Cheapest sports cars to insure 2024
It won't surprise you to discover that sports cars are among the most expensive cars to insure. Short of buying a six-figure supercar or a hypercar with a gazillion horsepower, you're unlikely hand over more cash to an insurance company.
But the fact that you're here having searched for the cheapest sports cars to insure could mean that the price comparison site has delivered a shock to your system. Maybe it's time to stay loyal to that sedate saloon or humdrum hatchback and stop dreaming about performance cars with an ability to change direction faster than a housefly.
Or maybe it's not. While we can't deliver a list of cars that are as inexpensive to insure as a diesel hatchback, a few of the cars we've selected are surprisingly affordable. With a healthy no-claims bonus and a clean driving licence, you could be driving the sports car of your dreams.
Right now, these are the cheapest new sports cars to insure. You can thank us later.
Cheapest sports cars to insure
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Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is actually derived from the BMW Z4 in a neat German-Japanese partnership There are two engine choices: a 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol, the latter being BMW’s popular in-line six-cylinder unit. Although the interior features systems familiar from BMWs, that’s no bad thing as they’re among the best in the business – and the dramatic exterior is totally unique. We love the references to classic Supras of old, but also appreciate how this sprightly sports car still has an affordable group 34 insurance rating in 2.0-litre guise. The fact it is a fixed-roof coupe, in contrast to the soft-top BMW, will also be reassuring for some.
Ford Mustang
For some raucous, big-engined American fun, the Ford Mustang provides in spade, with its 5.0-litre V8 pushing out big noise and big horsepower. But its insurance group is relatively reserved, thanks to a sensible group 43 for the most affordable model. Predictably, the coupe versions are cheaper to insurance than the convertible models, but that's to be expected. Just be aware that you might be spending the money you save on insurance at the petrol station. Still, it's probably worth it for the sound of the V8.
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BMW Z4
The latest BMW Z4 two-seater has reverted to a soft-top, replacing the previous model’s folding hard-top roof. This theoretically makes it a little less theft-proof, but modern car security has come on leaps and bounds, so there isn’t too much penalty in terms of insurance. A sensible group 31 rating for the sDrive20i model makes it one of the cheapest sports cars to insure of all. This version doesn’t short-change you on performance either, while BMW’s rear-wheel-drive chassis serves up plenty of authentic sports car purity and dynamism. Even the sDriveM40i slots into group 38, which is excellent for a sports car with such a potent six-cylinder engine.
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best-selling sports car, and for good reason. It is fantastic to drive, with divine handling and revvy, effervescent engines. The two-seater roadster looks great, has a low and lithe driving position, and enjoys one of the greatest manual gearboxes in the business. It is also relatively affordable to buy – and, in 1.5-litre form, affordable to insure. It starts from group 27 insurance in soft-top guise, or just 25 for the MX-5 RF, which offers the security of a folding metal roof. The 1.5-litre engine is also excellent on fuel, saving further running costs, while still delivering more than enough performance to have fun.
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Audi TT
The TT is Audi’s long-running coupe and soft-top sports car, which is now into its third generation. A design classic, it set the brand on its current upwards trajectory and has many loyal owners who buy model after model. It’s always been a relatively affordable sports car to run, though, as evidenced by the group 39 rating of the entry-level model. That’s for a proper sports car built from lightweight aluminium, with a lively turbocharged engine, plus an upmarket cabin that offers more than a passing nod to Audi’s thrilling R8 supercar. The coupe TT will, it’s worth noting, cost a bit less to insure than the roadster soft-top, but the difference shouldn’t be huge.
Jaguar F-Type
The F-Type is Jaguar’s modern-day tribute to the legendary E-type. Available as a coupe and roadster, it was launched with V6 and V8 engines, but in recent years the firm has concentrated on a more economical 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo to be sold alongside the thunderous 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Most versions, including all roadster models, have a group 50 rating, but the entry-level 2.0-litre should be relatively affordable, thanks to group 43 insurance.
Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is the mid-engined little brother to the famous 911 sports car. The entry-level model uses a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed ‘flat-four’ turbo engine, which produces 300PS for 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds and a 170mph top speed. It’s more fuel-efficient than six-cylinder alternatives, and also cheaper to insure. A group 42 insurance band is good value for a fully authentic Porsche, helping to keep running costs in check. The throbby engine makes a charismatically offbeat noise, for an exciting drive that’s a bit different to the norm.
Toyota GR86
Toyota’s latest sports car has been hailed as one of its best yet, and at the time of writing, cars were being sold on a first come, first served basis. While purists will opt, quite rightly, for the six-speed manual, the six-speed automatic is worth a look if you've got one eye on the cost of insurance. That's because the GR86 sits in insurance group 39 if you go for the auto, but jumps to 45 if you want the manual. How wedded are you to a waggly stick and a clutch pedal?
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 is a two-seater sports car beloved by enthusiasts. The specialist division of Renault, Alpine has created something quite unique with the A110, a precision-built, lightweight aluminium car that offers six-figure supercar thrills for half that price. It has won tremendous plaudits from specialists, and definitely stands out from the crowd. It shouldn’t break the bank to run, however. Because it’s so light, the fuel-efficient turbocharged engine serves up decent fuel economy, while a group 47 car insurance band means annual premiums shouldn’t be too frightening.
Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster is the soft-top alternative to the 718 Cayman. It’s identical in almost every way, save for the folding roof that opens above the two-seat cabin. It uses the same 300PS 2.0-litre turbo engine as the Cayman, for identical performance and a very exciting 170mph top speed. The Boxster does cost a few thousand pounds more to buy, though – and car insurance companies are likely to charge more for annual premiums due to it falling into group 48, compared with the 718 Cayman’s group 42. Even so, it’s still among the cheaper sports cars to insure, given how many of its rivals have a top group 50 rating.
Are old sports cars expensive to insure?
Old sports cars can prove more expensive to insure than new ones. They won’t have the same level of car security, and won’t feature the latest safety assistance tech to help drivers avoid an accident in the first place. However, that risk can sometimes be cancelled out if the car isn’t as valuable as a newer sports car. For sports cars aged 25 years and older, it’s worth looking out for classic car insurance, which is often cheaper than regular insurance – particularly if you opt for an annual mileage limit.
How much higher is insurance on sports cars?
As you can see from our guide, sports car insurance is more expensive than for regular cars. Even the cheapest sports car to insure here, the Mazda MX-5, is rated from group 24 in RF guise, while any regular cars fall into single-digit car insurance bands. It’s the price you pay for driving a more focused, more specialised machine. However, as our guide shows, it is still possible to keep premiums in check by carefully choosing a more affordable sports car to insure.
Which sports car is the cheapest?
Sports cars tend to have extra engineering and development costs for manufacturers, and cost more to buy than regular cars. You’ll pay a bit more on a monthly PCP finance or lease deal, too – although good retained values mean the difference shouldn’t be too excessive. Plus there are a couple of great-value sports cars on sale, despite their driver-focused nature. The amazing Mazda MX-5 costs from less than £26,000, for example, so is cheaper than a hot hatchback like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
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