The 10 cheapest cars for learner drivers to insure

Admiral's pricing team has calculated the 10 cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers with a provisional licence and aged 25 or under.

Learning to drive is an exciting experience, but it's also expensive because you have to pay for lessons, the tests and everything that goes with owning a car too, including fuel, car insurance, servicing and road tax.

To help you save money, our pricing team has calculated the average premiums for the top 10 cheapest cars between May 2021 and May 2022 for policyholders aged 25 or under with a provisional licence (where we have 50+ cars on cover). 

If you choose one of these cars, or any other, make sure you come to us first for your learner driver insurance quote.

The cheapest cars for learner drivers

1. SEAT Mii - average annual premium: £395.40

The SEAT Mii may be mechanically like its Škoda Citigo and Volkswagen up! cousins, but it has one distinct advantage: affordability. Not only is its retail price competitive, but it’s also the cheapest car to insure for learner drivers.

For a small car, the Mii feels spacious, with SEAT engineering the cockpit to maximise space. It may lack bells and whistles, but price-wise, you won’t find much better.

For performance, don’t expect the fastest car on the road. However, for its budget price, the Mii still boasts a top speed of up to 121.8mph, so it’s no slouch.

Complementing the cheap insurance is relatively good fuel efficiency, with an official figure of 51-55mpg combined.

The Mii is easy to drive for a learner, and the price makes it accessible for most drivers.

2. Škoda Citigo – average annual premium: £423.02

The Škoda Citigo is part of a trio of very similar cars, the other two being the previously mentioned SEAT Mii and the popular Volkswagen up!. While there is mechanical overlap, the Citigo does have some advantages compared to its close competitors.

Notably, the slightly more compact front grille makes the Citigo easier to navigate in urban areas and may convince city drivers to pick it up over the up! or the Mii. It feels big and powerful, despite its small, compact chassis.

The price, too, can be lower than the Mii or up!, and complemented by affordable insurance pricing, it is often the decider.

As a learner driver, you can’t go wrong with the Citigo, especially if you live in a city.

3. Citroën C1 - average annual premium: £429.29

Always a popular choice for young drivers, whether it's the first-generation car (2005-14) or the latest model (pictured), the Citroen C1 is a cutie. 

If you're looking for a fun drive, low running costs and you like thrummy three-cylinder engines, it might be right up your street. 

There's plenty of choice and Mk 1s are available from less than £1,000. If you can stretch to at least £3,000, then the improved current model is even better.

4) Volkswagen Fox – average annual premium: £430.72

The now-discontinued Volkswagen Fox may not be the prettiest car to look at, but if you want an affordable car that excels in longer-range drivers, this is for you.

Thanks to the Fox’s efficient 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, the car has excellent fuel efficiency, with reported figures between 42.2 and 46.3mpg. It’s not fast, but the affordable running costs make it an ideal car for first-time drivers.

The interior is sometimes described as bland, but it has plenty of space and is comfortable enough to drive for long periods. It’s a car defined by its economical nature, which is what most learner drivers want.

You can likely pick up an affordable used Fox, and the cheap insurance will be a nice bonus.

5. Hyundai i10 - average annual premium: £432.18

Hyundai's little gem has been a top city car choice ever since the first-generation model went on sale in 2007. The Mk2 (pictured), which was made between 2014-2020, was even better. Stylish, surprisingly spacious, refined, economical and reliable, it's another ideal first car. 

Pay at least £1,500 for a cherished Mk 1 and £3,000+ for a low mileage second-generation car.

6. Fiat Panda – average annual premium: £433.34

The Fiat Panda is something of a classless car. While it has a city car price and size, the model feels like a small SUV to drive: easy, confident and powerful.

The boxy styling and retro feel have given it a small cult following, but the Panda is defined mostly by its economical running costs and precise handling.

It helps that the car has outstanding value. You can expect up to 47mpg, and the low-cost insurance means its overall running costs are very low.

The car has a high driving position, which makes it perfect for learner and newer drivers who want a bit of extra confidence on the road without breaking the bank.

7. Volkswagen up! - average annual premium: £433.84

Named What Car? Used City Car of the Year 2020, the VW up! is a cracking small car. 

Originally launched in 2012 and still looking fresh today, it's almost identical to its Volkswagen Group cousins, the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. The up! is the classiest of the trio, though they all offer an entertaining drive, more space than you might think and low car insurance costs. 

Powered by an eager 1.0-litre petrol engine, early examples are now available from just £2,500. If you can spend closer to £3,500, you'll get a car with a full service history and low miles.

8. Peugeot 107 - average annual premium: £439.67

Developed alongside the first-generation Citroen C1 (see below) and Toyota Aygo (below), the little Peugeot 107 is a fun package. Built from 2005-14 (when it was replaced by the Peugeot 108), it's another sensible used city car choice. 

Cheap to insure and maintain, it's also nippy, available with three or five doors and powered by an enthusiastic little 67bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine. 

As you'd expect from a city car, space is tight inside, so if you do need to carry passengers in the back, opt for the five-door version to make life a little easier. 

You can buy a decent low-mileage second-hand example for as little as £2,500.

9. Peugeot 108 – average annual premium: £448.21

The Peugeot 108 aims to combine big-car features in a city car frame.

There are numerous options to choose from: four trim levels, three or five doors and a range of infotainment features; the 108 is a modern car through and through, and it helps that it’s so affordable.

Performance may be on the lower end of the scale, but with its price point, it’s not something most learner drivers will be fussed about.

The real value is in, well, its value.

The 1.0-litre version can achieve a superb 74.3mpg, meaning you’ll enjoy significant savings when combined with its cheap insurance premium.

10. Ford Ka - average annual premium: £517

Built from 1996-2008, the original Ford Ka was a first car favourite in its day, but it's a bit long in the tooth today. So, we'd recommend going for the Mk 2 (2009-2016). 

Developed alongside the Fiat 500, it may not look as retro cool as its Italian cousin, but it makes just as much sense as a small, efficient three-door runabout that's cheap to run. 

There are plenty to choose from, so be picky and choose a well-maintained low mileage example. Expect to pay at least £1,750 privately.

For up-to-date information on car insurance prices, visit our Car Insurance Pricing Index for monthly updates.