When it comes to having a car, we all want to keep our costs down as much as possible. Whether it’s getting more miles to the gallon than the manufacturer states or going from MOT to MOT without having to get your car repaired or patched up, saving money here and there can be a big help to the budget. One of the biggest expenses when it comes to cars is insurance.

Shopping around for the best car insurance packages has become a yearly occurrence with most drivers. With countless comparison websites, it’s easier than ever to get the best possible quote. But even then, if running costs are your top priority then there’s another step you can take – choose a car that’s cheap to insure. So, here’s the Creditplus list of the top 10 cheapest cars to insure.

What keeps insurance costs down?

There are a number of factors that go into how car insurance is calculated. Aside from your own driving history and any accidents you might have had, the type of car you drive is also assessed. More powerful cars with bigger engines are normally more expensive to insure, as they can go faster and the temptation to drive a bit more recklessly is considered by insurers. The availability and cost of repairs is also factored in, as the insurer will assess what it would cost to repair a vehicle. Finally, modern cars with advanced safety technology will mean they are less likely to be involved in an accident, and so are usually cheaper to insure.

Cars are then divided into insurance groups, from group 1 to 50. Our partner, Confused.com, have provided some top picks for cars in the cheapest categories.

One of the most popular cars in the UK, the Ford Fiesta is amongst the cheapest. That’s down to its relatively low price, the sheer number of garages and dealers that repair the car, and also the vehicle’s reliability. Ford build their cars well. They might not be the flashiest and you’ll see plenty others on the road, but the Fiesta is a fantastic car for daily use.

If you want something a bit more continental when compared to the Fiesta, then the SEAT Ibiza is a more than capable alternative. Those who own them, love them. And even if it has the Spanish badge, there’s plenty of reliable German engineering beneath the hood thanks to the company’s Volkswagen ownership.

Skoda have been one of the success stories of 21^st century driving, going from cars that were seen as jokes, to making the best models on the market. The fully electric CITIGO-e IV is their first step into the fully electric market. It brings with it all the lessons learned through the highly successful Octavia and Yeti models and wraps it in an eco-friendly package.

Regularly topping car-of-the-year awards, it seems Hyundai can do nothing wrong when it comes to their range of smart family cars. The i10 is the smallest model at the moment, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in reliability, economy and general quality. Plus, not only is it cheap to drive but it’s one of the most affordable hatchbacks on the market. That low starting price and low insurance costs should give you more money to spend on some of the flashy optional extras.

Another fantastic city car, the Fiat Panda is one of the less common hatchbacks on the market. Available under a few different specs, the City version is the one with the best insurance price. Small and agile, its perfect for weaving your way through the tight city streets. And if you want to keep the costs down, you can forgo some of the parking tech that are available and trust in your ability to manoeuvre this small yet stylish car manually.

Like the CITIGO, the Smart EQ FourFour is a fully electric car designed for urban living. Smart have been making compact city cars for decades now, so it makes sense that their fully-electric model will be one of the best for the crowded streets you find in the city. But even away from the hustle and bustle, the Smart EQ FourFour is fun to drive and surprisingly nippy for its size and engine.

Another car from the far eastern market, the Kia Rio won’t set any pulses racing or win any beauty contests. What it will do is provide you with a solid, reliable car that you can trust to get you from A to B with as little hassle as possible. Add to that the low insurance costs and surprising cheap retail price, and the Rio will have you feeling a lot happier than the snootier car enthusiasts who you know will turn their nose up at its beautiful simplicity.

Toyota make some of the most reliable cars on the road, so it’s little surprise that they are also cheaper than most to insure. The Toyota Yaris Y20 takes the formula and gives it a more stylish look that makes it stand out amongst most modern hatchbacks. A fitting way to celebrate 20 years of this model.

Despite the emissions scandal, Volkswagen cars still have a lot to offer as they move on from something that took the global car industry by storm. The Volkswagen up! Fits everything into a nice little package. The German engineering and efficiency, the economy of their engines (especially the diesel), and the smart design choices that make the car feel a lot more expensive than it is.

Our final car on the list takes us to the east again, this time for the Nissan Micra. Having moved away from the rather bold, somewhat ugly, distinctive design choice, it’s now much less bold in its appearance, although still something that stands out amongst the crowd. But it’s still a great car underneath the bodywork, and the car has been designed with a huge number of options for you to tailor it to your needs.

Get yourself a cheap car to insure

If you’re ready to switch to a car that’s cheaper to insure, then why not have Creditplus find you a fantastic car finance deal to go with your affordable car. Apply online today and find out just how easy it is to get a great car at a fantastic price.