Cheapest Cars to Insure in Ireland (2025)
Cheapest cars to insure in Ireland for 2025. Discover 10 affordable used cars (€5k–€15k) with low running costs, high reliability, and great value
Buying a car is only part of the expense – insurance can be a major ongoing cost, especially in Ireland’s high-premium market. Fortunately, choosing the right used car (around €5,000–€15,000) can help keep your insurance bills in check. Insurers typically favor smaller, low-powered cars with good safety records because they pose a lower risk and cost less to repair. In short, small, fuel-efficient cars with modern safety features are your best bet for affordable cover. Below we’ve compiled some of the cheapest cars to insure in Ireland for 2025 (all widely available second-hand), and why they’re such wallet-friendly choices for insurance.
Top Budget-Friendly Cars with Low Insurance Costs
1. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a city car that consistently tops lists of the cheapest cars to insure in Ireland. Its 1.0–1.2 litre engine offers ample pep for town driving but keeps power output low, which insurers like. The i10’s compact size makes it easy to navigate tight Irish city streets, and features like airbags and stability control contribute to its low risk profile. It’s also known for excellent fuel efficiency and reliability for the price.
2. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is a hugely popular supermini that strikes a great balance between quality and cost. It may be a small car, but it feels solid and “grown-up” on the road, with a high-quality interior and strong safety ratings. Crucially, entry-level Polo models with a 1.0L engine fall into the lowest insurance categories. This dependable hatchback also holds its value well and is widely available used.
3. Ford Fiesta
A longtime favorite on Irish roads, the Ford Fiesta combines fun driving dynamics with low ownership costs. Even though Ford ended production of the Fiesta in 2023, there are still plenty of recent-model used Fiestas on the market. To keep insurance cheap, it’s best to stick to the 1.0L or 1.25L petrol versions. The Fiesta is admired for its nimble handling and great fuel economy, yet it doesn’t feel basic – most models come with good safety features and a comfortable interior.
4. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is renowned for its bulletproof reliability and efficiency – attributes that also help keep insurance costs down. Many used Irish-market Yaris models come with a 1.0L or 1.33L engine; these smaller engines are ideal for affordable insurance. Despite its petite size, the Yaris often surprises with its spacious interior and high safety ratings.
5. Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia is a practical and no-nonsense supermini that shares its underlying engineering with the VW Polo, but usually at a lower price point. Its compact size and efficient engine options (like the popular 1.0 MPI) make the Fabia easy on fuel and on insurance premiums. Beyond the numbers, drivers appreciate the Fabia’s roomy interior and useful storage.
6. Toyota Aygo (and Peugeot 108/Citroën C1)
For the ultimate low-cost city runabout, the Toyota Aygo is hard to beat. Co-developed with the nearly identical Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1, the Aygo is a tiny 1.0L hatchback designed for urban life. Its nimble handling and ultra-compact design mean it’s easy to park and maneuver, and those same qualities keep insurance costs minimal.
7. Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra has been a staple first car for decades, known for simplicity and reliability. Its latest generations continue to offer a comfortable ride and competitive insurance rates. The Micra’s 1.0–1.2L engines are fuel-sippers and keep the car in lower performance brackets. Despite its economy positioning, recent Micras come with surprising tech and a well-designed interior.
8. Opel Corsa
The Opel Corsa (sold as Vauxhall Corsa in the UK) is another ubiquitous supermini offering low insurance and running costs. With an entry-level 1.2L petrol engine, the Corsa can fall into one of the lowest insurance groups in its class. Beyond the stats, the Corsa is popular for its smooth handling and practical size, as well as good availability in the Irish used market.
9. Kia Picanto
Don’t be fooled by the Kia Picanto’s tiny footprint – this city car packs a lot of perks for savvy drivers. Most Picanto models sit in very low insurance groups. Its 1.0L engine is peppy enough for urban and suburban use yet keeps the car’s performance modest. The Picanto is also cheap to buy, incredibly fuel-efficient, and even comes with Kia’s famous 7-year warranty.
10. Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 proves that you can have a bit of French flair and still keep your insurance affordable. This stylish supermini offers a more premium feel compared to some rivals – yet with small engines (1.0L or 1.2L) it stays in the lower insurance brackets. It’s efficient, comfortable, and practical for everyday use.
Bonus Tips
Other models that often come up as cheap to insure include the Skoda Citigo/VW up! city cars and older Fiat Panda/500 models. In general, sticking to a car with a smaller engine, good safety rating, and no modifications will help keep your insurance premium low. Factors like your own driving experience, age, and location in Ireland will also affect quotes – but choosing one of the cars above is a smart starting point for saving on insurance.
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