Top 10 Cheapest Small Cars to Insure (2026)

Some of the cheapest small cars to insure in the UK include the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo X, VW Up! and Dacia Sandero. These models usually sit in a lower insurance group because they have small petrol engines, strong safety features and low repair costs.

Yes. Small cars are often cheaper to insure for young drivers because they are seen as lower risk by insurers. They usually fall into lower insurance groups, cost less to repair and are less likely to be involved in high-value insurance claims.

Cars in insurance groups 1–10 typically offer the lowest insurance premiums. These groups are designed for lower-risk vehicles, making them a good target for new drivers and anyone looking to keep insurance costs down.

Small cars with an automatic gearbox can cost slightly more to insure because repairs may be more expensive. However, low-power automatic small cars can still be affordable, especially when they sit in a lower insurance group.

Fuel efficiency does not directly affect insurance prices, but it often goes hand in hand with smaller engines and lower power. Cars with good fuel efficiency are usually cheaper to repair and insure, which can help reduce premiums.

Yes. Small cars work particularly well with black box insurance because they are often driven at lower speeds and have lower insurance group ratings. This makes them a popular choice for young drivers and learner driver insurance.

In most cases, yes. Small cars are generally cheaper to insure than larger vehicles because they have lower repair costs, smaller engines and are considered lower risk by insurance companies.

Yes. Insurance costs can vary significantly between providers and models. Always compare car insurance prices before buying a car to understand the true cost of ownership.

In 2026, some of the cheapest small cars to insure are expected to remain the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo X, VW Up! and Dacia Sandero. These cars continue to score well for safety, insurance group rating and repair costs.

Often, yes. Many small cars that are cheap to insure also have low road tax because they have good fuel economy and lower emissions. This can help reduce overall running costs, not just insurance.

Not always. Some electric and hybrid small cars can be more expensive to insure due to higher repair costs and battery components. However, certain lower-power hybrid models with strong safety features can still be reasonably priced to insure.

You can check a car’s insurance group using data from the Association of British Insurers or by entering the exact model details into a car insurance comparison tool. Insurance groups can vary by engine size and trim level, so accuracy matters.