low insurance groups. It’s a great choice for those who want something fun but practical.
- Insurance Group 4
- Seven-year warranty and good tech
- Light steering and compact dimensions
- Lower Euro NCAP safety rating
- Smaller boot space
3. Toyota Aygo X
Compact, quirky and surprisingly well-equipped, the Aygo X is a city car with SUV-inspired styling. It’s perfect for learners thanks to its small footprint, responsive handling, and features like adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera — even in the entry-level Pure trim. The 1.0-litre engine is modest but efficient, making it ideal for short trips and urban driving.
- Insurance Group 5
- High-tech safety features
- Economical and reliable
- Rear seating is cramped
- Cheapest insurance only applies to Pure trim
4. Volkswagen Polo
A long-standing favourite among new drivers, the Polo offers a refined driving experience with a premium feel. The entry-level Life trim features a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that’s smooth and efficient, while the cabin is impressively quiet and well-built. It’s not the fastest off the mark, but it’s safe, reliable and surprisingly affordable to insure.
- Insurance Group 3
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating
- Smooth and quiet drive
- Slower acceleration
- Higher upfront cost than some alternatives
5. Ford Fiesta
Although no longer available new, the Fiesta remains a hugely popular and excellent choice on the used market. Its popularity means parts are readily available and affordable, and many models with the 1.0-litre engine sit in lower insurance groups.
- Falls into low insurance groups
- Excellent driving dynamics
- Great fuel economy
- Limited interior space
- Lower-spec trims, especially on earlier models
6. Renault Clio
The Clio is a smart, well-rounded hatchback that blends style, safety and efficiency. Its 0.9-litre turbocharged engine offers a good balance of performance and economy, with fuel consumption reaching up to 67mpg. Inside, it feels more premium than many rivals, and newer models come with a large infotainment screen and advanced driver aids.
- Insurance Group 10
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating
- Excellent fuel economy
- Slightly higher insurance group
- Rear visibility could be better
7. Skoda Fabia
Spacious, practical and easy to drive, the Fabia is a great option for learners who want a bit more room without sacrificing affordability. It shares its 1.0-litre engine with the VW Polo, offering decent performance and low running costs. The interior is well thought out, with clever storage and user-friendly controls.
- Insurance Group 4
- Generous interior space
- Reliable and well-built
- Slightly pricier than Polo for insurance
- Less premium feel than VW counterpart
8. Dacia Sandero
The Sandero is all about value. It’s more spacious than most cars in its class and comes with a 0.9-litre turbocharged engine that’s surprisingly capable. While older models had a lower safety rating, newer versions have improved tech and safety features. It’s a solid choice for learners who want practicality without the price tag.
- Insurance Group 10
- Spacious and comfortable
- Affordable running costs
- Two-star Euro NCAP rating (older models)
- Basic interior and limited tech
9. SEAT Arona
If you’re after something with a bit more presence, the Arona is a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on insurance costs. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and offers a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. Despite its larger size, it’s easy to drive and sits in the same insurance group as many smaller hatchbacks.
- Insurance Group 10
- SUV practicality with hatchback costs
- Strong safety and tech features
- Larger size may be intimidating for some
- Higher purchase price than city cars
10. SEAT Ibiza
The SEAT Ibiza is another UK favourite. Falling into insurance group 3, the Ibiza is a sleek, roomy number with plenty of flair and character. While the interiors aren't exactly luxurious, passengers can enjoy a good amount of room, while the boot boasts plenty of space too. Its most common 1.0-liter petrol engine offers excellent fuel economy and is affordable to insure.
- Insurance Group 3
- Generous cabin and boot space
- Great fuel economy
- Interior plastics can feel hard and scratchy
- Lots of road noise
Should I get a cheap car for my first car?
Everyone has a budget to stick to, but going for the cheapest car available isn’t always the most cost-effective choice in the long run. If your first car breaks down regularly or lacks fuel efficiency, you could end up spending more on repairs and running costs than you saved upfront.
That said, buying a used car shouldn’t be ruled out. A small, affordable, safe and reliable used car can be a smart move for first-time drivers. Minor bumps and scrapes are common as you build confidence behind the wheel, so choosing a car that’s easy to maintain and doesn’t require expensive cosmetic fixes makes sense. Used cars are often easier to finance, easier to drive and cheaper to insure than a brand new set of wheels.
Final thoughts
Navigating the world of car insurance as a learner driver doesn’t have to be daunting. The cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers tend to be smaller, less powerful, and packed with modern safety and security features. Models like the Hyundai i10, SEAT Ibiza and Toyota Aygo X offer a great balance of affordability, reliability and insurance-friendly specs. So, by opting for a vehicle in a lower insurance group, you can significantly cut costs without compromising on safety or practicality.
Whether you’re drawn to compact city cars or prefer something with a bit more space, there’s a budget-friendly option to suit every learner. Remember, factors like where you park, your driving history, and built-in security features also play a role in keeping premiums low. With the right car and a bit of savvy planning, you’ll be on the road with confidence - and without breaking the bank.