Let’s be honest: car insurance in the UK isn’t cheap. And if you’re a new driver or trying to stick to a budget, the last thing you want is a car that pushes your premium through the roof.

Luckily, not all cars are treated equally when it comes to insurance. Some sit in the lowest insurance groups because they’re simple, safe, and inexpensive to repair. That’s great news for your wallet.

So, if you’re after something affordable to insure but still decent to drive, here are 10 cars that do the trick.

Hyundai i10

This one’s a proper no-fuss city car. The Hyundai i10 doesn’t try to be flashy, but that’s part of its charm. It’s compact, easy to park, and sips fuel gently. Go for the 1.0-litre version, and you’ll find it in the lowest insurance group. It’s the kind of car that quietly gets on with the job-and that’s exactly what many people want.

Volkswagen Polo

The Polo might surprise you. It’s a Volkswagen, sure, but you don’t need deep pockets to own one. Entry-level models come with smaller engines that keep insurance costs way down. You still get that quality interior and solid feel behind the wheel. It’s a great middle ground between premium and practical.

Skoda Fabia

Skoda has come a long way, and the Fabia is proof. It’s not just a cheaper alternative to a Polo-it’s genuinely good in its own right. There’s loads of space for passengers and shopping bags, and it feels sturdy without being heavy. Lower trim levels are usually in the lower insurance groups, so you won’t be paying silly money to keep it covered.

Kia Picanto

For a small car, the Picanto punches well above its weight. It looks sharp, it’s fun to drive around town, and it’s got a decent amount of kit inside. Insurance-wise, it’s easy on the pocket, especially if you stick to the 1.0-litre version. Plus, Kia’s seven-year warranty doesn’t hurt either.

Toyota Aygo X

The Aygo X adds some character to the world of small cars.

With its wonky design and elevated driving position, it has more of a baby SUV feel to it than a typical city car. But despite appearances, it’s still very cheap to insure-principally because the engine is small and it’s loaded with safety equipment. It’s perfect for nipping round the city and fitting into tight parking spots.

Volkswagen Caddy

If you need something practical that isn’t your typical hatchback, the Caddy could be the answer. It’s van-based, so there’s lots of room on the inside, but the smaller engines make it remarkably cheap to insure. It’s particularly useful for families or people who want to transport equipment but don’t want to drive around in a clunky SUV.

Fiat 500

You can’t discuss small, budget cars without mentioning the Fiat 500. It’s got charm by the bucketload and is perfect for city life. The 1.0-litre mild-hybrid versions are usually the cheapest to insure. Sure, it’s compact-and the back seats aren’t exactly spacious-but it makes up for it with style and simplicity.

Dacia Sandero

This car is all about keeping things straightforward. It’s one of the cheapest new cars available to buy in the UK, and it delivers in the best possible way. Entry-level trims are sparse on gadgets, which makes maintenance and insurance prices low. If you’re not fussed about high-end extras and just need something reliable and tough, the Sandero is your ticket.

Renault Clio

The Clio strikes a nice balance-it feels more upmarket than you’d expect, but it’s still cheap to run. 

Smaller engine variants keep insurance costs low, and it handleswell whether nipping in and out of town or putting it on the motorway. It’s a solid all-rounder with a bit of panache.

SEAT Arona

If you like the look and feel of an SUV but don’t want SUV running costs, the Arona’s worth a look. It’s based on the Ibiza underneath, so it’s still compact and easy to drive, but with that extra height and space. Lower-powered ones keep it in the lower insurance brackets.

Final Thoughts

Insurance prices may not be the thrill of choosing a car, but they certainly do count. These ten vehicles prove you do not have to break the bank to have something comfortable, competent, and easy to insure. Stick with the lower trims, drive sensibly, and you’ll be off to a good start.

Generally, the lower the insurance group, the cheaper the insurance is.

To find out the insurance group for any car in the UK for free, just enter the registration number into a car checker service. This will give you the information you need. If you want more details, you can upgrade for a small fee to get the full history of the car.