Cheapest Family Cars To Insure in the UK
By AlexGuide overview:
- Car insurance groups run from 1–50 (lower groups are usually cheaper), so picking a low insurance group car can help keep monthly costs predictable.
- Cars that are cheaper to insure are usually lower powered, cheaper to repair, and come with strong safety and security features, with less theft appeal.
- The same model can sit in different insurance groups depending on the engine, trim level and spec, so it’s worth checking the exact version you’re comparing.
- Cheap family cars to insure come in all shapes and sizes, including hatchbacks, SUVs and estate cars, so you don’t have to sacrifice practicality to keep costs down.
A good family car usually boils down to three things: it needs to be practical, reliable, and affordable. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done, and plenty of the models that feel perfect for a family car can cost more than you expect, especially when you add insurance on top.
Insuring your family car can be a real pain, and thanks to new car technologies, various trim levels, and optional extras, prices can fluctuate massively. That's why it's essential that you do some research before choosing your next family car.
In the UK, cars are ranked into insurance groups from 1-50 (with group 1 the cheapest and group 50 the most expensive). The lower the group, the more likely you are to find a cheap family car to insure without settling for something too small or impractical.
In this guide, we’ll run through some of the cheapest family cars to insure that are also available to lease, so you can get a reliable car that works for everyday life.
Want a practical family car with predictable monthly costs? Browse our latest lease deals with straightforward pricing from an independent leasing broker.
Car insurance groups are advisory ratings used by insurers to assess the relative risk and repair costs of a vehicle. The cheapest is Group 1, while the most expensive is Group 50. The smaller the insurance group, the cheaper the the model should be to insure.
Researching insurance group is a great place to start when finding your next family car.
However, insurance premiums can still change depending on your age, location, driving history, where you park, and the exact trim/spec you choose.
Looking for more information about insurance? Check out our guide: Insuring your lease vehicle
Generally, cars with cheap insurance tend to be the ones that tick most of the boxes below:
- Low-powered engine - Cars with smaller, lower-powered engines, like city cars, are usually seen as lower risk, so they often sit in a cheaper insurance group.
- Low repair costs - If a car is cheaper and quicker to fix (more common parts, lower labour time), insurers will price it more favourably.
- Strong safety and security kit - Features like autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, immobilisers and alarms can reduce accident and theft risk, which can help keep premiums down.
- Less theft appeal - Cars that are less desirable to steal (or harder to break into) can be cheaper to insure, because the likelihood of a claim is lower.
Even within the same model, insurance can change if you choose a more powerful engine or a higher trim, so always check the correct version.
“For families, it’s about making the numbers work without compromising on practicality. Keep the engine and trim sensible, and you’ll often find your insurance stays far more affordable.”
You'll probably have a rough idea of what family car you want, and what you're comfortable spending each month. To make the process easier, we've pulled together a range of cheap family cars to insure, focusing on models that sit in low insurance groups without sacrificing features that most families need.
Note: The insurance groups shown apply to the newest version of each car. Older models (and different trims/engines) can sit in different groups, so it’s always worth checking the exact spec you’re comparing.
1. SEAT Ibiza
Kicking off the list is the Seat Ibiza Hatchback, which sits in insurance groups 2-19. It's a proper family hatch and is a great pick if you're looking for a car that's easy to live with and light on running costs.
Most versions use a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine (which bumps the insurance group up), and returns 95PS and up to 56mpg.
It's roomy enough for two passengers in the rear, regardless of whether it's adults or kids, and the boot has a solid 355 litres of space.
Insurance groups: 2 to 19
2. Dacia Sandero
If your family is after simple value, the Sandero is hard to beat. It sits in insurance groups 2-17, and is available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers up to 53mpg.
It seats five and has a simple cabin, comes with up to 17 driver assistance systems, and has a boot space of up to 410 litres.
Insurance groups: 2 to 17
3. Skoda Fabia Hatchback
The Fabia Hatchback is a seriously underrated car. It's great for families looking for a reliable, simple small car, and it offers relatively affordable insurance costs, falling between groups 2 and 20.
If you're looking for the cheapest insurance, go for the 1.0 MPI 80 PS 5G Manual powertrain, which returns nippy performance and up to 54mpg.
It's also roomy up front and usable in the back for kids, and comes with a 380-litre boot as standard.
Insurance groups: 2 to 20
4. Toyota Aygo X
The Aygo X is a compact SUV that's available to insure within groups 6 to 9, making it a great option if you're looking to keep premiums down while also satisfying everything that family life throws your way.
