Best insurance group 3 cars

If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, one method that will help reduce the cost of your policy is opting for a car in a low insurance group. Insurers consider many factors when deciding which insurance group a car falls into, from its purchase price to the likelihood of it being involved in an accident. There are 50 insurance groups, with higher groups costing more to insure – so cars in group three are some of the most affordable.

For the cheapest possible insurance premiums, you’ll have to look at cars in groups one and two, but the cars on this list are still at the affordable end of the scale and often come with more equipment.

Black box car insurance: pros, cons, rules and how young drivers can save

As well as the cars in insurance group three, we have also covered insurance groups one, two and four, so be sure to read those lists for the full picture of cheap-to-insure cars. While all these cars are hatchbacks, our top 10 list of the best cheap-to-insure cars covers a wider range of different body styles in low insurance groups, from small cars to models better suited to families.

Kia Picanto hatchback review

Carbuyer rating

4.2 out of 5

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Appearing in insurance groups from one through to 11, the Kia Picanto is also positioned in insurance group three, this time in both ‘2’ and ‘X-Line S’ trim levels.

Whereas the Picanto models in lower groups had to be optioned with an automatic gearbox, the ‘2’ model in group three is fitted with the six-speed manual. This will appeal to buyers who find the automatic version’s 16.6-second 0-60mph too sluggish, as well as those who want the best fuel economy from their city car.

The Picanto ‘2’ costs around £14,500, making it one of the cheapest new cars to buy as well as insure. You’ll pay around £3k more for the ‘X-Line S’ model, but this brings with it a more powerful engine, an automatic gearbox, and a host of interior and exterior upgrades.

SEAT Ibiza review - a stylish and spacious supermini

Carbuyer rating

4.2 out of 5

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We think that the SEAT Ibiza is one of the best superminis on the market, and its position in insurance group three provides another budget-friendly string to its bow. Based on the Volkswagen Polo, it has a sharp exterior design with all the interior kit you would expect at this price point, backed up by a driving experience that belies its small size.

The Ibiza model in insurance group two is the ‘SE’ spec, complete with the same 1.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox as found in the cheapest Volkswagen Polo. Although the equivalent Polo sits in insurance group one, meaning it should be cheaper to insure, the Ibiza costs less to buy, starting from just under £20k.

Hyundai i10 review - tech-filled and practical small car

Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

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Another firm favourite for new drivers, the Hyundai i10 shares its underpinnings, as well as its place in insurance group three, with the Kia Picanto. There’s a long five-year/100,000-mile warranty, affordable maintenance costs, a frugal 1.0-litre petrol engine, and of course, cheap insurance.

The £16,000 entry-level ‘Advance’ trim with the five-speed automatic gearbox is the version found in this group. It’s not as fun to drive or as efficient as the manual car, but it’s the one to go for if you want the cheapest insurance premium (the manual version sits in group five). 

Looking for cheap car insurance? Read the tips and advice articles below:

• Cars in insurance group 1
• Cars in insurance group 2
• Cars in insurance group 4
• Top 10 best cheap cars to insure
• How to get cheaper car insurance
• Black box car insurance
• Young driver insurance
• 10 best cars for new drivers