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Insurance data shows that new drivers, especially younger ones, have a far higher chance of making a claim, costing insurers money and leading to higher premiums. In fact, concerns around the number of accidents involving young drivers have prompted MPs to once again consider a graduated driving licence with certain limitations on new drivers.
While that’s being considered, new drivers still face far higher-than-average premium costs. There are tricks drivers can use to bring down their bills - from using a telematics tracker to adding a more experienced driver to the policy - but among the simplest methods is choosing a car with lower insurance costs.
With that in mind, insurance experts at Confused have used their data from millions of quotes to come up with the 10 cheapest cars for new drivers to insure.
While that’s being considered, new drivers still face far higher-than-average premium costs. There are tricks drivers can use to bring down their bills - from using a telematics tracker to adding a more experienced driver to the policy - but among the simplest methods is choosing a car with lower insurance costs.
5. Ford Ka Zetec - £821.26
The Ka has been out of production for a while and probably isn’t the most desirable car on this list but it fulfils the insurers’ dream of being compact, low-powered and relatively cheap to repair, hence the low insurance price. Early models were all-Ford and featured a divisive design, while second-generation cars (from 2008-16) were actually based on the Fiat 500’s platform.
6. Volkswagen Polo Match (60) - £859.95
The Volkswagen Polo is a great first car, offering a solid, big-car feel that some of the compact alternatives on this list can’t match. It has always been comfortable and spacious for the class and each generation improves on the last. The only catch here is that to get the cheapest insurance you need to opt for the basic Match trim level and sluggish 59bhp engine version. On the bright side, fuel costs are low thanks to 50+mpg.
7. Mini One - £867.95
According to the Confused data, the less-powerful One spec is more expensive to insure than the higher-spec Cooper, no doubt down to the complex way premiums are calculated. While it lacks the power of the Cooper, the One shares the responsive chassis, neat looks and retro-styled interior, plus there are a wealth of individual looks thanks to Mini’s personalisation options.
8. Ford Fiesta Zetec Climate - £909.16
The Fiesta is a perennial favourite with new drivers and it’s easy to see why. Being Britain’s best-selling car for years means there are plenty around to keep prices down and give buyers lots of choice. The Zetec Climate was a trim level on the Mark 5 (2002-08) so it’s an older model with less technology and equipment but still a solid first car for drivers on a budget.
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