Finding a car that has everything you’re looking for and a good insurance premium can be difficult – particularly if you’re on a budget – so we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest cars to insure in 2019. Car insurance is a legal requirement to drive in the UK, and getting the right premium is essential for providing adequate financial protection in the event of an accident. If you drive without insurance you risk being fined, receiving penalty points on your licence or getting disqualified from driving.
However, although car insurance is essential, it doesn’t need to break the bank. Every car in the UK falls into one of 50 insurance categories to calculate premiums, as decided by the official group rating panel. The higher the category, the more expensive it will be to insure. Which group each model fits into is based on the following factors:
- The price of the car when new
- The price of the parts required for repairs
- The likelihood of repairs for each model
- The time repairs would take to make
- Performance, i.e. acceleration and top speed
- Safety features such as driver assist technology
- Security features like alarms and immobilisation devices
While there are many different ways you can save money on your car insurance, finding out which category your prospective model fits into can give you a rough idea of your outgoing expenses. This means that whether you’re a new driver, you’re looking for a larger car to accommodate your growing family or you just fancy an upgrade, it’s crucial to take into account the cost of insurance when choosing your next car.
This guide breaks down the cheapest cars to insure in 2019 to help you decide which model is right for you.
Volkswagen Polo
The VW Polo has remained a consistently cheap car to insure thanks to its impressive range of safety features, economy and strong residual values. The Polo is known for being a relatively reliable model that shares plenty of parts with other Volkswagens, meaning repairs don’t break the bank and insurance premiums are brought down. The advanced safety features include central locking, anti-theft immobiliser and dual front airbags across the range. SE models tend to fall in insurance groups one to eight, while R-Line models sit in groups eight to 12, and GTI trims and above generally fall into groups 26-28. All things considered, the popular small car is the ideal choice for learner or newly-passed drivers.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta has been a favourite on UK roads since 1976, with entry-level models sitting in insurance group two. Some older models fall into the group one insurance category but generally the higher-spec cars sit in groups eight to 15 – even the range-topping Fiesta Vignale with 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine. The 2019 Ford Fiesta benefits from anti-lock brakes, front-impact airbags and an innovative security system that utilises an ignition disable device for added security. Often considered the best-handling car in the small car class, the hatchback fits right in to limited budgets while offering plenty of storage space. This makes it a good option for first-time drivers and safety-conscious families alike.
Skoda Citigo
Named the best city car under £10,000 by What Car?, the Skoda Citigo boasts a 1.0-litre engine, a sizeable 959-litre boot and expansive range of automatic safety systems. Unlike other popular city cars in its class, the Citigo is available in either three-door or five-door forms with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox. Trim levels range from basic at S Trim to the advanced Monte Carlo, with the insurance group classification also rising to match the high-tech features available at each level. The cheapest to insure is the economical 59bhp model which qualifies for insurance group one thanks to its low running costs, while others in the range fall into insurance groups two and three.
Hyundai i10
This frugal city car utilises smart technology that works to bring down insurance premiums, including a touch-screen navigation system, forward collision warning system and lane departure warning. It’s an extremely cheap car to insure thanks to the Hyundai i10’s competitive price and low servicing costs, placing premium specification cars in group seven and lower-spec models in group six. Basic models with a 1.0-litre engine fall in group two or group three. Despite its low price the i10 doesn’t compromise on performance, as the Hyundai’s compact dimensions and lightweight offer a sporty and smooth drive.
Fiat 500
Although the Fiat 500 isn’t as cheap to buy as many other models in its class, the 500 has good residual value and benefits from low running costs. The three-door city car has a somewhat limited range of safety technology resulting in a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, placing it in insurance group five to 15 depending on the specification. The 500 is available with a choice of three engines starting with the 1.2-litre 69bhp engine, and in four trim levels: Pop, Pop Star, Lounge and S. All models have seven airbags as standard, while springing for a higher spec adds rear parking sensors and electronic stability management. However, drivers will have to pay extra to have an alarm installed.
Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 dominates as a popular choice for small families thanks to its economical running costs, competitive pricing and enviable boot space. Available as a three or five-door model, C1 insurance groups range from six for the 1.0-litre car to group 12 for the 1.2-litre version at the highest trim level. This makes it a little pricier than the Skoda Citigo and Hyundai i10, but with a four-star rating from Euro NCAP, the extra cost is worth it for peace of mind. The expansive safety kit includes six airbags, electronic brake assistance and tyre pressure monitoring as standard across the range, while the maximum boot capacity of 780 litres can easily meet the storage needs of a small family.
SEAT Mii
Known for competitive prices and consistent reliability, the SEAT Mii offers enviable fuel economy thanks to its efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine. Although this too is more expensive to buy new than the Skoda Citigo, it retains good value for a city car and benefits from extremely cheap insurance premiums. The entry-level Design Mii sits in the lowest insurance bracket – group one – yet still has 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The higher FR-Line spec looks sportier and sits in groups four to six, making it one of the cheapest cars to cover. The Mii also achieved the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP thanks to its multiple airbags, stability control and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
In summary...
At the end of the day, how much your car insurance will cost depends on your level of experience, age, occupation, driving history and the type of cover you buy. For example, drivers under the age of 25 will generally have to pay more for cover due to their higher risk rating behind the wheel. There are plenty of ways you can lower your insurance premiums to make your dream car more affordable, but if you’re on a budget it’s best to check what insurance category each vehicle fits into before deciding, as this can give you an idea of the outgoing expenses you’ll pay each month.
At AMT, we’re committed to providing a service that’s tailored to you. If you want to make driving your dream car a reality, contact our dedicated team today to discuss your lease requirements on 0113 387 4241.