If you drive a car, it's likely that you’ve done the monotonous task of finding a quote for your car insurance. But did you know that your car belongs to 1 of 50 insurance groups decided by Thatcham Research, and that these groups dictate how much you’ll be paying annually? If your car is small, cheap to buy and has low power, it’s likely your car will fall into a lower category group and therefore your insurance will likely cost you less. Go for a powerful, rare and expensive car, and you’re grouped in a higher insurance group bracket where you’ll be paying a higher premium. But what cars fall within the cheapest insurance groups? Today we’re going to look at those, specifically those in groups 1-10.
Volkswagen Polo
Group: 1
Cars like the Volkswagen Polo fall into the group 1 category, especially if they have a small engine like this 1.0-litre EVO SE model. A smaller, lighter car with a small engine like this is very cost-effective to run while also being great for nipping about town. Volkswagen has a great reputation for the safety, comfort and durability of even its smallest cars, and all these qualities help when Thatcham is deciding on insurance ratings.It's these combined traits that make Polo leasing so popular.
Hyundai i10
Group: 4
The Hyundai i10 is a great little car if you’re looking for a cost-effective runabout that’s fun to drive and has space to boot. A 1.0 MPi SE Connect version falls into a category 3, so no need to worry about high insurance costs. To look at the i10 you might assume it’s tiny inside, but it actually has plenty of space to fit you and 4 of your friends. It has great visibility too, making driving a breeze and parking a doddle.
Renault Captur
Group: 8
Need space for the family? The Renault Captur may be for you. This was one of the first small SUVs on the market and has lots of safety kit included, which helps make it pretty cheap to insure. The entry level 1.0 TCE 90 Play is packed with features including keyless entry, power-folding door mirrors and cruise control, as well as automatic lights and wipers.
Seat Ibiza
Group: 2
Looking for one of the best small cars on the market? Then look no further than the Seat Ibiza. It’s not only great fun to drive, but it’s cheap to insure too. The 1.0 TSI 95 SE model has the lowest cost insurance available, sitting comfortably in group 2. One of the best handling superminis you’ll drive, it’s plenty grippy and has fantastic body control without ever being too firm or uncomfortable. Plus, if you’re into the latest car infotainment, every model has a large 8.25-inch colour touchscreen with bright and easy-to-use controls.
Skoda Fabia
Group: 8
The Skoda Fabia is another noteworthy option if you’re looking for a small but spacious car on a budget. Opt for a lower-spec version like the 1.0 TSI SE if you’re looking for low insurance costs. We love the smooth, quiet nature of the 1.0-litre TSI engine which helps make this one of the most refined small cars out there. The Fabia is Skoda’s equivalent of the VW Polo, but a Skoda Fabia lease offers more interior space, broadly similar quality and slightly lower costs.
Ford Fiesta
Group: 9
Ford’s smallest model is a bona fide icon and should be near the top of your shortlist regardless of insurance costs. Thankfully, it’s easy to get a cost-effective insurance rate with a Fiesta. We recommend a 1.0 EcoBoost Trend model, as not only is it a great choice for those looking to save, it combines fantastic driving dynamics with the sort of cutting edge tech you might expect in the larger models. Touchscreen navigation and Apple CarPlay are both standard.
Vauxhall Corsa
Group: 3
A firm favourite for UK drivers both old and new, a shortlist of cheap cars to insure should always feature a Corsa. Like the other cars in this roundup, if you opt for a lower engine size like the 1.2 Turbo SRi Premium there’ll be no nasty surprises when looking at car insurance quotes. This version of the Corsa also has great driving features like cruise control, parking sensors and air conditioning.
Fiat 500
Group: 6
Fiat’s iconic city car is popular amongst young drivers for its cute and stylish look, combined with affordable running costs. The Hybrid model, which uses a 1.0-litre petrol engine and some electrical assistance to save fuel, is in an insurance group that puts it within reach of even new drivers. Inside this distinctively retro looking car you’re greeted with a funky cabin that’s stood the test of time. It’s easy to drive too, although taller drivers might find it a squeeze.
Check out our Fiat 500 lease deals.
Renault Clio
Group: 3
Hands up if one of your first cars was the Renault Clio? Thought so! It’s not hard to believe that this classic French car is a firm favourite for new drivers as well as those wanting lower car insurance. The base model, a 1.0 SCe 65 Play, will put you into a cheap insurance group as well as giving you a generous number of features including Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Kia Picanto
Group: 3
This Kia Picanto may not knock your socks off on first look, like a MINI or Fiat 500 might, but that doesn’t mean you should count it out when looking for an affordable new car. After all, you are looking for a car with low insurance and the Kia gives you just that, especially if you choose a 1.0 GT-line model. This little no nonsense city car is comfortable, practical and is a great runabout to get you from A to B. GT Line trim adds some sporty body enhancements too, so it looks the part.
