Top 10 Cheapest SUVs to Insure in the UK (2026)

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SUVs are popular for their raised driving position, passenger space and everyday practicality, but not all SUVs come with high insurance costs. Many compact SUVs and small SUVs sit in relatively low insurance groups when fitted with modest petrol engines and sensible trim levels. For drivers looking to compare car insurance before buying, understanding how insurers assess different SUVs can help keep the overall cost of car insurance under control.

The insurance figures below are indicative UK averages, based on market data and Free Price Compare analysis. Actual premiums depend on personal circumstances, insurance provider and vehicle specification.

Check current SUV insurance costs

Why some SUVs are cheaper to insure than others

Insurance companies assess SUVs based on risk rather than size alone. Key factors include:

  • Insurance group rating for the exact engine and trim
  • Engine power, not just vehicle type
  • Front-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive
  • Repair costs and parts availability
  • Safety features and claim history

Compact crossover SUVs with smaller engines are often seen as lower risk than larger or more powerful SUVs, especially when four-wheel drive systems are avoided.

Top 10 Cheapest SUVs to Insure – Cost Overview

SUV Typical used price Est. annual insurance cost* Insurance group
Skoda Kamiq 1.0 £9,000–£13,000 £430–£660 8–10
Kia Stonic 1.0 £8,500–£12,500 £440–£670 8–10
SEAT Ateca 1.0 £9,000–£14,000 £450–£700 8–11
Dacia Duster 1.0 £8,000–£12,000 £440–£690 10–13
Ford Puma 1.0 £9,500–£14,500 £460–£720 11–14
Skoda Karoq 1.0 £10,000–£15,000 £470–£740 12–14
Nissan Juke 1.0 £8,500–£13,000 £470–£750 12–15
MG ZS (petrol) £8,000–£12,000 £480–£760 14–16
Hyundai Tucson (low-power) £11,000–£16,000 £490–£780 12–15
Kia Sportage (entry trims) £11,000–£17,000 £500–£800 14–17

*Indicative insurance costs based on UK averages.

Many drivers find it useful to compare car insurance prices before buying, as premiums can vary widely between insurance companies for the same SUV.

1. Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI

  • Typical used price: £9,000–£13,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £430–£660
  • Insurance group: 8–10

The Skoda Kamiq is consistently one of the cheapest SUVs to insure in the UK. Its compact size and modest petrol engine make it a lower-risk option for insurers.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Lower insurance group rating
  • Good fuel economy
  • Widely available, affordable parts
Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI
Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi

2. Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi

  • Typical used price: £8,500–£12,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £440–£670
  • Insurance group: 8–10

The Kia Stonic is a small SUV that suits urban driving and everyday use, helping to keep insurance costs competitive.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Compact SUV body style
  • Modest engine output
  • Predictable repair costs

3. SEAT Ateca 1.0 TSI

  • Typical used price: £9,000–£14,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £450–£700
  • Insurance group: 8–11

Despite being larger than many compact SUVs, the Ateca remains affordable to insure when fitted with the entry-level petrol engine.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Entry-level engine choice
  • Strong safety features
  • Front-wheel drive setup
SEAT Ateca 1.0 TSI
Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe

4. Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe

  • Typical used price: £8,000–£12,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £440–£690
  • Insurance group: 10–13

The Duster is a budget-focused SUV with simple engineering, keeping both purchase price and insurance costs low.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Low purchase price
  • Straightforward mechanics
  • Lower repair costs

5. Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost

  • Typical used price: £9,500–£14,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £460–£720
  • Insurance group: 11–14

The Ford Puma combines compact SUV dimensions with strong safety technology, helping it stay in reasonable insurance groups.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety rating
  • Efficient petrol engine
  • Popular model with good parts supply
Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost
Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI

6. Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI

  • Typical used price: £10,000–£15,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £470–£740
  • Insurance group: 12–14

The Karoq offers more passenger space than smaller SUVs while remaining insurer-friendly in entry trims.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Sensible engine choice
  • Family-focused use profile
  • Lower claim risk

7. Nissan Juke 1.0 DIG-T

  • Typical used price: £8,500–£13,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £470–£750
  • Insurance group: 12–15

The Nissan Juke is a compact crossover SUV commonly included in low-insurance round-ups.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Small petrol engine
  • Urban-focused driving patterns
  • Moderate repair costs
Nissan Juke 1.0 DIG-T
MG ZS (Petrol)

8. MG ZS (Petrol)

  • Typical used price: £8,000–£12,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £480–£760
  • Insurance group: 14–16

While not in the very lowest groups, the MG ZS remains affordable to insure due to its low purchase price.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Budget SUV positioning
  • Lower replacement value
  • Simple trim levels

9. Hyundai Tucson (Low-Power Trims)

  • Typical used price: £11,000–£16,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £490–£780
  • Insurance group: 12–15

