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What Are The Cheapest Cars to Insure For a 17-Year-Old?

Last updated: 20/01/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

After dedicating significant effort to passing your theory, followed by excelling in your practical driving test, you are now fully prepared to explore the road ahead.

However, one major hurdle remains before you can enjoy your newfound freedom. It isn't the cost of petrol. It isn’t even the car itself - perhaps thanks to your supportive parents or earnings from a weekend job. The primary barrier lies in car insurance, the often-overlooked yet essential prerequisite to getting out on the road. 

For 17-year-old drivers, car insurance can present a considerable financial challenge. Many providers see new drivers not as youthful and enthusiastic but as high-risk and costly to insure, given their statistically higher likelihood of being involved in an accident.

And while car insurance for 17-year-olds costs more than for older age groups, it’s worth bearing in mind that you can get a cheaper premium by choosing a car that's in a lower insurance group

In this guide, we are going to cover the cheapest cars to insure for 17-year-old drivers as well as sharing some expert tips on saving money as a young driver. 

In This Guide:

Why is car insurance more expensive for 17-year-olds?

It might seem odd (or even a little unfair) that the youngest drivers are subject to the highest insurance premiums. After all, the majority of 17-year-olds do not exactly have supercars tucked away in the garage. Many are still pursuing their studies, preparing for university, or are in the early stages of their professional careers. 

When insurance companies calculate premiums, their assessments extend beyond the individual applicant. They’re looking at statistics. And those statistics aren't exactly in favour of new drivers.

Teenage drivers are significantly more prone to accidents. In fact, 20% of new drivers crash within a year of passing their test. Not because they’re reckless, but because they’re new. It’s the experience that builds safer drivers, and at the age of 17, most individuals are at the inception of this learning curve. Consequently, insurers categorise young drivers as higher-risk clients.

While this may seem discouraging, once you know why insurance costs more, you can start to adopt strategies to mitigate expenses. In our next sections, we’ll cover how certain cars and tactics can help you to decrease your premiums.

Cheapest cars to insure for 17-year-olds

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone. That excitement can fade quickly though, when faced with the reality of insurance quotes. For new drivers, selecting a car in the lowest insurance group can make all the difference in keeping those costs manageable. 

Fortunately, there are just a few cars that meet the essential criteria. They're affordable, reliable, have low running costs, and most importantly, offer cheap insurance: 

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo, a reliable and stylish small car with lower insurance costs for 17-year-olds.

The Volkswagen Polo is one of our top picks for small cars and it’s also among the cheapest cars to insure. With entry-level engines, such as the naturally aspirated 1.0 litre petrol options offering either 65PS or 80PS, many versions fall into the lowest insurance group ( which is group 1).

While the Polo may be slightly more expensive (with an average insurance cost of £1,800 - £2,600 a year for 17-year-olds) than some of its competitors listed below, the quality stands out. It’s also larger than most other cars, being just a bit smaller than the Volkswagen Golf, which means there’s plenty of room for four people and a big boot. The cabin features a good amount of internal soundproofing, giving the car a more refined feel compared to its rivals. 

Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10, a compact and reliable car with low insurance costs for 17-year-old drivers.

If you're a young driver aged 17, the Hyundai i10 is another fantastic option. When looking into insurance group ratings, this car (like the above-mentioned Volkswagen Polo) falls into group one. Some may find its styling a bit plain, but it’s a cheap car to insure and a cheerful little car to drive. Plus, it comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty.

To keep costs down, we recommend you opt for the 66PS 1.0 litre petrol engine, paired with the automatic gearbox. While this means it isn’t the fastest, it’s brilliant for around-town driving and offers affordable insurance at £1,500 - £2,200 annually for 17-year-olds. 

SEAT Ibiza

Seat Ibiza, an affordable and practical supermini with reasonable insurance for 17-year-old drivers.

The Seat Ibiza shares a lot in common with the Volkswagen Polo, which sits at the very top of our list. This means the Ibiza is a fantastic small car in its own right, offering great value and performance. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is due to its lowest insurance classification being group 2 rather than group 1 - though this still means 17-year-olds can expect affordable insurance averaging £1,900 - £2,700 a year. 

