Eddie PhilipsFinding cheap car insurance in the UK can be tricky, especially when dozens of providers promise low rates but hide costs in small print. The good news? We’ve done the legwork for you.
This comprehensive guide ranks and describes the top 50 affordable car insurance providers in the UK, highlighting what makes each one stand out, who they’re best for, and how you can save more money. Whether you’re a young driver, an experienced motorist, or just shopping for a better deal, this list will help you find the best and cheapest car insurance in the UK for your budget.
Top Best 50 Cheap Car Insurance In The UK
1. LV= Car Insurance
LV= (Liverpool Victoria) is one of the most trusted car insurance companies in the UK. It often offers comprehensive policies starting from around £300, depending on your circumstances. Customers like LV= for its windshield cover, uninsured driver promise, and no-claims discount protection.
LV= combines affordability with reliability, making it a popular choice for families and long-term drivers who want dependable cover without overpaying.
2. Elephant Car Insurance
Elephant is well-known for budget-friendly car insurance with no-frills policies. It’s perfect for those who want straightforward protection without unnecessary extras. Their online process is simple, and the company often appears in the top 10 cheapest car insurance providers on comparison sites.
Students and first-time drivers may find particularly competitive quotes here.
3. Aviva Car Insurance
Aviva is one of the UK’s largest insurers and offers multi-car discounts, breakdown cover options, and uninsured driver protection. While not always the absolute cheapest, its bundle discounts and strong customer service make it great value for money.
If you want trusted cover with a low excess and optional extras, Aviva is worth checking out.
4. Admiral Car Insurance
Admiral is a household name offering affordable multi-car insurance and frequent online discounts. Many customers save by insuring multiple cars in one household. Admiral also provides black box (telematics) policies that can lower premiums for safe drivers.
Its competitive prices and flexible coverage make it a top pick for young and family drivers alike.
5. AXA Car Insurance
AXA often features among the most affordable car insurance providers in the UK on comparison platforms. It’s known for comprehensive cover, 24-hour claims support, and low voluntary excess options.
AXA’s digital-first approach helps keep costs low, making it ideal for tech-savvy drivers who prefer managing policies online.
6. Tesco Bank Car Insurance
Tesco Bank offers budget-friendly car insurance, with the bonus of earning Clubcard points on your premiums. Customers appreciate Tesco’s flexibility and loyalty rewards.
For existing Tesco customers, this provider can be an excellent way to combine savings with convenience.
7. Hastings Direct Car Insurance
Hastings Direct provides low-cost cover without compromising customer service. It’s one of the UK’s top-rated insurance companies, known for fast claims handling and customisable add-ons.
Hastings is particularly competitive for drivers with clean records and middle-range vehicles.
8. Churchill Car Insurance
Churchill is another big player offering affordable car insurance with strong customer satisfaction ratings. Policies include new-for-old car replacement and 24/7 claims assistance.
Although prices can vary, Churchill’s combination of quality and cost makes it one of the best mid-range affordable insurers.
9. esure Car Insurance
esure is a great option for budget-minded drivers who still want solid coverage. The company often offers introductory discounts for new customers and allows flexible excess choices.
It’s popular among city drivers looking to balance cost and coverage.
10. NFU Mutual Car Insurance
NFU Mutual may surprise some by being on a “cheap” list, but its excellent service ratings and fair pricing make it a great long-term option. It’s ideal for rural drivers who want personalised service and reliable claims management.
11. Saga Car Insurance
Saga caters to drivers aged 50 and above, offering competitive rates and exclusive discounts. With added features like unlimited European travel and repair guarantees, Saga is a top choice for senior drivers seeking value and simplicity.
12. By Miles Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
By Miles is perfect for low-mileage drivers. Instead of paying a fixed annual fee, you pay based on how much you drive. It’s an innovative, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly solution for those who drive fewer than 7,000 miles a year.
13. Co-op Car Insurance
Co-op offers fair pricing and discounts for safe drivers. Their policies come with uninsured driver protection and a lifetime repair guarantee. It’s a great mix of affordability and ethics—ideal for socially conscious motorists.
