What Is the Best First Car That Is Cheap to Insure?
Passing your driving test in 2026 is exciting, but finding the right first car can feel overwhelming. Most new drivers want the same things: something reliable, cheap to insure, affordable to run and easy to drive.
At Ben Find Me A Car, Ben helps first-time drivers find cars that are practical, reliable and ideal for everyday driving. When it comes to keeping insurance costs low, there are two groups of cars Ben recommends again and again.
Toyota Aygo, Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107
The Toyota Aygo, Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107 are some of the most popular first cars in the UK, and for good reason.
Although they wear different badges, they are essentially the same car underneath and share the same reliable Toyota 1.0-litre engine. That’s great news for first-time drivers because Toyota engines are known for reliability, low running costs and simplicity.
These cars are:
- Cheap to insure
- Excellent on fuel
- Small and easy to park
- Affordable to maintain
- Ideal for city driving and everyday use
Their compact size makes them easy to handle for new drivers. Whether you’re driving to college, work or just getting used to the roads, they’re a brilliant choice for new drivers.
Why Ben recommends them: Reliable Toyota engineering, low insurance groups and perfect for building driving confidence.
Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii
Another excellent group of first cars is the Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii.
Just like the Toyota Aygo, Citroën C1 and Peugeot 107, the Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii are all built on the same platform and share the same dependable 1.0-litre engine. They offer a bit more comfort and space than some smaller city cars, while still keeping insurance and running costs low.
They’re known for:
- Low insurance costs
- Strong fuel economy
- Surprisingly spacious interiors
- Comfortable driving position
- Cheap maintenance costs
The Volkswagen Up often feels a little more premium, while the Skoda Citigo usually offers fantastic value for money. The SEAT Mii sits somewhere in the middle with a slightly sportier look.
Why Ben recommends them: Easy to drive, cheap to run and ideal if you want a first car that feels modern and solid.
What Makes a Good First Car?
When choosing your first car, it’s not just about how it looks. Insurance costs, reliability and running costs matter far more when you first start driving.
Small 1.0-litre cars are usually the sweet spot for new drivers because insurers see them as lower risk compared to larger, more powerful cars.
What’s the Cheapest First Car to Insure?
Insurance prices vary depending on age, postcode and driving history, but cars like the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii are regularly among the cheapest cars to insure for 17-year-olds and new drivers under 25.
Choosing the right model can make a massive difference to your monthly insurance costs.
You can also read Ben’s guide to Best Cars for First Time Drivers in 2026 Under £5,000 for more affordable first car ideas.
If you’re considering an automatic instead, Ben has also put together his guide to Small Automatic Cars: Ben’s Top Picks for Easy Everyday Driving.
How Ben Helps First-Time Drivers
Buying your first car can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of cars online, and it’s hard to know which ones are genuinely good value and which ones could end up costing you money in repairs and problems later on.
Ben makes the process much easier by helping first-time drivers find safe, reliable cars that suit their budget and are affordable to run and insure. Every car Ben sources is accident free, mileage verified and finance clear, so you can buy with confidence.
Before delivery, each car is carefully prepared and comes with a 12-month MOT, full history checks and a 12-month nationwide warranty included for extra peace of mind.
Instead of spending hours searching through listings and worrying about making the wrong choice, Ben helps you find a first car that’s right for you so you can simply enjoy driving.
Let Ben Find Your First Car
Whether you want the cheapest car to insure, a reliable city car or something easy to drive every day, Ben can help you find the right match without the hassle of searching through endless listings yourself.
Get in touch with Ben Find Me A Car today and let Ben source the perfect first car for you.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest first car to insure?
Cars like the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, Volkswagen Up and Skoda Citigo are regularly among the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers.
What is the best car for a 17-year-old?
A small 1.0-litre car with low insurance and good reliability is usually best. The Toyota Aygo and Volkswagen Up are two of Ben’s top recommendations.
Are Toyota Aygos good first cars?
Yes. They are reliable, economical and cheap to insure, making them ideal for first-time drivers.
What’s the best cheap first automatic car?
The Volkswagen Up automatic and Toyota Aygo automatic are both excellent choices for new drivers wanting an automatic.
