Best first cars for new drivers

What are the best cheap first cars to insure?

The cost of car insurance for new drivers is often the biggest financial hurdle, as new/young drivers face high insurance costs due to insurers viewing them as higher risk.

If you're a new driver, it's a good idea to prioritise cars in low insurance groups. Cars are grouped in categories from 1-50 based on how expensive they are to insure (with 1 being the cheapest).

The best types of first cars to insure are usually small, low-powered vehicles that fall in insurance groups 1-3.

When finding a cheap first car, you'll also want to consider:

• Breakdown cover
• Running costs
• MOTs
• Road tax
• Repair costs
• Parking permits
• Fees if you live in or drive through the ULEZ zone.

Uswitch is here to help you compare quotes from top UK insurers, to help new and young drivers get a great deal on the perfect first car.

Which factors make a car great for a new driver?

A great car for a new driver combines safety, affordability, and ease of handling to build confidence on the road. A low insurance group (1-10) is one of the most important factors for keeping premiums down.

Here are some of the other criteria that insurers use to determine your premiums:

• Engine size: Engines under 1.4L are ideal for keeping insurance and fuel costs down.
• Value: Used, nearly new, or budget-friendly new cars are a great way to save money. Choosing a car that holds its value well means a better return when it is eventually time to upgrade.
• Security features: Criminals frequently target drivers who may be less vigilant about leaving valuables in plain view, forgetting to lock doors, or parking in dark, unsafe areas. Simple security, like a Faraday pouch, can keep your car secure. A steering wheel lock or gear lock also acts as a strong, visible deterrent against thieves.
• Repair costs: Reliable, popular models often have cheaper, more accessible parts.
• Safety ratings: Look for a strong Euro NCAP rating for peace of mind, especially for new and young drivers. This is a European safety performance assessment for vehicles that uses a 0 to 5-star system. Five stars indicates excellent crash protection and comprehensive crash-avoidance technology. A zero-star rating meets minimum legal requirements but lacks modern safety technology.
• Road tax: Vehicles with low CO2 emissions, particularly smaller engines, electric vehicles, or older efficient models, offer the lowest tax rates.
• Maintenance and servicing costs: For new drivers, a vehicle that requires minimal, affordable, and infrequent maintenance is ideal to avoid hefty repair bills. Cars with smaller engines tend to cost less to service, have cheaper parts, and are easier to repair.
• Unmodified car policy: A modified car is any alteration from the factory standard and can hike up insurance costs. Modified cars are often seen as higher risk because they may be faster due to engine tuning. Or they may be more attractive to thieves because of cosmetic modifications. An unmodified car generally has lower premiums because it presents a lower, more predictable risk to the insurer.

What are the best new and used first cars for new drivers?

One of the most important things when deciding on the best first car is your budget - both for purchasing the car and insuring it. If you can afford to buy a new car, there are some great options in low insurance groups.

The car engines and trim levels that typically fall into the lowest insurance groups are small-capacity, non-turbocharged petrol city cars with basic specifications.

Here are some of our top picks:

Hyundai i10

Often cited as the cheapest to insure, particularly in older S or SE trims and the current 1.0L Advance trim, with pricing starting at around £15,500.

The Hyundai i10 boasts low running costs and a high-quality interior, making this car ideal for city driving.

Kia Picanto

Generally in the lower trims ('1' or '2'), the Picanto is a great option new and used. For group 1 insurance, you’ll need to find a 1.0-litre car with the automatic gearbox in '2' trim, which is ideal if you spend a lot of time on congested streets.

The Kia Picanto is a reliable, well-equipped car that is easy to park and offers a mature driving experience for its size.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is a good option with low insurance groups (often group 6-10). It has a compact design that makes it ideal for city driving. It also features efficient 1.2-litre petrol engines, modern technology like touchscreens, and good safety ratings.