To get the cheapest car insurance for a Seat Ibiza, you’ll need to stick with the entry-level 75PS 1 0 litre MPI petrol engine. The Ibiza is one of the more practical options in the supermini category, offering plenty of room. If you choose the SE or SE Technology trim, you’ll also get a touchscreen infotainment system with full smartphone integration. 

Nissan Micra

Nissan Micra, a safe and affordable car with budget-friendly insurance options for 17-year-olds.

The Nissan Micra has been a trusted companion for learner drivers for years, and it's easy to see why. It's the kind of car that welcomes you with open arms. It’s easy to drive, comfortable, and forgiving making it the perfect choice for new drivers still getting the hang of things behind the wheel. 

With a sleek new design, an upgraded interior that feels premium, and a wealth of safety technology, this isn’t just a car for getting from point A to point B. It’s a car that makes you feel safe, connected, and confident every time you drive it.

As a young driver, we all know that the cost of car insurance can feel like a heavy burden. However, with insurance for a Nissan Micra, you can expect to pay around £1,700 - £2,400 a year. Plus, with a range of trim options available, you get to choose the Micra that suits your style. 

Ford KA

Ford Ka, a small and practical car with low insurance premiums, perfect for 17-year-old drivers.

The Ford KA is a solid small car that offers more space than many of its similarly priced competitors and averages around £1,500 - £2,300 a year in insurance. With five doors, it’s easy to get your friends in and out. The boot space is also surprisingly generous for a car of its size.

To qualify for group 1 insurance and get the most affordable premiums, you’ll need to go with the entry-level 1.2 petrol engine offering 70PS. You’ll also have to stick with the Studio trim, which is pretty basic, but you will get a DAB radio included to keep you entertained. Just be sure your car was registered before August 2018, as after that, this engine-trim combo moved to group 3, which raises insurance costs.

TOP TIP: If the Ford KA doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, consider its big sister car the Ford Fiesta. It’s another fantastic, affordable option for first-time drivers aged 17, with a bit more flair and performance. Expect to pay around £1,800 - £2,500 a year on a Ford Fiesta as a young driver aged 17.

Renault Clio

Renault Clio, a popular choice for first-time drivers with low insurance premiums for 17-year-olds.

The Renault Clio has been a staple of the small car market since its debut in 1990, earning the prestigious title of European Car of the Year twice, first at launch and again in 2005. The Clio blends affordability with style, making it an attractive option for young drivers seeking a fashionable yet budget-friendly vehicle. 

With insurance groups ranging from 3 to 27, the Clio offers relatively low premiums for entry-level models. On average, 17-year-old drivers can expect to pay around £1,800 - £2,500 annually on car insurance.

Citroen C1

Citroen C1, a compact and economical car with low running costs and affordable insurance for 17-year-old drivers.

The Citroen C1 is a fun and compact car, ideal for first-time drivers aged 17. It features low running costs and premiums that average £1,500 - £2,200 a year for the 1.0-litre model. With its quirky design and easy handling, the C1 is a popular choice for young drivers who want a car that’s practical yet stylish.

Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo, a budget-friendly car ideal for 17-year-old drivers.

The Toyota Aygo is a reliable, affordable city car that is perfect for first-time drivers. It’s known for its efficient fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and, most notably, its Group 1 insurance rating. 

What truly sets the Toyota Aygo apart is its refined look, elegant interior, and the inclusion of a standard rear-view camera, among other thoughtful features. These design elements, along with its compact size, make it an ideal vehicle for manoeuvring through tight urban spaces. Premiums for a 17-year-old can range between £1,500 and £2,000 per annum.

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa, a popular choice for young drivers, offering low insurance premiums for 17-year-olds.

This could have very well been the car that you learnt to drive, deemed as one of the best-selling cars in the UK. It offers a wide range of engines, including an all-electric version, and a spacious boot for practical use. 

Equipped with modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s a great choice for those who need connectivity and convenience. With relatively low insurance groups, you can find insurance for a Vauxhall Corsa for around £1,800 - £2,500 a year.

Peugeot 107 

Peugeot 107, a compact and economical car with affordable insurance rates for first-time drivers.

Although the Peugeot 107 is no longer available new, having ceased production in 2014, it remains an excellent choice for young drivers, especially when purchased second-hand. The prices for used models are quite affordable, and you'll benefit from low insurance costs averaging around £1,800 - £2,500 a year.

