Cheapest automatic cars to insure: top picks for 2025
From city zippers to motorway cruisers, here are the best-value automatic cars that won't cost the earth to insure
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 18 June 2025
What factors affect car insurance costs?
Vehicle type and model
Some cars just scream 'sensible' – think small engines, good safety ratings and a reputation for reliability. Insurers pay close attention to this, and because your likelihood of getting into an accident could potentially be lower, they'll reward you with cheaper insurance.
On the flip side, hot hatch and performance car drivers have a tendency to use a lot of their car's power when they're on the road, so insurers hike the prices up. Of course, it's not fair to paint every driver with the same brush, but that's the tradeoff you'll need to make for having a more powerful engine.
Insurers also consider the type of car you've got – premium brands can be more expensive to repair, so higher insurance premiums reflect that.
Driver's age and experience
No surprise here, but if you've just passed your test, the insurance fairy isn't exactly feeling generous. That's if you passed at 17, or if you passed at 37.
Sure, a driving test proves you're legally capable of driving on our roads, but drivers continue to learn for a number of years after they've passed. For their whole driving career, in fact. So the more experience you've got, the higher your chances are of bagging cheaper quotes.
Location and driving history
Finally, insurers will also want to consider the population density of where you live and work, which is why location is important.
If you live in a big city, you'll come into contact with more drivers, so your chances of having an accident could be higher compared with if you lived in a rural area.
Also remember that where you park your car is important – if you have access to a driveway or a garage, then you're unlikely to have any bumps from other drivers when your car is parked up overnight.
Insurance group changes
From August 2024, the industry launched a whole new way of categorising cars based on five key metrics: performance, damageability, repairability, safety and security. Cars are scored between one and 99, rather than one to 50 as before.
The old one to 50 system will remain in place for cars registered before August 2024, and insurers will still use this system interchangeably for 18 months during a transitional period.
Want to learn more? We've got a whole guide on the new Vehicle Risk Ratings.
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Top 10 cheapest automatic cars to insure UK
Hyundai i10
Volkswagen Polo
Toyota Aygo X
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
BYD Dolphin Surf
SEAT Arona
Renault Captur
Ford Focus
Hyundai i10
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Our pick: Hyundai i10 1.0 Premium AMT
Insurance group: 1
It truly doesn't get any better than being in insurance group one, and that's part of the Hyundai i10's success. Take your pick from entry-level Advance and well-equipped Premium models for a more complete feel.
It's surprisingly spacious for its size, with five doors and comparably good rear legroom. Besides the modern tech onboard, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you also benefit from a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which transfers to used buyers.
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Volkswagen Polo
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Our pick: Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line DSG
Insurance group: 8
There's a reason the Volkswagen Polo is so popular – it feels like a miniature version of the Golf thanks to its use of high-quality materials and superior fit and finish, not to mention the strong residual values it has as a result of its brand reputation.
Even better is the powertrain – the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is punchy and economical, and the smooth-shifting DSG gearbox makes it a joy to drive. We'd argue it's the best gearbox of its kind in the market.
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Toyota Aygo X
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Our pick: Toyota Aygo X 1.0 VVT-i Edge CVT
Insurance group: 6
The Japanese brand's smallest hatchback proves small needn't be boring – the Toyota Aygo X is a funky, SUV-inspired city car with that highly desired raised driving position. Like the rest of the range, it benefits from an industry-leading 10-year warranty (subject to annual eligible servicing).
What makes it stand out though, is the optional retractable canvas roof, so you can enjoy that wind-in-your-hair feeling without having to go full-on convertible.
Toyota Yaris
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Our pick: Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid Icon CVT
Insurance group: 13
It might be our second Toyota on this list, but we're including the Toyota Yaris for a totally separate reason. That's its ability to reduce your regular running costs even more, because Toyota claims the self-charging hybrid setup will return up to 70mpg.
Besides a strong reputation for reliability, the Yaris is known for its reliability and build quality, helping to reduce your insurance premium. Even the entry-level Icon trim has a reversing camera, helping to minimise the likelihood of reversing bumps.
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SEAT Arona
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Our pick: SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI SE DSG
Insurance group: 10
It's not every day you find a crossover that's cheap to insure – their larger size tends to come with slightly higher premiums. But because the Arona shares parts with many other VW Group products, including the Polo above, it's reasonably affordable to repair.
