When choosing a car, insurance costs can significantly influence your decision – especially when you’re opting for temporary coverage. Temporary car insurance is gaining popularity as drivers seek short-term flexibility, and knowing which vehicles are the most affordable to insure can save you a lot of money.
Based on Zixty’s sales data, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 cheapest cars to insure for a 24-hour cover period. So, whether you’re borrowing a car for a day trip, need insurance to ferry the kids to and from after-school clubs, or have another short-term need, this guide will help you choose a car that keeps your insurance costs in check.
Top 10 cheapest cars:
- Volkswagen Polo – £23.50*
- Ford Fiesta – £24.00*
- Vauxhall Corsa – £24.25*
- Toyota Aygo – £24.50*
- Nissan Micra – £25.00*
- Fiat 500 – £25.25*
- Peugeot 208 – £25.50*
- Hyundai i10 – £25.75*
- Kia Picanto – £26.00*
- Renault Clio – £26.25*
* Example 24 hour policy price based on previous customer purchases
These cars consistently rank as the cheapest to insure for one day policies with Zixty. But why are these particular models more cost-effective? Let’s explore the factors driving these lower premiums.
1. Engine size and insurance costs: The power of going small
One of the main reasons these cars are cheaper to insure is their engine size. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Aygo come equipped with small engines, which insurers view as lower risk. Smaller engines produce less power, making these cars less likely to be involved in high-speed accidents, which are typically costlier to cover.
In the context of temporary insurance, where you’re covering a car for a short period, insurers are particularly cautious. This means that cars with modest engines are rewarded with lower premiums. So, if you’re not looking for a high-powered vehicle, smaller options like the Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 are your best bet for keeping insurance costs down.
2. Repair costs: Affordable cars mean affordable cover
Another significant factor influencing the insurance costs of these vehicles is their repair affordability. Models like the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 have been on the market for years, meaning parts are easy to source and relatively inexpensive. The Renault Clio and Hyundai i10, despite their modern looks, are also widely available and affordable to fix.
Insurance companies know that these cars won’t break the bank when it comes to repairs, and that directly translates to lower premiums for drivers. In short, if a car is cheap to fix, it’s cheaper to insure.
3. Safety first: Why safety features save you money
Safety features play a huge role in determining the cost of insurance, and the cars on this list are packed with them. For instance, the Nissan Micra and Kia Picanto come equipped with modern safety technology, from airbags to electronic stability control. These features reduce the likelihood of severe injuries in the event of an accident, making these cars less risky for insurers to cover.
The Volkswagen Polo is another great example. Known for its reliability and safety ratings, this model is highly regarded by insurance companies. Cars with strong safety records tend to have lower premiums because they are less likely to result in expensive claims.
4. Practicality: The everyday driver’s best friend
Many of the cars on this list, such as the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Aygo, are practical vehicles that offer reliability without unnecessary frills. These cars are favoured by insurers because they are typically driven more conservatively and have lower accident rates compared to high-performance or luxury vehicles.
Practical, family-friendly cars are often seen as a lower insurance risk, making them ideal candidates for affordable temporary cover. If you’re borrowing a car for a weekend trip or a short commute, choosing a practical model like the Kia Picanto will keep your premiums down.
What do these cars have in common?
So, what makes these cars consistently cheaper to insure? A few key factors stand out:
- Compact Size and Small Engines: Most of the cars on this list have smaller engines, resulting in lower risk assessments by insurers. Less power means a lower likelihood of high-speed accidents.
- Affordable Repairs: Cars that are easy and inexpensive to repair are always more attractive to insurers, as fixing them won’t result in large payouts.
- High Safety Ratings: Cars with excellent safety features and strong crash-test performance are less risky to insure. Insurance companies are more willing to offer lower premiums for vehicles that protect their occupants well in an accident.
- Practicality: Reliable, everyday cars like the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio are less likely to be driven aggressively, leading to fewer accidents and lower insurance claims.
Conclusion: Choosing the right car for temporary car insurance
If you’re considering temporary insurance, opting for one of these affordable models can make a big difference in how much you’ll pay in premiums. Whether you’re borrowing a car for a weekend trip, moving house, or need to cover the childminder to drive your vehicle for an hour, choosing a model from our top 10 list can help keep your insurance costs low while still offering reliability, safety, and even a bit of style.
Remember, insurance isn’t just about the car’s market value. It’s also about how likely it is to be involved in an accident, how much it will cost to repair, and how safe it will keep you on the road. The cars on this list offer the perfect combination of affordability, safety, and practicality, making them ideal for temporary insurance with Zixty.
To get going with Zixty, visit our quote page, or download our app (Apple AppStore and Google Play) to get started.
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