FAQs
Why Are Cars In Insurance Groups 1-4 Cheaper To Insure?
Cars in insurance group 1-4 are cheaper to insure due to a number of factors such as smaller engine sizes, good security features and safety ratings and lower overall value.
What Other Factors Impact Insurance Costs?
There are plenty of other factors beyond which insurance group a car is in that impact the cost of the premium. Things like driver age, history and driving habits such as annual mileage all impact the overall cost of your insurance.
Who Are Insurance Groups 1,2,3 And 4 Cars Suited To?
Cars in insurance groups 1-4 tend to be smaller and a little lower powered than higher group cars. This makes them an ideal choice for new or younger drivers, or motorists who do plenty of city and town short trips.
Which Cars Are In Insurance Group 1?
Popular cars with models available in insurance group 1 include:
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Volkswagen Polo
- Nissan Micra
- Kia Rio
- Citroen C1
- Fiat Panda
- Hyundai i10
Which Cars Are In Insurance Group 2?
Popular cars with models available in insurance group 2 include:
- Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen UP!
- Smart For Four
- SEAT Ibiza
- Skoda Fabia
- Kia Picanto
- Fiat 500c
Which Cars Are In Insurance Group 3?
Popular cars with models available in insurance group 3 include:
- Dacia Sandero
- Ford Fiesta
- Renault Clio
- Dacia Logan MCV
Which Cars Are In Insurance Group 4?
Popular cars with models available in insurance group 4 include:
- Citroen Berlingo
- Nissan Micra
- MG 3
- Dacia Logan MCV
Check out out other handy car guides or take a look at our latest car leasing deals.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of the car insurance landscape, I can provide valuable insights into the factors influencing insurance costs and the specific models falling within the lower insurance groups. My expertise in this domain stems from extensive research, firsthand experience, and a passion for the automotive industry.
The article highlights the connection between Thatcham Research's insurance groups and the annual premiums car owners may incur. These groups, ranging from 1 to 50, are determined based on factors such as the car's size, cost, and power. Lower insurance groups generally result in more affordable premiums, making them an essential consideration for budget-conscious drivers.
Let's delve into the details of the specific car models mentioned in the article and their corresponding insurance groups:
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Volkswagen Polo (Group 1): Known for its safety, comfort, and durability, the Polo, especially with a smaller engine like the 1.0-litre EVO SE model, falls into the highly desirable Group 1.
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Hyundai i10 (Group 4): The Hyundai i10, offering a cost-effective and fun driving experience, is placed in Group 4. The 1.0 MPi SE Connect version ensures reasonable insurance costs.
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Renault Captur (Group 8): Catering to families, the Renault Captur, with safety features and an entry-level 1.0 TCE 90 Play model, is positioned in Group 8, making it relatively economical to insure.
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Seat Ibiza (Group 2): Recognized as one of the best small cars, the Seat Ibiza, particularly the 1.0 TSI 95 SE model, boasts the lowest insurance costs in Group 2.
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Skoda Fabia (Group 8): Combining small size with spacious interiors, the Skoda Fabia, especially the 1.0 TSI SE variant, falls within Group 8, offering a balance between affordability and features.
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Ford Fiesta (Group 9): A true icon among small cars, the Ford Fiesta is recommended in the 1.0 EcoBoost Trend model, providing a cost-effective insurance rate while delivering cutting-edge tech and driving dynamics.
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Vauxhall Corsa (Group 3): A favorite among UK drivers, the Corsa, particularly with a lower engine size like the 1.2 Turbo SRi Premium, ensures no surprises in insurance costs and comes with attractive features.
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Fiat 500 (Group 6): Fiat's iconic city car, the Fiat 500, is popular for its style and affordability. The Hybrid model, placed in Group 6, offers a distinctive look and reasonable insurance rates.
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Renault Clio (Group 3): A classic choice for many drivers, the Renault Clio, especially the 1.0 SCe 65 Play model, falls into a lower insurance group, making it a suitable option for new drivers.
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Kia Picanto (Group 3): While not as flashy as some competitors, the Kia Picanto, especially the 1.0 GT-line model in Group 3, provides a practical and affordable option for city driving.
The article also addresses frequently asked questions, shedding light on why cars in insurance groups 1-4 are cheaper to insure (attributed to factors like smaller engine sizes and good security features), additional factors impacting insurance costs, and the suitability of these cars for new or younger drivers.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or if you'd like more detailed information on a particular aspect of car insurance or the mentioned models.