14. Direct Line Car Insurance
Direct Line often avoids comparison sites, but it frequently offers exclusive online discounts and direct savings for customers. Their multi-car and telematics options make it worth checking even if it doesn’t appear on aggregator sites.
15. Axa Plus Car Insurance
AXA Plus builds on AXA’s standard policy, offering extra protection like courtesy car and breakdown cover while maintaining affordable pricing. It’s great for drivers seeking more coverage without breaking the bank.
16. 1st Central Car Insurance
Known for being one of the cheapest car insurance providers for young drivers, 1st Central offers telematics policies and digital management tools that keep premiums low.
17. Beam by The AA
Beam is a new digital car insurance brand from The AA, focusing on simplicity and lower costs. It’s app-based, which helps keep administrative costs—and your premiums—down.
18. Swiftcover Car Insurance
Swiftcover offers online-only car insurance, meaning fewer overhead costs and cheaper prices. Ideal for confident drivers who don’t need constant phone support.
19. Privilege Car Insurance
Privilege, part of Direct Line Group, delivers low-cost cover and good customer service. Great for those who prefer a straightforward approach without unnecessary add-ons.
20. Post Office Car Insurance
Post Office car insurance combines trust, simplicity, and affordability. Their policies often come with free courtesy cars and optional breakdown cover.
21. Darwin Car Insurance
Darwin is a digital-first insurer that uses advanced algorithms to give fair pricing. It’s particularly affordable for experienced drivers with clean records.
22. Moja Car Insurance
Moja is a relatively new brand offering customisable insurance with easy online management. It appeals to younger drivers looking for transparency and lower prices.
23. Diamond Car Insurance
Diamond focuses on female drivers, but anyone can apply. It’s known for affordable rates and flexible payments—especially for careful drivers with fewer claims.
24. Insure Pink Car Insurance
Insure Pink offers budget car insurance with a charitable twist—supporting breast cancer causes. It’s ideal for socially minded drivers who want affordable cover.
25. M&S Bank Car Insurance
Marks & Spencer offers straightforward, competitive car insurance for its banking customers. It’s particularly convenient if you already use M&S financial services.
26. Sheilas’ Wheels Car Insurance
Sheilas’ Wheels is popular for cheap female driver insurance, offering extra benefits like handbag cover and courtesy cars. It’s stylish, simple, and affordable.
27. Allianz Car Insurance
Allianz offers internationally trusted car insurance with flexible premiums and strong claims support. While not the cheapest for everyone, it provides solid value for mid-range drivers.
28. Ageas Car Insurance
Ageas is one of the UK’s largest car insurers, known for fast claims processing and competitive quotes on both comprehensive and third-party plans.
29. First Alternative Car Insurance
First Alternative provides low-cost insurance with efficient customer service. It’s a hidden gem for drivers who want simple, no-hassle cover.
30. Quote Me Happy Car Insurance
An online-only insurer by Aviva, Quote Me Happy is designed for digital users who prefer managing everything online. Their no-call-centre approach keeps premiums low.
31. One Sure Insurance
One Sure is a broker-style platform that finds the cheapest quote from multiple insurers. Ideal for drivers who want several offers before choosing the lowest price.
32. ASDA Money Car Insurance
ASDA Money works with various underwriters to provide competitive car insurance quotes. Shoppers can even earn rewards and discounts, making it a smart budget option.
33. Vauxhall Car Insurance
If you drive a Vauxhall, their manufacturer-linked insurance can sometimes provide specialised low-cost cover tailored to your car model.
34. BMW Car Insurance
BMW Insurance gives exclusive deals for BMW owners. While premiums vary, loyal brand users can often access cheaper rates through dealer partnerships.
35. Toyota Car Insurance
Toyota’s own insurance service often offers discounted policies for Toyota owners, with perks like genuine parts replacement and competitive rates.
