The Most Affordable Cars and Universities for Student Insurance
Professional driving instructor group Local Driving School have analysed average insurance quotes for an undergraduate at different universities across the UK and for the most popular student cars, to reveal the best university and car model for lower insurance.
Which universities have the lowest car insurance costs?
1. The University of Cambridge – £1,342 per year
The University of Cambridge has achieved many impressive feats – it’s the fourth oldest surviving university worldwide, has an impressive alumni including Charles Darwin, and has the lowest insurance costs for first-time drivers, at just £1,342 per year on average.
2. The University of Exeter – £1,353 per year
At £1,353 per year, the University of Exeter is a close second for cheap car insurance. Explore Devon and the surrounding beaches, or simply reduce the time it takes to travel to and from home by train, with excellent value insurance for your car.
3. The University of Glasgow – £1,419 per year
The University of Glasgow costs just £1,419 per year for car insurance, coming in third in the UK. While easily accessible transport links reduce the need for a car in the centre, low-cost insurance makes cars a wallet-friendly choice for students on this city’s fringes.
4. The University of Bristol – £1,509 per year
5. The University of Edinburgh – £1,848 per year
Which universities have the highest car insurance costs?
Unsurprisingly, Queen Mary University of London is the most expensive place to get car insurance, costing a staggering £3,894 per year. However, great transport links across London mean many moving to the capital don’t need to swallow excessive costs. If you’re set on using a car in London, Imperial College London has the most affordable rates, with an average insurance cost of £2,479 per year.
The University of Leeds has the second highest car insurance costs per year, at an average of £3,377 per year in the city centre. In other areas of Yorkshire, insurance is much cheaper, with first-time drivers heading to the University of York spending an average of £1,922 a year on car insurance.
Update your address when you move
A quick change of address when moving could save you the headache of an invalid insurance claim, and the loss of thousands of pounds if you are involved in an accident while at university.
Claire Davies, Marketing Manager at Local Driving School: “The move to university is an exciting time for students. However, for those bringing a car with them, they must update the address listed on their insurance policy.
“The typical university year is 30 weeks – so your car will spend over half the year at a different location to your home address if you are studying in a different city. The address where you park your car during the week and overnight for most of the year is the main address to insure your car to – so this needs to be updated in your insurance policy, or any claims could be invalid.”
What are the cheapest cars for first-time driver insurance?
1. Volkswagen UP – £1,483 per year
Overall, the cheapest car to insure for a first-time driver is the Volkswagen UP. Costing just £1,483 per year on average, this hatchback is a bargain to insure, and £140 cheaper per year than the second place Citroen C1. £20 in road tax per year (pre-2017) and an average monthly lease cost of just £67 sweeten the deal further for students looking to head out onto the roads at the best value price point.
2. Citroen C1 – £1,623 per year
With an average insurance cost of £1,623 per year, the Citroen C1 is the runner up to the VW UP. Consider the C1 if you’re looking for some of the best fuel economy that a petrol car can offer, with the 1.0 litre engine delivering 54 mpg in Whatcar’s True MPG tests. The pre-April 2017 registered models also come with £0 road tax, lowering running costs further.
If you’re deciding between the C1, Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108, then go for the option that sports your preferred styling and trim, or has the lowest insurance costs. These three models are built in the same factory, as part of a collaboration between the brands, and share most parts, so the choice is mostly down to personal preference.
3. Hyundai I10 – £1,627 per year
With an annual insurance cost just £4 higher than the Citroen C1, the Hyundai I10 secures a close third in this roundup. Named 2020’s best city car by Autocar, this Hyundai is an excellent small car choice for easy driving (and parking) around town. The pre-April 2017 model also has a low yearly road tax cost of £20, combining with an average annual insurance cost of £1,627, to provide an affordable choice for students.
4. Ford KA – £1,650 per year
5. Toyota Aygo – £1,755 per year
How affordable are the most popular cars?
The UK’s most popular car, the Ford Fiesta, sits at an average of £2,354 to insure per year for a first time driver headed to university. However, if you opt for a pre-2017 EcoBoost model, £0 road tax and high fuel efficiency reduce this car’s costs.
While the Volkswagen Polo regularly ranks at the top of many hatchback roundups, the insurance costs might make you reconsider this choice. For a first-time driver, you could be looking at an insurance cost of £3,077 per year for this popular car – over £200 more than a VW Golf, Ford Focus or Mini Cooper.
Claire Davies, Marketing Manager at Local Driving School: “Car insurance is all about risk – with the popularity of the VW Polo, insurers also see lots of accidents and claims for this model, which result in higher insurance costs. Certain trim levels and specifications can also change the insurance group of a car dramatically.
“To avoid any costly surprises, check insurance quotes on the exact model you’re looking at before buying, and compare this to similar models with different specifications. Take these results with a pinch of salt – the smallest details can massively change the quoted price from these averages. We also recommend checking the safety ratings of the cars you’re comparing – a high safety rating should be an important consideration in any purchase.”
About Local Driving School
Local Driving School is a professional driving school franchise that operates in over 20 towns and cities across the UK. If you’re looking to fast-track taking your test before heading to university, consider our range of semi intensive driving courses. For weekly lessons or a driving refresh, book driving lessons online and progress at your own pace.
Since 2001, Local Driving School have built an excellent reputation as a reputable and trustworthy driving school throughout many different areas across the United Kingdom, including Doncaster and Rotherham. Driving instructors are experienced and qualified to deliver the very best driving lessons to people of all ages.