Top 10 Cheapest Automatic Cars to Insure in the UK (2026)

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Automatic cars are no longer limited to expensive or high-risk models. Many small and mid-size automatics now sit in lower insurance groups thanks to modest engines, strong safety features and lower repair costs. When drivers compare car insurance before buying, some automatic versions are often far cheaper to insure than expected, making them a practical option for everyday driving.

The figures below are indicative UK averages, based on market data and Free Price Compare analysis. Prices and insurance costs are rounded to show typical costs rather than exact quotes.

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Are automatic cars more expensive to insure?

Automatic cars can cost more to insure if they have complex gearboxes or higher repair costs. However, many modern automatics use small petrol engines, CVT systems or simple torque-converter gearboxes that insurers view as lower risk.

Automatic versions are often cheaper to insure when they:

  • Sit in a lower insurance group
  • Use smaller engines with controlled power delivery
  • Have strong safety and security features
  • Are common models with widely available parts

This is why some of the cheapest insurance options in the UK are now automatic city cars and superminis.

Top 10 Cheapest Automatic Cars to Insure – Cost Overview

Automatic car Typical used price Typical new price Est. annual insurance cost* Insurance group
Hyundai i10 automatic £7,000–£10,500 £16,000+ £380–£580 1–4
Kia Picanto automatic £6,500–£10,000 £15,500+ £390–£600 2–4
VW Up! automatic £6,000–£9,000 Discontinued £370–£560 1–3
Toyota Aygo X automatic £9,000–£13,000 £16,500+ £420–£640 4–6
Dacia Sandero automatic £8,000–£11,500 £14,500+ £410–£650 2–6
Skoda Fabia automatic £8,500–£12,500 £18,000+ £430–£680 4–8
Fiat 500 automatic £7,500–£11,000 £16,000+ £440–£700 5–9
Renault Clio automatic £9,000–£13,500 £19,000+ £460–£720 8–12
VW Polo automatic (1.0) £9,500–£14,000 £20,000+ £470–£750 8–13
SEAT Ibiza automatic £9,000–£13,500 £19,500+ £460–£730 7–12

*Insurance estimates based on Free Price Compare analysis of UK car insurance rates.

Many drivers choose to compare car insurance prices across insurance providers to see how automatic versions affect the overall cost of ownership.

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1. Hyundai i10 automatic

  • Starting price: from around £7,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £380–£580 per year

The Hyundai i10 is consistently one of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK, and the automatic version remains highly affordable.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Very low insurance group
  • Low repair costs
  • Strong safety ratings for its size
Hyundai i10 automatic
Kia Picanto automatic

2. Kia Picanto automatic

  • Starting price: from around £6,500 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £390–£600 per year

A popular city car, the Picanto automatic offers low running costs and competitive insurance premiums.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Small petrol engine
  • Affordable parts
  • Lower insurance group

3. Volkswagen Up! automatic

  • Starting price: from around £6,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £370–£560 per year

Although no longer sold new, the VW Up! remains common on UK roads and cheap to insure.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Extremely low claim severity
  • Simple automatic gearbox
  • Low theft rates
Volkswagen Up! automatic
 Toyota Aygo X automatic

4. Toyota Aygo X automatic

  • Starting price: from around £9,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £420–£640 per year

The Aygo X automatic combines city-friendly size with modern safety features.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety technology
  • Modest power output
  • Predictable repair costs

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5. Dacia Sandero automatic

  • Starting price: from around £8,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £410–£650 per year

The Sandero is one of the cheapest new cars in the UK and remains affordable to insure in automatic form.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Low purchase price
  • Simple engineering
  • Lower insurance group
 Dacia Sandero automatic
Skoda Fabia automatic

6. Skoda Fabia automatic

  • Starting price: from around £8,500 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £430–£680 per year

The Fabia automatic offers more rear seats space while keeping insurance costs under control.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Widely available parts
  • Strong safety features
  • Sensible engine options

7. Fiat 500 automatic

  • Starting price: from around £7,500 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £440–£700 per year

The Fiat 500 automatic is easy to drive and remains a good option for lower premiums.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Low repair costs
  • Popular with insurers
  • Controlled power delivery
Fiat 500 automatic
Renault Clio automatic

8. Renault Clio automatic

  • Starting price: from around £9,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £460–£720 per year

Lower-powered automatic versions of the Clio can still be affordable to insure.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Advanced safety features
  • Common vehicle type
  • Moderate insurance group

9. Volkswagen Polo automatic

  • Starting price: from around £9,500 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £470–£750 per year

The Polo automatic costs more to insure than city cars but remains competitive for its class.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • High safety ratings
  • Predictable repair costs
  • Lower-risk driver profile
Volkswagen Polo automatic
SEAT Ibiza automatic

10. SEAT Ibiza automatic

  • Starting price: from around £9,000 used
  • Estimated insurance cost: £460–£730 per year

The Ibiza automatic balances space, comfort and manageable insurance premiums.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety features
  • Shared parts with VW models
  • Reasonable insurance group

What types of car insurance cover are available for automatic cars?