It comes with a 1.5-litre hybrid-petrol engine with 116hp and up to 74 mpg.
Rear space is more than enough for small kids, and although the boot is on the small side at 231 litres, it should still fit all the essentials.
Insurance groups: 6 to 9
5. Skoda Octavia Estate
If you're after proper family practicality without jumping to an SUV, the Octavia Estate is a brilliant option. The most common engine, a 1.5-litre petrol engine, comes in insurance group 19 and offers a comfortable drive and up to 56 mpg.
You can get it down to insurance group 13, but this means sacrificing a bit of power and kit.
It's also one of the most spacious cars available, with a massive 640-litre boot that comes with a range of hooks and straps for the family's convenience.
Insurance groups: 13 to 23
6. SEAT Arona
The Seat Arona is another compact SUV that keeps things sensible, being available in insurance groups 8 to 19. It's ideal if you're looking for a bit more interior space and a higher driving position, without choosing a big SUV.
The entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre petrol with 95PS and up to 54mpg.
There's decent room for family life in the back, and the boot is a practical 400 litres.
Insurance groups: 8 to 19
7. Volkswagen T-Cross
If you haven't guessed already, compact SUVs are great choices if you're after affordable insurance costs. The T-Cross is a slightly more premium option, but is perfect if you're after something affordable, family-friendly, and easy to drive.
It comes with either a 1 or 1.5-litre engine, and you can expect around 50mpg. For budget-conscious drivers, the 1.0-litre engine is the most affordable to insure, while mid-range options usually sit around groups 14 and 15.
Boot space is also pretty good, coming in at 385 litres as standard.
Insurance groups: 11 to 20
8. Nissan Qashqai
You could argue that the Nissan Qashqai is the blueprint for a family car. It's great to drive, it's affordable, and it comes with plenty of interior space.
There's plenty of choice within the Qashqai range, and because of this, insurance ranges from groups 12 to 30. The cheapest to insure will be the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid powertrain, while the most expensive is the electric e-power.
This might put you off the latter, but it's worth mentioning as it's a serious bit of kit. It uses a petrol engine as a generator for the electric motor, and also charges while driving through the petrol engine and regenerative braking.
Moving inside, the Qashqai’s interior is smart and well-built, allowing it to compete with some of its more expensive rivals. Again, if you're looking to keep costs to a minimum, go for the entry-level Acenta Premium trim.
Insurance groups: 12 to 30
9. Toyota Corolla Touring Sport
If you want an estate car that’s about as economical as they come, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is a great option. It’s available to insure within groups 15–22, which is very reasonable for a family estate.
It’s hybrid-only, with 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid options, returning up to 62mpg depending on the version. For cheaper premiums, the 1.8-litre in a mid-range trim is usually the safer bet.
It’s spacious inside, and the boot is a big family-friendly 596 litres depending on model.
Insurance groups: 15 to 22
10. Kia Sportage
It's not a product list on family cars without the Kia Sportage, which sits in insurance groups 15 to 27. It's a brilliant all-round family SUV and won't let you down.
Engine-wise, you’ll typically be choosing between a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre hybrid (HEV), with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) also available/arriving depending on model year. The cheapest version is the 1.6-litre petrol, which returns up to 147bhp.
Interior space is a strong point, with generous head and leg room for passengers, and it’s properly practical for family gear. Boot space depends on the version: up to 591 litres for petrol, 587 litres for hybrid, and around 540 litres for the PHEV.
Insurance groups: 11 to 27
Electric cars can be cheap to insure, but it varies a lot. Some EVs sit in higher groups because repairs require a specialist technician, and parts can be pricier.
They key is the same: compare model to model and keep an eye on trim level and performance.
If you're considering an EV, it's worth checking out insurance prices early on.
Not sure what car is best suited to you? Speak to our UK team for expert support. We'll help you compare options, explain costs, and find a family car that fits your budget.
You can cut insurance costs by choosing a lower group car, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice practicality to do it. The models above prove you can still get SUV comfort or estate-level boot space while staying in the “cheaper to insure” end of the scale.
Ready to choose your next family car? We've been trusted since 2002, with 180,000+ leases arranged. Browse our Family Leasing Hub or check our latest deals and we'll help you get on the road.
Guide Information
Originally published: 3rd January 2023
Last updated: 16th January 2026
Due to be reviewed: 20th January 2027
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