These can be anything from maintenance and running costs through to the essential insurance, without which it is illegal to drive. But for new drivers and those aged under 25 this can come at a hefty price as they are perceived to be a higher risk as a result of their lack of experience and potential risky behaviour or over confidence.
According to a RAC report almost half of 17 to 24-year-olds (44%) list the cost of car insurance at their top concern. Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show nine out of 10 drivers have seen their premiums rise in the past year.
Now the RAC has given advice to younger drivers over the most effective ways of cutting that bill. And its experts say picking the correct car is the “most effective” way to reduce your insurance premiums.
It explains: “Insurance groups are decided by the ABI, and cars in the lowest groups are generally the cheapest to insure. Cars in low insurance groups tend to be small, affordable and have low-powered engines – though that isn’t always the case as a couple of surprises in this list reveal.
“Also consider where you live as a factor for insurance costs, and where you park your car – parking it in a garage instead of on the street can lower your premium – while you can also fit extra car security equipment to help prevent or deter thefts.”
The RAC’s list of the cheapest new cars to insure in 2026 is based on the car’s quoted insurance groups. These are only a guide with insurance costs often varying depending on individual circumstances and on the details of the vehicle itself.