The RAC has compiled a list of the cheapest new cars to insure in 2026 as it highlights the most effective ways for new drivers to reduce their insurance premiums
Getting your first motor is a goal for many novice drivers, but it can prove costly. Beyond the price of the vehicle itself, there are numerous additional expenses that accompany those shiny new keys.
These can range from servicing and operational costs to the mandatory insurance coverage, without which taking to the roads is against the law. However, for inexperienced motorists and those under 25, this can carry a substantial price tag as they’re viewed as higher risk due to their limited experience and potential for reckless driving or overconfidence.
A RAC study reveals that nearly half of 17 to 24-year-olds (44%) cite car insurance costs as their primary worry. Data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) indicates that nine out of 10 motorists have witnessed their premiums increase over the past year.
The RAC has now offered guidance to younger motorists on the most successful methods for slashing that expense. Their specialists claim that selecting the right vehicle is the “most effective” approach to lowering your insurance costs, reports the Express.
They add: “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 most affordable new cars to insure in 2026 is based on the car’s quoted insurance groups. These are merely a guide with insurance costs often fluctuating depending on personal circumstances and the specifics of the vehicle itself.