The Tucson is a larger family SUV that can still be insured reasonably when lower-power engines are chosen.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety equipment
  • Family-focused use
  • Lower theft risk
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage

10. Kia Sportage (Entry Trims)

  • Typical used price: £11,000–£17,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £500–£800
  • Insurance group: 14–17

Older and entry-level Sportage models often fall into more affordable insurance groups than expected.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Proven reliability
  • Sensible trim levels
  • Wide parts availability

What makes compact SUVs a safer bet for insurance costs

Compact and subcompact SUVs often offer the best balance between practicality and insurance affordability. They typically combine smaller petrol engines, lower purchase prices and good fuel economy with modern safety features, helping them avoid higher insurance groups linked to larger or more powerful SUVs.

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SUV size, space and family use

SUVs are often chosen as a family car due to practical rear seats, flexible passenger space and comfort for longer trips. Insurers often view family-focused SUVs as lower risk when used for everyday driving rather than high-mileage or aggressive use.

How engine choice affects SUV insurance

SUVs with smaller engines are usually cheaper to insure than models with more powerful engines. Front-wheel drive petrol SUVs also tend to cost less to insure than four-wheel drive versions, which can be more expensive to repair after a claim. Hybrid and electric SUVs may sit in higher insurance groups due to battery repair costs.

How engine choice affects SUV insurance

Tips for getting cheaper SUV insurance

Getting cheaper SUV insurance is often about reducing risk in the eyes of insurers, rather than cutting cover.

  • Choose the lowest insurance group available
    SUVs with smaller petrol engines, front-wheel drive and entry-level trims usually sit in lower insurance groups, which directly reduces premiums.
  • Avoid costly upgrades
    Large alloy wheels, sporty body kits and higher trim levels can increase repair costs. Insurers factor this into pricing, even if performance is unchanged.
  • Keep annual mileage accurate
    Declaring realistic mileage helps avoid inflated premiums. Higher mileage increases exposure to risk and often raises insurance costs.
  • Consider older, proven models
    Older versions with a strong reliability record and widely available parts are often cheaper to insure than newer models with untested repair costs.
  • Use security features where possible
    Factory-fitted immobilisers, alarms and tracking systems can reduce theft risk and help lower premiums.
  • Check prices before renewal
    Insurance pricing changes year to year. Reviewing quotes before renewal can highlight better-priced policies that better match your current driving profile.

Drivers who review their options regularly often find cheapest car insurance deals that more accurately reflect their personal circumstances.

FAQs: Cheapest SUVs to Insure

Compact SUVs such as the Skoda Kamiq, Kia Stonic and SEAT Ateca are often among the cheapest to insure in the UK. These models typically sit in lower insurance groups due to smaller petrol engines, lower repair costs and strong safety features.

Some SUVs are more expensive to insure than hatchbacks, but many compact SUVs cost only slightly more when they share similar engines and safety equipment. Insurance costs depend more on risk, repair costs and insurance group rating than body style alone.

Yes. Four-wheel drive SUVs are usually more expensive to insure because the drivetrain is more complex and costly to repair after a claim. Insurers often place these models in higher insurance groups than equivalent front-wheel drive versions.

Yes. Many small and compact SUVs provide enough passenger space and practicality for family use while keeping insurance premiums reasonable. Family-focused SUVs with sensible engines are often seen as lower risk by insurers.

Yes. Always compare car insurance prices before buying an SUV to understand how different models, engine options and trim levels affect the total cost of ownership.

Often, yes. Older SUVs can be cheaper to insure due to a lower purchase price, but safety features, condition and repair costs still play an important role in how insurers price policies.

For 2026, SUVs such as the Skoda Kamiq, Kia Stonic, SEAT Ateca, Dacia Duster and Ford Puma are commonly listed among the cheapest to insure. These models usually sit in lower insurance groups because they use modest petrol engines and have strong safety ratings.

Yes. SUVs with smaller petrol engines are generally cheaper to insure than models with higher power outputs. More powerful engines tend to increase insurance group ratings and overall premiums.

Yes. Higher annual mileage increases the likelihood of an insurance claim, which can raise premiums. Keeping mileage realistic can help reduce insurance costs regardless of SUV size.

Yes. Selecting an SUV in a lower insurance group, with sensible engine options and good safety features, can significantly reduce insurance costs over time.

For new drivers, affordable SUVs are usually compact models with smaller petrol engines and lower insurance group ratings. SUVs such as the Skoda Kamiq, Kia Stonic and Nissan Juke are often suitable because they combine modern safety features with manageable repair costs.

Some hybrid SUVs can be reasonably priced to insure, particularly lower-powered models with strong safety features. Electric SUVs are often more expensive to insure due to higher repair and battery replacement costs, so premiums vary widely by model.

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Page last updated on: 27/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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