The 107 is a natural choice for new drivers aged 17 due to its ease of control and superb handling. It’s a compact, nimble vehicle that makes getting into tight spaces effortless. With its excellent fuel economy, the 1.0 litre, three-cylinder engine delivers 65.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, so it’s also eco-friendly too.

Insurance options for 17-year-old drivers

Once you have decided on the model you would like as your first car, it’s time to determine the level of cover you would like to receive from your insurance. There are three types of cover available: 

  • Third-party insurance: This is the most affordable type of insurance you can have in the UK. It's also a legal requirement for all drivers to have. It protects you if you cause damage to another person's car or if you injure another person while driving. However, it is important to note that third-party insurance does not cover any damages to your own car or any injuries you may sustain.
  • Third-party, fire, and theft insurance: A step up the basic third-party insurance, but still not as effective as being fully comped, this type of insurance offers the same protection as third-party insurance but also includes additional cover in the event your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
  • Fully comprehensive insurance: This is the most expensive option because it offers the most protection. While you could save money on other insurance types, we recommend opting for this one as a new driver. It covers damage to third-party cars and injuries to others, but also damages to your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

Other ways a 17-year-old driver can lower their insurance costs Having selected a car that fits your budget and will not place undue strain on your finances, there are still additional ways to reduce the cost of your insurance premium.

  • Get a black box: A black box records how you drive (smooth acceleration, gentle braking, sticking to speed limits) and rewards you for it. Over time, good driving habits and proving that you can be a responsible driver can mean lower premiums. 
  • Add an experienced driver to your policy: When you add an experienced driver, such as a parent or older sibling, as a named driver on your policy, insurers love it. Even if you’re the one doing most of the driving, having someone with years of road experience attached to the policy lowers the overall risk in the eyes of insurers. But – and this is key – make sure you are listed as the main driver. Don’t try to bend the rules by putting a parent down as the primary driver when that’s not actually the case. Insurers call that “fronting,” and not only is it illegal, but it can also invalidate your policy entirely.
  • Pay yearly: Paying your insurance premium in full, rather than in installments, can save you money by avoiding additional interest and administrative fees that often accompany monthly payments. 
  • Don't pay for the cover you don't need: When selecting a policy, be selective about the add-ons you choose. Many extras, such as a European breakdown cover or windscreen replacement, may not be necessary depending on your driving habits. Removing these non-essential options can lower your premium. Be ruthless. 
  • Park your car off the road: Where you park also plays a role in determining your premium. Cars parked on the street are at higher risk of theft, vandalism, and accidental damage. If possible, park in a garage, secure driveway, or car park to reduce these risks and lower your insurance costs.

Can car modifications impact premiums for 17-year-olds?

While you may assume that a small tweak will not make too much of a difference in insurance costs, the truth is, it does. Every modification tells a story about how you might drive the car, how likely it is to be stolen, or how much it will cost to repair if something goes wrong. The key is understanding which modifications are likely to increase your premiums, and which ones might actually lower them. Because, yes, some modifications (like improving your car’s safety) can reduce your insurance costs.

  • Engine upgrades: Adding performance modifications like a larger exhaust, turbochargers, or engine tuning can lead to an increase in premiums. These upgrades make the car more powerful, which, in the eyes of insurers, can raise the likelihood of accidents or reckless driving.
  • Alloy wheels: Many young drivers choose to upgrade their wheels for a sportier look. While these changes might seem innocuous, alloy wheels are often targeted by thieves, raising the risk of theft and therefore the insurance.
  • Body kits or spoilers: Adding a body kit or spoiler might make the car look cool, but it can also attract unwanted attention from thieves and raise your premium. 
  • Dash cams and parking sensors: On a more positive note, installing safety features such as a dash cam, parking sensors, or enhanced lighting can lower your premiums. That’s because they reduce the risk of accidents and theft, signalling to insurers that you are taking extra steps to protect both yourself and your vehicle.

Compare car insurance policies for 17-year-olds

For 17-year-old drivers, finding a car that combines affordable insurance premiums with dependable performance and safety features is absolutely essential. Models like the Volkswagen Polo, the Ford KA, and the others listed above in similar insurance groups are all practical options that meet all of these criteria. 

To secure the most suitable policy, at the most competitive rate, compare car insurance policies specifically designed for 17-year-olds with Money Expert and potentially save up to £523.

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