The top 5 cheapest cars to insure

Fed up with forking out hundreds of pounds for your car insurance every year? With the new registration plates coming out in early March, youmight want to consider switching to a different motor that’s cheaper to insure. 

Insurers divide cars into 50 insurance groups based on factors such as their engine size and the likely cost of repairs. Cars in the lower groups are the least expensive to insure, while those in the higher groups, such as gas guzzlers and high performance vehicles, will cost more to insure.  

You can check out how the groups are organised at www.thatcham.org. But remember that the driver’s details, such as your no claims history, age and driving habits,will play a big part in determining the final premium. Here, I look at the top five cheapest vehicles to insure...

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is the cheapest car to insure in the UK. Like many of the other vehicles in group one, the car has a small engine and is cheap to buy, yet can comfortably fit five adults. The car has a good safety record too, and scored four out of five stars on Euro NCAP tests largely thanks to its six airbagsfor protecting the driver and passengers. 

However, as this model only comes with a one-litre engine, it’sbest suited to city dwellers who will only use it for short journeys.  

Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 is another car which is easy on your pocket when it comes to insurance. Many young drivers choose this model as their first car, although it would be equally useful as a second carfor families looking for a low-cost option.  

The C1 scored four out of five stars in Euro NCAP tests thanks to its safety equipment,but like the Chevrolet Spark, it only has a one litre engine. On the plus side, this means low running costs, and the car has achieved positive reviews from buyers and critics.   

Fiat Panda

The third generation five-door Fiat Panda may look small, but it can accommodate four adults in relative comfort. The car was first introduced in a no-frills form more than three decades ago, and has long been popular with drivers looking for a car which is both cheap to run and cheap to insure.  

The Panda also performed well in Euro NCAP tests and would have scored the maximum five-star rating were it not for the fact that electronic stability control (ESC) wasn't available on the tested car. This led to one star being dropped but Fiat later confirmed that ESC will be offered on the entire Fiat Panda range. 

The Top Gear website gives the car a rating of eight out of ten, claiming that the charm of older versions has been retained and its flaws have been sorted. 

VauxhallCorsa1.0 litre Hatchback

The Vauxhall CorsaHatchback was launched two decades ago and, over the years, the car has attracted a wide fan base of mostly young drivers who have made the super-minia huge success in the UK. 

Its cheap insurance rating, sleek looks and low running costs add to the appeal. The vehicle is also safe, having performed well in Euro NCAP tests, scoring five out of five stars for adult protection. 

Volkswagen Up/Skoda Citigo/Seat Mii

These cars are identical vehicles in all but name and produced in the same factory, They are also among the cheapest cars to insure in the UK, and collectively won the MoneySupermarket Car of the Year award for 2012. 

The Volkswagen-owned vehicles are cheap both to buy and run have consistently attracted positive feedback since their launch in 2012. 

There are several differentversions of both the Seat Miiand Skoda Citigo, including the 'S', 'Ecomotive' and 'SE' trims, in insurance group one, meaning buyers have lots of optionswhen it comes to choosing their car. Several of the equivalent trims on the Volkswagen Up! – Take Up! andMove Up! – are also available in this group. 

You can save even more money by shopping around for the cheapest car insurance when your policy comes up for renewal.

Every week, Clare Francis, financial journalist and editor-in-chief of comparison site moneysupermarket.com will offer tips and advice on all things money-related to help iVillagers make the most of their hard-earned cash. From energy bills to car insurance; credit cards to children’s savings accounts; mortgages to discount vouchers Clare will show you how to make sure you’re getting the best deal. For more, visit Clare Francis on Google+.