When you’re learning to drive, it can be tough to find a car that’s cheap to buy, run and insure. So, which are the cheapest cars to insure for learners?
We’ve worked with our Pricing team to find the top 10 cheapest cars between May 2023 and May 2024 for learner drivers to insure, based on their insurance premiums (the amount you pay for your insurance).
Please note all figures used are averages based on internal data where there’s a minimum of 50 cars on our system. The figures also don’t take into account other data relating to demographics and behaviour that can affect insurance prices.
1. Fiat 500 – average insurance premium: £691.96
As a hugely popular choice among young and learner drivers, it’s fitting that the Fiat 500 is number one on our list. This nifty little car’s one-litre petrol engine may be on the smaller side, but this popular car is more than enough to get you around town.
With a not-too-shabby fuel consumption of 55mpg (miles per gallon), the Fiat 500 is also an economical choice, which is great for learners who have a tighter fuel budget.
Perhaps the biggest downside of the Fiat 500 is that it’s tight on passenger and storage space. However, it can be easier to learn to drive in a smaller car!
2. Toyota Aygo – average insurance premium: £714.84
The Toyota Aygo is another vehicle that’s cheap to run and could be cheap to insure based on your circumstances. While its engine is only a one-litre, it’s the perfect option for learners and younger drivers who don’t need too much power in their vehicle.
While this car is on the less expensive side, it still has a fairly sleek design and comes in a range of colours. What’s more, it’s relatively small, making it another great choice for learner drivers.
Despite its size, the Aygo is relatively spacious, giving it a practical edge, too.
3. Kia Picanto – average insurance premium: £760.19
With a one-litre engine, sleek design and comfy interior, there’s a lot about the Kia Picanto that makes it great for learners. This funky hatchback comes in a range of colours and is a nice light option for new drivers who want to be behind the wheel of something easier to handle.
The Picanto comes with a one-litre two-cylinder or a 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine, though both options are still relatively small and low-power. Again, this is perfect for a learner driver.
With a solid infotainment system (in-car entertainment system) and a smooth drive, the Picanto ticks a lot of boxes, and may be the perfect fit for you if you’re a learner driver.
4. Hyundai I10 – average insurance premium: £768.74
The Hyundai I10 provides a smooth ride for drivers and is easy to handle, which is great for learners who are still getting used to the road. You can choose between a one-litre and 1.25-litre engine size with the I10, though there’s not too much difference between the two.
If it’s storage space you’re after, the I10 is a top pick among smaller cars.
With a maximum fuel economy of around 55mpg, the I10 is also quite an economical choice of car, which can help you keep fuel costs low.
5. Nissan Micra – average insurance premium: £835.91
The Nissan Micra is a reliable hatchback that is well-suited to learner drivers. Its one-litre engine is a standard size for many cars in its price range and is more than enough for most learners.
In terms of fuel consumption, the Micra tends to max out at 52mpg, which is still quite economical and could save you money on fuel in the long term.
The Micra has a sleek and stylish interior, perhaps a cut above many other cars in its price range. Its seats are also comfortable, though it’s worth noting that the rear headroom leaves something to be desired.
The car itself also comes in a range of different colours, so you won’t be short of choice, regardless of whether you’re buying new or used.
6. Mini Cooper – average insurance premium: £853.59
A classic British favourite, the Mini Cooper isn’t just well-suited to experienced drivers – it's a great car for learner drivers, too. Their small size and cheaper insurance price (in many but not all cases) make them well-suited to learners and young drivers. What’s more, their design, in and out, is unique compared to many other cars on the road.
With a fuel consumption of up to 48mpg, the Mini Cooper’s economy isn’t outstanding but it’s still efficient and isn’t below average in the market overall.
7. Citroen C3 – average insurance premium: £867.64
The Citroen C3 is a popular choice of car in the UK and can suit you well as a learner driver. A quirky yet practical car, the C3 has a distinctive design, as well as a sleek interior that sports a ten-inch infotainment system.
The C3 comes with a choice of two engines: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. With a fuel consumption of around 51mpg on its petrol model, the C3 is yet another example of an economical car that’s great for learner drivers.
8. Suzuki Swift – average insurance premium: £884.89
The Suzuki Swift is a snazzy little car with a lot to offer, especially for learner drivers. With a 1.2-litre engine, the Swift is easy to handle and pleasant to drive.
Though many of the cars listed here have great fuel economy, the Swift takes things to the next level, maxing out at around 64mpg. If you’re looking to save money on fuel and want to fill up your tank less frequently, then this car is a great option for you.
9. Renault Clio – average insurance premium: £901.26
The Renault Clio has been around for many years and has remained popular among learners and young drivers. It has two engine options: a one-litre, three cylinder and a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine. Of course, the latter option will provide you with more power, but this often comes with a higher price tag.
What’s incredible about the Clio is that it can reach a fuel consumption of 67mpg, making it an extremely economical choice. Its newer models also boast a large infotainment system, though even the slightly older versions still have an infotainment screen.
10. Volkswagen Polo – average insurance premium: £907.77
The Polo is sometimes considered as a more up-market option in the eyes of learner drivers. However, these vehicles can be surprisingly cheap to insure.
The Polo has a one-litre two-cylinder engine or a two-litre four-cylinder engine. Its fuel consumption can reach 54mpg in ideal conditions, which makes it cheaper to run than a lot of other cars on the market. It also boasts a spacious boot, which is great if you’re driving your car to university.
There are also plenty of used Polos on the market. You can find many second-hand Polos online or in local garages, if you don’t want to break the bank on the budget of your first car.