36. Lloyds Bank Car Insurance
Lloyds offers bank-linked car insurance that can be cheaper for existing customers. They also allow online claim tracking and 24/7 support.
37. Halcyon Insurance
Halcyon is a niche insurer specialising in experienced drivers and lower-risk vehicles. This often means cheaper premiums for the right customer.
38. Adrian Flux Car Insurance
Adrian Flux is best known for specialist car insurance—modified, imported, or vintage cars—but it also provides competitive quotes for standard vehicles.
39. Refuel Insurance
Refuel targets younger drivers and low-mileage motorists with flexible, budget-friendly options. It’s ideal if you only drive occasionally.
40. Bell Car Insurance
Bell, a branch of Admiral, rewards safe drivers with lower prices. Their black box technology helps reduce costs for new and cautious drivers.
41. Coversure Car Insurance
Coversure is an independent broker that compares multiple insurers for you. Their ability to negotiate directly with underwriters can result in significant savings.
42. Churchill Essentials Car Insurance
Churchill’s “Essentials” package offers basic but affordable protection, ideal for older vehicles or drivers wanting minimal cover at a low cost.
43. Direct Line for Business Car Insurance
If you use your car for work, Direct Line’s business option can provide tailored, affordable protection without sacrificing quality.
44. Saga Motor Insurance 50+
Saga’s second offering is designed for over-50 drivers, often including free breakdown assistance and unlimited travel cover—making it both comprehensive and economical.
45. Mend Insurance
Mend is an emerging insurer that provides pay-as-you-go and low-mileage options, ideal for drivers who use their cars infrequently.
46. Bought By Many Car Insurance
Bought By Many uses a community-based approach to car insurance, allowing niche groups (e.g., classic car enthusiasts) to access cheaper group rates.
47. KGM Car Insurance
KGM operates behind many brokers, offering cheap underwriting rates through intermediaries. Drivers can access their policies via brokers like One Sure or Coversure.
48. Saga Premier Car Insurance
Saga Premier provides extra benefits—like legal cover and higher courtesy car limits—for just a small price bump, often still cheaper than competitors.
49. Tempcover Car Insurance
Tempcover is ideal for short-term or temporary car insurance, ranging from a few hours to several months. It’s affordable for occasional drivers or test-drive cover.
50. Go-Skippy Car Insurance
Go-Skippy is a modern, app-based insurer that keeps prices low through efficient online management. Their flexible payment options make it a favourite for budget users.
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in the UK
Before comparing providers, understand what affects your premium:
- Your age and driving experience – younger drivers pay more.
- Car type and insurance group – smaller, cheaper cars cost less to insure.
- Postcode – urban areas usually have higher premiums.
- Claims history and driving record – fewer claims mean cheaper quotes.
- Level of cover – Third-Party Fire and Theft may be cheaper, but Comprehensive often offers better value.
Using comparison sites like Comparethemarket, MoneySuperMarket, or Uswitch helps you compare dozens of insurers instantly.
Tips for Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in the UK
- Shop around annually – never auto-renew; switching can save up to 30%.
- Pay annually – avoid monthly interest fees.
- Add a named driver – responsible co-drivers can reduce risk and cost.
- Install a black box – safe driving lowers premiums over time.
- Increase voluntary excess – higher excess = lower premium.
- Keep your car secure – park in a garage or driveway.
- Limit mileage – fewer miles, lower risk.
- Avoid modifications – they usually raise premiums.
- Check for discounts – loyalty, multi-car, or telematics deals help.
- Build your no-claims bonus – safe driving saves you the most long-term.
Conclusion
Choosing the cheapest car insurance in the UK isn’t about picking the lowest quote—it’s about finding value, reliability, and coverage that fits your needs.
From digital-first companies like By Miles and Quote Me Happy to trusted names like LV=, Admiral, and Hastings Direct, the UK market is full of affordable options.
Take time to compare, adjust your cover level, and review your policy annually. That way, you’ll always drive away with the best deal on cheap UK car insurance that truly protects you and your vehicle.