Best First Cars for New UK Drivers (That Are Cheap to Insure)

Starting your driving journey in the UK is a thrilling milestone — like moving out for the first time, but with more horsepower and less furniture to worry about. However, for new drivers, picking the perfect first car can feel like choosing a shoelace in a haystack. Affordability, insurance costs, reliability, and ease of driving all play starring roles. Out of these, insurance cost often steals the spotlight because it can be shockingly high and make your wallet wince.

In this guide, we’ll steer you towards the best first cars for new UK drivers that are cheap to insure. We’ll zoom through top models, their perks, and handy tips so you can snag a great deal without breaking the bank—or your spirit.

Why Insurance Cost Matters More for New Drivers

Insurance premiums for new UK drivers are like that surprise broccoli on your plate: unwelcome but hard to avoid. Because of limited experience and higher statistical risk, insurers charge more for rookies behind the wheel.

Thankfully, UK cars are slotted into insurance groups ranging from 1 to about 50, based on factors like performance, safety features, repair costs, and theft risk. Cars in insurance groups 1 or 2 can save you hundreds annually—think of it as the discount pizza of the motoring world.

Typically, smaller, less powerful cars keep your insurance group low and your premiums friendly.

Top Cheap-to-Insure First Cars for New UK Drivers

1. Hyundai i10

• Insurance Group: 1 (lowest possible)
• Annual Insurance Cost: Approximately £750–£1,090
• Why It’s Great: The Hyundai i10 is the city car equivalent of your trusty mug—simple, reliable, and brings peace of mind with a 5-year warranty. Small and nimble, it’s perfect for fresh drivers learning to juggle mirrors and roundabouts.

2. Kia Picanto

• Insurance Group: 1
• Annual Insurance Cost: Around £800
• Why It’s Great: The Kia Picanto tags along nicely with its cousin Hyundai, boasting a 7-year warranty. It’s surprisingly roomy, which means you can haul your mates without feeling like a sardine in a tin.

3. Volkswagen Up!

• Insurance Group: 1
• Annual Insurance Cost: About £900
• Why It’s Great: The VW Up! is the smart, stylish choice that’s easy on the eyes and on your running costs. It’s like the reliable friend who’s also a bit of a looker.

4. Volkswagen Polo (1.0-litre models)

• Insurance Group: Typically 1 for small engines
• Annual Insurance Cost: Approximately £1,250
• Why It’s Great: The Polo offers a bit more space and polish than its smaller siblings, perfect if you want sophistication on a budget without the insurance blues.

5. Skoda Fabia

• Insurance Group: Usually low, varies by trim
• Why It’s Great: The Fabia plays the practical card wonderfully, with roomy interiors and a comfortable ride. Its modest engines keep insurance friendly, so you’ll feel at home on tight streets or open roads.

Other Insurance-Friendly Options

• Ford Fiesta: The UK’s sweetheart with good handling and plentiful used options. Insurance groups start around 2, with annual premiums near £1,500 — slightly pricier but still reasonable.
• SEAT Ibiza: A stylish cousin of the Polo and Fabia, offering punchy looks and competitive insurance rates.
• Dacia Sandero: The budget champion of new cars in the UK. Basic, reliable, and easy to insure—perfect if you’re watching every penny.

First Cars Going Electric?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are zooming into popularity, but for new drivers, they can be a bit like finding a unicorn rental on campus—rare and pricier to insure. Repairs on tech-heavy EVs like the Citroen e-C3 or Renault 5 e-tech tend to bump premiums higher. If you want to go green first, just be prepared for the insurance hit.

Tips for Choosing Your First Car

• Keep the engine small: Stick to around 1.0-litre or less to score the lowest insurance groups.
• Check specifics: Insurance groups vary by model year and trim, so double-check before you buy.
• Think reliability and warranty: Hyundai and Kia’s generous warranties can save you from surprise bills.
• Consider used or nearly-new: Save on upfront costs while avoiding the biggest depreciation hit.
• Don’t forget running costs: Fuel efficiency, road tax, and servicing add up and affect your total spending.

Summary: Best First Cars for New UK Drivers Cheap to Insure

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first car is a bit like picking your university outfit: you want it to be affordable, safe, and stylish enough to keep you confident. The Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and VW Up! top the charts because they balance low insurance groups, manageable running costs, and user-friendly driving all in one neat package.

Before signing on the dotted line, shop around for insurance quotes tailored to your personal details—because sometimes your postcode can cost more than your parking fines! Also, consider provisional or learner driver insurance schemes to ease those early premiums.

Ready to hit the UK roads? With the right car, you’ll enjoy the ride without the headache of sky-high insurance. Happy driving, and watch out for those cheeky roundabouts!