The older Vauxhall Corsa is a great option if cheap insurance is your priority. Corsas with Vauxhall’s 75hp 1.4-litre engine sit in group 3 in certain trim levels. The newer, current-shape Corsa is more expensive to insure, starting in group 10.

Volkswagen Polo

The Polo is a slightly more premium option that is safe, comfortable, and spacious while remaining easy to handle. Versions with the 1.0-litre ‘Evo’ petrol engine sit in group 1, and the engine returns over 50mpg.

However, newer Polos in entry-level Life trim have gone up to group 3.

Ford Fiesta

Whilst this model has been discontinued, it's still a popular used first car due to its continued value. Because Fiestas are so common, parts for repairs are widely available and affordable, keeping repair costs down.

Older models, particularly with smaller engines (e.g., 1.0L EcoBoost), often fall into the lowest, cheapest insurance groups.

Skoda Fabia

The Fabia is a practical, dependable, and sensible choice which shares components with the Volkswagen Polo. Older models still feature Skoda's famous practical design touches (like umbrella storage and ice scraper in the fuel cap), making daily driving easier. Used models provide significant cost savings, lower insurance, and less depreciation.

The newer Skoda Fabia, produced since 2021, starts in group 4. These new models feature modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whilst also providing superior efficiency.

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is considered a top choice for new drivers, often ranked as the best first car due to its excellent reliability, high safety ratings, low insurance groups (3-8), and good fuel economy.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is known for being one of the most affordable cars on the market, offering a simple, practical, and no-nonsense experience. Older models are incredibly cheap to buy, making them ideal for budget-conscious new drivers. Prices start from just under £14,000.

New models (after 2024) offer advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

Renault Clio

The Clio is stylish, spacious, and good to drive, with entry-level versions offering great value. It has a low insurance group (often group 10), a five-star Euro NCAP, and high fuel efficiency.

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is a small, easily manoeuvrable car that's ideal for city driving, navigating traffic, and ease when parking. They're known for their economical engines and low running costs.

This car has a user-friendly design, with intuitive controls, responsive steering, and a small turning circle. Some models also have parking sensors. These features can help build confidence in new drivers.

How can you save money on your first car insurance policy?

• Install a black box: A black box tracks your speed, time of day, and mileage. This can significantly reduce premiums for young drivers by proving safe driving.
• Add a trusted named driver: Adding an experienced driver, like a parent or guardian, can bring premiums down. Always be honest about who is the main driver and who is the named driver. Naming a lower-risk driver as the main driver to lower premiums is known as 'fronting,' a form of car insurance fraud. Fronting is illegal and can lead to prosecution and invalidated car insurance.
• Increase your voluntary excess: A higher excess means a lower premium, but always make sure the excess is affordable. You'll have to pay this in the event of a car insurance claim.
• Choose the right policy type: Fully Comprehensive isn't always more expensive than third party only for young drivers, and it offers greater protection.
• Security and parking: Parking your car in a secure location, like a garage or driveway, can help lower the chances of theft and damages. Installing insurer-approved security features can also help bring insurance costs down, as it lowers your risk to insurers even more.
• Pay annually: Paying for your policy upfront is almost always cheaper than monthly installments.

Should I choose a petrol, diesel or electric first car?

A petrol car might be more cost-effective than a diesel car. As a new driver, you'll probably be looking at a smaller car, of which there are fewer diesel models available, as the diesel car becomes less fashionable.

Diesel cars are more economical, but you'll need to be travelling long distances for the savings to kick in. Some petrol engines have the option of a stop-start, which can take some getting used to but will offer some fuel savings.

Electric cars have cheaper fuel costs but they still suffer from limited range compared with more traditionally fuelled vehicles. They also take longer to fill up, and there are fewer public charge points to use during a long journey or while away from home. They tend to cost more to buy and insure - although over the longer term you can make savings thanks to cheaper fuel and running costs.

However, following the announcement of the diesel and petrol ban, the government has pledged extra grants for electric car buyers and are investing more money in charging points.