Best Group 1 Insurance Used Cars
If you want to keep your car insurance premiums as affordable as possible, you’ll need a car with the lowest insurance group rating. UK car insurance groups run from 1 to 50, and group 1 cars are the cheapest to insure. To help you choose, we’ve gathered together the eight best used cars that fall into insurance group 1.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 09 July 2026 | 5 mins read
Looking for the best group 1 insurance used cars? Whether you're a young driver hunting for your first ride or aiming to save on running costs, there’s good news! Group 1 insurance is the cheapest there is, making it ideal for budget-conscious drivers.
Plenty of brilliant and affordable used cars come with low group 1 insurance costs, and we’ve compiled a list of the best options to help you score a reliable, cost-effective car that won’t drain your wallet.
Volkswagen Polo
Can you have a car that costs little to insure but also feels premium? You can with the Volkswagen Polo – it’s been around for many years and has gained a reputation for dependability and comfort. The latest model looks sharp, and its roomy interior has a high-quality feel and useful high-tech features, including digital dials and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Polos with the 1.0-litre engine get the low group 1 insurance rating you’re looking for, making them cost-effective to run, yet they’re nippy enough for the motorway.
Hyundai i10
If taxiing your friends or family is a big priority, you’ll want to look at the Hyundai i10. On the outside, it’s tiny – small enough to be a doddle to drive around town and it has great views, so it’s easy to park. Yet inside, you have three back seats (some cars of this size only have two), and there’s lots of space for four adults to sit comfortably, or even five at a push.
There’s even more to the i10 – it’s also great to drive and has a smart-looking interior. Most of the 1.0-litre versions come with a group 1 insurance rating, and all i10s have a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty from new, so you might find one with that protection still in effect.
Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia is an excellent option if you’re looking for lots of space on a budget. It is about the same size as a Ford Fiesta, but thanks to some clever design, it has more boot space and back-seat legroom than most rivals.
The Fabia is also really comfortable, thanks to its soft suspension, which easily handles road bumps. Group 1 insurance is often found on the lower trim models, making these the ones for budget-conscious drivers.
Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra is one of the most powerful cars on this list, so it’s the one to have if you want to pair your group 1 insurance costs with good performance. The Micra’s sharp styling also sets it apart from most other small cars – as does its interior, which doesn’t just look good but feels light and airy, too.
The best news is that every Micra with the entry-level engine has a group 1 insurance rating, so you can choose from a range of versions and still get the least expensive insurance.
Ford Ka+
Where the Ford Ka+ succeeds is in providing simple, hassle-free motoring at a bargain price. It’s a great-value used car that costs less than most rivals and is very cost-effective to run.
Those low running costs extend to insurance. Choose the 1.0-litre engine, and you’ll benefit from group 1 insurance premiums – all of which make this an ideal choice if you’re intent on sticking to a budget.
Kia Rio
Diesel engines are very fuel-efficient, but it’s rare to find a diesel-powered car with low-cost insurance. Nevertheless, the Kia Rio is just that. From 2015 onwards, the “1 Air” model benefited from very low insurance premiums combined with the 1.1-litre diesel engine.
Low fuel consumption means it’s one of the most affordable cars to run on this list. As with all Kias, the Rio has a good reputation for reliability, but there’s even more peace of mind when you find one with time left on its standard seven-year warranty from new.
Smart ForFour
If you’d like to drive something stylish while paying peanuts for your insurance, then look no further – the Smart ForFour could be the car for you.
Look for the Pure model for group 1 insurance. Even so, it comes with a relatively zingy little engine that gives more than enough performance for nipping around town. You also get Smart’s unique design inside and out. The ForFour is small enough to fit into the tiniest parking spaces, yet it’s a surprisingly practical little car with four seats.
Volkswagen Up
Another car that combines city-friendly dimensions with good interior space is the Volkswagen Up. The same goes for the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo, both of which are identical to the Up but for some small design tweaks.
Moreover, the high-quality materials used for the Up’s interior mean you won’t feel like you’re pinching pennies – even while you are. Good fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride and a fun driving experience add to the Up’s appeal. With lower-specification versions, insurance costs are as low as you can get. Look for entry-level trims and the smallest 1.0-litre engine.
Find Your Perfect Group 1 Insurance Car
Ready to find a car that’s kinder to your wallet from day one? Browse our full range of group 1 insurance used cars and start saving today.
Group 1 Car Insurance FAQs
What is group 1 car insurance?
UK insurance groups run from 1 to 50, set by the Group Rating Panel (the ABI and Thatcham Research). Cars are assessed on repair costs, performance, value and security. Group 1 is the cheapest to insure; group 50 is the most expensive.
Are group 1 cars a good choice for young drivers?
Yes. Young and newly qualified drivers usually face higher premiums, so a group 1 car can help offset some of that cost. Models like the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up are popular first cars for this reason.
Does engine size affect a car’s insurance group?
Generally, yes. Smaller, less powerful engines tend to sit in lower insurance groups, which is why several cars here reach group 1 with a 1.0-litre engine. Larger engine options in the same range are often rated higher.
Can I check a used car’s insurance group before buying?
Yes. Most comparison and insurance websites offer a free insurance group checker – just enter the car’s make, model and registration. It’s worth checking first, as ratings can vary between trim levels and engine sizes on the same model.