The cost of car insurance in Portugal varies significantly depending on the type of vehicle, engine size, driver’s age, accident history and even the region where the owner lives. However, when we look strictly at the car model, certain vehicles consistently appear among those with the lowest insurance premiums in the country.
There is no single universal answer — each insurer uses its own risk evaluation system — but a clear trend exists in the Portuguese market: small, economical cars with low-power engines tend to have the cheapest insurance.
Below is a detailed look at the models that most frequently offer the lowest insurance costs in Portugal.
1. Renault Clio — the well-known low-insurance favourite
The Renault Clio has been one of the best-selling cars in Portugal for years and regularly appears among the models with the cheapest insurance.
Reasons include:
- small and efficient engines
- low repair costs
- abundant availability of parts
- relatively low accident index
- diverse range of driver profiles, which lowers overall calculated risk
For many Portuguese drivers, the Clio offers the best balance between affordable maintenance and low insurance premiums.
2. Fiat Panda — one of the cheapest cars to insure
The Fiat Panda is frequently ranked as one of the most affordable cars to insure, especially in 1.0 and 1.2 engine versions.
Main factors:
- low market value
- inexpensive repairs
- simple mechanical design
- low power and weight, reducing the likelihood of severe accidents
It is a popular choice for new drivers or anyone looking for the lowest possible insurance cost.
3. Toyota Yaris — reliable, safe and low risk
The Toyota Yaris, particularly older 1.0 models, often offers very low insurance prices.
Insurers value:
- excellent reliability
- low mechanical failure rate
- generally careful driver profile
- moderate replacement value
The Yaris is seen as a safe and predictable choice, which directly impacts the final premium.
4. Opel Corsa — cheap insurance thanks to low maintenance costs
The Opel Corsa is another model often found among the cheapest to insure.
Reasons:
- large network of repair workshops
- widely available and inexpensive parts
- small engine sizes
- stable market value
- easy repair after minor accidents
For many drivers, the Corsa provides a budget-friendly combination of insurance, fuel economy and maintenance.
5. Dacia Sandero — the most accessible modern option
The Dacia Sandero has become extremely popular among buyers seeking minimal running costs.
Naturally, insurance prices follow the same approach.
Why it is cheap to insure:
- low purchase price
- very affordable parts
- simple, robust engines
- moderate usage profile
- inexpensive repairs
Among modern vehicles, the Sandero is one of the strongest examples of low-cost insurance.
What determines which car has the cheapest insurance?
Even though some models stand out, the final price depends on several key factors:
1. Engine size and power
Cars with smaller engines (1.0–1.2) are cheaper to insure.
2. Cost of repairs
Models with affordable parts and simple repairs have lower premiums.
3. Market value
The lower the value of the vehicle, the cheaper it is for insurers to cover total-loss claims.
4. Typical driver profile
If a car is commonly driven by experienced or careful drivers, insurers adjust premiums downward.
5. Brand and model accident statistics
Cars involved in fewer accidents tend to have cheaper insurance.
Which car really has the cheapest insurance in Portugal?
In most cases, the Fiat Panda, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, Opel Corsa and Dacia Sandero consistently appear as the cars with the lowest insurance costs in the country.
There is no absolute universal answer, since the price depends heavily on the driver and insurer, but these models clearly stand out as the most economical choices for those who want to reduce expenses.