An Arona is the perfect choice for families looking to upgrade from their hatchbacks, because the 400-litre boot is more than up to the job of busy and chaotic lives.
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Renault Captur
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Our pick: Renault Captur 1.6 E-Tech Iconic automatic
Insurance group: 13
The Renault Captur is another perfect family crossover, with stylish looks inside and out and a spacious cabin with adjustable rear seats – a rarity in its class, and something you'd only typically get on larger SUVs.
We love the 1.6-litre self-charging hybrid, which uses an advanced dual-motor configuration on top of the petrol engine to maximise efficiency. But if hybrid's not your style, or this model is beyond your budget, consider an older diesel powered model. The '1.5 dCi 115' engine in Play trim sits in the same group.
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Ford Focus
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Our pick: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line PowerShift
Insurance group: 11
Although buyers are tending more towards chunkier SUVs nowadays, the Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving family hatchbacks on the market, and is still among the most sold used cars full stop.
You won't need to stick to a basic trim level for cheap insurance, either, because this sporty-looking ST-Line model can be yours without the burden of hefty insurance bills. Keyless start, a heated windscreen and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display are all standard on this trim.
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BYD Dolphin Surf
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Our pick: BYD Dolphin Surf Boost
Insurance group: 14
Compared with most other compact electric cars, the BYD Dolphin Surf sits in a much lower insurance group thanks to its starting price of well below £20,000 and its modestly-powered motor options. Take your pick from Active trim (30kWh battery for 137 miles of range) or Boost (43kWh battery for 200 miles of range).
All models have a 10-inch electrically rotatable touchscreen, rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control – it's a real bargain.
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Tips for reducing insurance costs on automatic cars
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Choosing a car with a low insurance group
The best way to reduce your insurance premium is to pick a car that sits in a lower insurance group, which usually means picking something smaller, less powerful, or forgoing that premium brand altogether.
In your earlier years as a driver especially, this could make a huge difference – we're talking hundreds, if not thousands of pounds a year.
Increasing your voluntary excess
If you find yourself unfortunate enough to have to claim on your insurance, whether it's your fault or not, you'll more than likely have to pay a premium. It's an initial sum that goes towards the repair before the insurer's deep pockets kick in.
It's made up of a compulsory amount (guided by factors like car type and driver experience) as well as a voluntary excess (which could be as low as zero).
By increasing your voluntary excess, the insurer will have to pay out less, making the annual premium cheaper. Just remember, you'll need to pay the sum of your compulsory and voluntary excesses if you need to make a claim, so be sure you can afford it.
Installing additional security features
Some insurers have started recognising additional efforts that drivers go to, be it installing a dash cam in your car, using a steering lock when it's not in use or fitting third-party tracking devices.
It's well worth considering these things – even if your insurer doesn't recognise them, as it will give you extra peace of mind.
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Comparison: automatic vs manual cars insurance costs
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Are automatic cars more expensive to insure?
Automatics used to be rarer and more costly to repair, so chances are you would end up paying more to insure one. These days, most cars are sold with automatic gearboxes, including dinky city cars, while all electric models are automatic-only.
That means the gap has shrunk significantly, and you mightn't end up paying more to insure your automatic after all.
Key differences between automatic and manual insurance pricing
Still, when a manufacturer offers manual and automatic versions of the same car, fitted with the same engine and in the same trim level, you might sometimes spot a difference between the two gearboxes of an insurance group or two.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do automatic cars have higher insurance costs than manuals?
It's not a black and white answer – in short, our one-word answer would be between 'maybe' and 'sometimes'. Too many other factors come into play to state whether automatics are always more expensive than manuals to insure.
Can I save on insurance by choosing a smaller engine size?
Generally, yes. Smaller engines have lower power outputs, so they're looked upon favourably by insurers. If you're a young driver, save that hot hatch for a little later on.
Is comprehensive or third-party insurance cheaper for automatic cars?
Many drivers think third-party insurance is cheaper, but that's not always the case. Sometimes, high-risk drivers opt for third-party only, and comprehensive insurance can be cheaper. Always get quotes for both, and know what you're getting yourself into.
Conclusion: finding the cheapest automatic car to insure
So there you have it – automatic cars are no longer pricey, sluggish cars that cost more to insure. You can pick up an almost endless choice of used automatic cars, relax from behind the wheel without worrying about changing gears, and even reduce your other running costs while you're at it.
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