The 10 cheapest cars for young drivers to insure

Young drivers often bear the brunt of high motoring costs as age and inexperience are big factors in determining how much of a risk you are.

So we can help new drivers get on the road, we regularly update our list of the cheapest cars to insure for drivers from the ages of 17-25.

Our Pricing team reviews our policy base for the cars which were cheapest on average to insure over the previous few months (where there are 50 or more of each model insured with us).

Looking at data from May 2021 to May 2022 we see a few new additions to the top ten, say goodbye to others and see some in new positions:

1. Austin Mini
2. Rover Mini
3. KIA Stonic
4. Renault Kadjar
5. SEAT Arona
6. Mazda CX-5
7. Volkswagen T-Cross
8. Volkswagen up!
9. SEAT Mii
10. Škoda Citigo

So, let's take a look at this list in more detail and find out more about the cheapest car to insure as a young driver.

The cheapest cars for young drivers to insure

1. Austin MINI - average annual premium: £344.20

Associated with 1960s-era Britain, the Austin is something of a collector's item these days, despite having a long manufacturing cycle (1959-2000).

However, there are numerous reasons to drive an Austin outside of nostalgia and aesthetics; they're cheap to run and easy to drive. 

Running costs are very low, with its engine achieving 40mpg, but this does come with a catch. The Austin has a top speed of just 75mph, hitting 0-60 in 29.7 seconds.

It's not exactly a car made for modern motorways, but its relatively slow speed means you can enjoy the cheapest car insurance possible as a young driver.

It helps that it catches the eye, too. 

2. Rover MINI - average annual premium: £446.43

The Rover MINI is very similar to its older Austin sibling, but it does come with a few key differences.

Namely, it's a little quicker than the Austin, with its running costs being roughly the same. 

Reported top speeds vary depending on the manufacturing year, but on average, a Rover can achieve a top speed of 90mph, achieving 0-60 in 12.2 seconds. You get all the added benefits of driving a MINI in a quicker package, including easy parking. 

You still get cool points if you drive this version of the MINI, by the way. 

3. KIA Stonic - average annual premium: £472.90

The South-Korean car maker is amassing a reputation for manufacturing affordable, easy-to-run small SUVs. The Stonic is no different, with competitive fuel efficiency, two engine types and four trim levels.

The car is somewhere between a crossover and a hatchback, and it’s reflected in its excellent handling. The model is a good choice if it’s your first time driving an SUV-like car, especially if you’re a newer driver.

Thankfully, the Stonic isn’t just easy to drive; it’s cheap to run. The claimed mpg varies, with KIA claiming between 35.3 and 50.4 between engine types.

Oh, and it helps that the insurance is affordable.

4. Renault KADJAR - average annual premium: £476.35

How do you stand out in a crowded market when you’re late to the scene? Renault had this problem, and its solution was the KADJAR: an affordable SUV with a pacey engine.

With a 138bhp engine, the KADJAR combines precise handling with satisfying rev and low running costs. The engine is the difference-maker, turning what would be a pedestrian SUV into one with a robust, gutsy and fun drive.

The car isn’t necessarily the market leader in many areas, but for the money, it feels good to drive for a budget SUV.

Quick and comfy, the KADJAR mixes a powerful, entertaining drive with some of the cheapest costs around for young drivers.  

5. SEAT Arona - average annual premium: £483.33

Spanish manufacturer SEAT is a mainstay on British roads, and it’s easy to see why given the quality of their mainstream models. The Arona is, essentially, a bigger version of the popular SEAT Ibiza, complete with the competitive price and low running costs.

Drivers can choose from five engine types, delivering between 44.8-53mpg. Alongside its low running costs and insurance, its engine achieves decent power, with its entry-level 1.0-litre petrol returning 94bhp.

The Arona is easy to handle too, so it works well if it’s your first SUV. Low cost, cheap to run and easy to drive, the Arona ticks all the boxes for a young driver.

6. Mazda CX-5 - average annual premium: £483.97

Continuing the SUV theme is the Mazda CX-5, which has similar advantages to the other smaller SUVs we’ve mentioned.

Much like its competitors, the CX-5 boasts low running costs, fuss-free handling and a roomy interior, but what makes it different? Well, the model is usually marketed for its practicality, with five seats and precise handling.

The car has four engine types including diesel and petrol, with a claimed mpg between 35.3 and 50.4. It’s an attractive model for young drivers who want a practical, easy small SUV.

7. Volkswagen T-Cross - average annual premium: £484.89

​One word sums up the Volkswagen T-Cross: roomy. With big boot space and lots of leg room, it’s a comfortable car to drive and be a passenger in.

The model has between 385 and 455 litres of space, making it the go-to choice if you’re an outdoorsy type who needs space for equipment.

The engine is decent, too, with a claimed mpg of 49.6 and achieving a 0-62mph speed in 10 seconds for the entry-level 94bhp version.

Similarly to other SUVs in this list, the low insurance cost comes from the car’s safety, moderate speed and easy handling.

8. Volkswagen up! - average annual premium: £509.96

On sale since 2012 and still going strong, the up! city car was developed alongside the very similar SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo (below). 

The classiest of the trio, the up! is one of the most engaging small cars on the market to drive. With good build quality and low running costs, it's powered by an eager little 1.0-litre engine, there's more space inside than you might think and it's an affordable second-hand buy. 

There's even an electric version – the e-up!.

9. SEAT Mii - average annual premium: £510.15  

It may be a budget alternative to the almost identical Volkswagen up! (see below), but the Mii is just as practical and a joy to drive. 

It's especially good for city motorists because it's easy to manoeuvre and it’s ideal for nipping in and out of traffic. 

On sale since 2012, it's now only available as an EV – the Mii Electric – which has a range of up to 160 miles.

10. Škoda Citigo - average annual premium: £512.18

This award-winning city car is now a familiar sight on our roads. Just like its Volkswagen Group cousins, the SEAT Mii and VW up!, the Škoda Citigo is cute, fun to drive and surprisingly spacious. There's a decent 251 litres of luggage capacity in the boot (959 litres if you fold the rear seats down) and there's even space for two adults to sit in the back. 

Now no longer available new, the Citigo makes a wise second-hand choice and there are plenty of low mileage examples available in good condition. 

For up-to-date information, visit our Car Insurance Pricing Index. We update this monthly to show the cheapest cars to insure across multiple age groups.