What are the cheapest cars to insure?

The Hyundai i10 has been a familiar sight on UK roads since it arrived in 2008. Its compact size, small petrol engines and low running costs make it a practical choice for town driving. Despite its small exterior, the i10 has a roomy cabin and a useful 252-litre boot. It’s also easy to park, with light steering and good visibility helping in tight spaces. AA Cars lists the i10 in insurance groups 1 to 7, although the exact rating depends on the engine, gearbox and trim. Lower-powered 1.0-litre versions are likely to be the best place to start when comparing quotes. The more powerful N Line may cost more to cover. The basic engine works well around town, but it can feel slow and noisy on faster roads. Earlier infotainment systems can also feel dated compared with the latest small cars.

The Skoda Fabia is larger than most city cars, making it a useful choice if you need more passenger or luggage space without moving to a full-sized family hatchback. Its cabin feels solid and practical, while the large boot makes it suitable for shopping, pushchairs and longer journeys. The Fabia also has a comfortable ride and simple controls, so it’s easy to live with every day. Engine and trim choice matter when comparing insurance. Entry-level 1.0-litre petrol versions should be your starting point, while more powerful turbocharged engines and sportier trims may sit in higher groups. The Fabia focuses on comfort and practicality rather than driving excitement. Some versions also have a plain interior, particularly in lower specifications.

The Toyota Aygo X replaced the original Aygo in 2022. It combines city-car dimensions with crossover-inspired styling, giving drivers a slightly higher seating position without making the car difficult to park. Earlier 1.0-litre petrol models sit in insurance groups 5 to 7, depending on the trim and transmission. These versions are likely to appeal most to drivers looking for a straightforward, economical car with relatively modest performance. Toyota replaced the petrol engine with a more powerful hybrid system for the updated Aygo X. Across the petrol and hybrid range, AA Cars lists insurance groups 5 to 10, so check whether the extra performance and efficiency of the hybrid affects your quote. The Aygo X comes with useful safety equipment and feels well assembled. However, it only has four seats, rear legroom is limited and the earlier petrol engine can feel slow and noisy on a motorway.

The Dacia Sandero offers more space than most cars associated with low insurance costs. Its five-door layout, roomy cabin and useful boot make it a practical option for drivers who find a traditional city car too small. Dacia keeps costs down by using straightforward engines and limiting some of the more expensive materials and technology found in premium alternatives. This can help make the Sandero affordable to buy, maintain and repair. Insurance groups depend on the engine, specification and model year, so check the exact version rather than relying on the Sandero name alone. Basic, lower-powered models are likely to offer the best chance of a competitive quote. The Sandero Stepway received a two-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested in 2021. That result reflected its safety-assistance performance as well as its crash protection. Newer versions include more driver-support features, but the original result remains relevant when considering an earlier used car.

The previous-generation Fiat Panda remains a popular used-car choice. Its tall, boxy body provides more interior space than its compact dimensions suggest, while light steering makes it easy to drive and park around town. The Panda was sold with several petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid engines during its long production run. Insurance groups can therefore vary considerably. Basic petrol versions are a sensible starting point, while four-wheel-drive, Cross and more powerful models may produce different quotes. Its simple design and widely available parts can help with maintenance, but the cabin uses plenty of hard plastics. Performance is also leisurely and the safety technology on older examples can feel dated. The Panda covered here is now primarily a used-car option. Fiat’s current UK small-car range includes the larger Grande Panda, which is available with hybrid and electric power.