Automatic cars can be insured using the same main types of car insurance cover as manual vehicles. The level of cover you choose can have a noticeable impact on both protection and price.

  • Third party only is the minimum legal requirement. It covers damage or injury to other people and their property but does not cover repairs to your own car.
  • Third party, fire and theft adds protection if your automatic car is stolen or damaged by fire, but still does not cover accidental damage.
  • Comprehensive cover provides the highest level of protection, including damage to your own vehicle, even if you are at fault.

For many automatic cars in lower insurance groups, comprehensive car insurance cover can offer good value. Insurers often price comprehensive policies competitively when the vehicle has strong safety features, lower repair costs and a lower risk profile.

Should you pay monthly instalments or annually?

How you pay for your car insurance can affect the overall cost of cover.

Paying by monthly instalments spreads the cost across the year, which can help with budgeting. However, most insurance providers add interest or finance charges, meaning the total cost is usually higher than paying upfront.

Paying annually as a lump sum is often cheaper overall, as it avoids added interest. If you can afford the upfront payment, this option can help reduce the total cost of insurance on automatic cars and make it easier to compare prices accurately.

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Can you get temporary car insurance for automatic cars?

Yes. Temporary car insurance is available for many automatic cars, although availability depends on the insurer and the exact vehicle.

Short-term policies are commonly used for situations such as:

  • Borrowing an automatic car for a few days
  • Covering short-term business use
  • Insuring a car temporarily between annual policies

Temporary cover is usually comprehensive and can start almost immediately, but it typically costs more per day than an annual policy. It is best suited for short-term needs rather than long-term ownership.

Can you get temporary car insurance for automatic cars

How can you get cheaper car insurance for automatic cars?

There are several practical ways to reduce the cost of insurance on an automatic car.

Choosing a model in a lower insurance group, particularly one with a smaller petrol engine and lower repair costs, can help keep premiums down. Keeping annual mileage realistic, maintaining a clean driving record and building a no-claims bonus over time also play a major role.

Other steps that may help include increasing the voluntary excess to a sensible level, avoiding expensive optional extras, and using security features such as immobilisers or steering locks. Reviewing quotes before renewal can also help identify better deals and avoid unnecessary price increases.

FAQs: Cheapest Automatic Cars to Insure

Cars such as the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up! are often among the cheapest automatic cars to insure. These models usually sit in a lower insurance group and benefit from low repair costs and modest engine power.

Not always. While some automatic gearboxes can increase repair costs, many small automatic cars are only slightly more expensive to insure than manual versions. In some cases, insurance prices are very similar.

Automatic cars in insurance groups 1 to 8 are usually the most affordable to insure. These groups typically include vehicles with smaller engines, strong safety features and lower overall risk.

Yes. Many younger drivers choose automatic cars because they are easier to drive and often come with modern safety features. Smaller automatic cars can still offer lower insurance premiums when paired with sensible engines.

They can, but this depends on the type of gearbox. Simpler automatic systems used in city cars and superminis are generally affordable to repair compared with more complex or performance-focused automatics.

Good fuel economy often goes hand in hand with smaller engines and lower power output, which can help reduce insurance costs. Automatic cars with strong fuel efficiency are often viewed as lower risk by insurers.

Some hybrid automatic cars can be reasonably priced to insure, especially if they have strong safety ratings and controlled power delivery. However, repair costs for hybrid systems can increase premiums on certain models.

Yes. Increasing the voluntary excess can lower your insurance premium by reducing the insurer’s risk. It’s important to choose an excess you could afford to pay if you needed to make a claim.

Yes. Parking an automatic car on a driveway or in a garage can reduce insurance costs compared with street parking. Secure parking lowers the risk of theft and damage.

Yes. Always compare car insurance prices before buying to understand how different automatic versions affect the total cost of ownership. Insurance costs can vary significantly between models that appear similar.

In most cases, yes. Automatic city cars and superminis are usually far cheaper to insure than sports cars, which tend to sit in much higher insurance groups due to performance and repair costs.

Yes. Choosing an automatic car in a lower insurance group, with smaller engines and strong safety features, can help drivers access cheap car insurance without compromising ease of driving.

You can compare car insurance quotes for cheap automatic cars by using a car insurance comparison service that shows prices from multiple insurance providers in one place. Comparing quotes helps highlight how different automatic models, insurance groups and driver details affect overall costs before you choose a policy.

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Page last updated on: 26/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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