| Driver Age | Average automatic insurance cost* | Average manual insurance cost* |
|---|---|---|
|
All ages
|
£1,039
|
£867
|
|
17-25
|
£2,724
|
£2,150
|
|
50+
|
£707
|
£547
|
*Confused.com data Q2 2024. Comprehensive policies only.
Yes, car insurance is generally more expensive for automatic cars than for manuals. There are a few reasons for this:
As fewer people drive automatics, they tend to be more expensive to buy - and therefore replace. This makes them more expensive to insure.
This makes them more expensive to fix or replace than a manual gearbox if anything goes wrong.
Some insurers might view automatic drivers as less competent than manual drivers, as automatics tend to be seen as an easier option for those who've struggled to pass their test in a manual car.
The higher the insurance group a car’s in, the pricier it'll be to insure. Use our car insurance group checker to find your car's group.
**Single annual policy. New and former Paramount+ subscribers only who sign up at ParamountPlus.com. Subscription required. Auto-renews unless cancelled. 18+. Just Eat website account required, geographical exclusions apply. The year-round reward is provided by Greggs, and consists of one regular hot drink per month for a year, only available via the Confused.com app. T&Cs apply.
Average automatic car insurance costs by licence type**:
Full UK licence
£953
Automatic-only licence
£1,780
**Confused.com data Q2 2024. Comprehensive policies only.
Yes, it’s usually cheaper to insure an automatic car if you have a manual licence.
When it comes to calculating the price of cover, insurers take numerous factors into consideration. On one hand, an automatic car is generally more expensive to fix than a manual one. But the type of licence you hold is also a rating factor for insurers - meaning they'll take it into consideration when working out your price.
Car insurance providers' statistics tend to show that customers are more likely to claim on their insurance if they have an automatic-only licence. This means their insurance will usually be priced higher.
If you're weighing up whether to learn in a manual or an automatic, this isn’t the only factor to take into consideration… But it’s definitely a tick in the manual licence box.
Despite offering a greater level of protection, comprehensive car insurance is usually cheaper on average than third party.
If you can cover the cost of an annual policy upfront, it’s always better to do so than paying monthly. This is because monthly payments have interest added on. If you pay for the year upfront, you could save 38%*.
Insuring several cars on one multi car policy will help to drive down the overall cost, regardless of the cars’ transmission.
While automatic cars tend to be in higher car insurance groups than their manual equivalents, there are still automatics in lower groups. And the lower the car insurance group, the cheaper your insurance could be.
Adding an experienced driver to your policy can help to bring the cost down. Alternatively, you could be added as a named driver yourself. In either case, it’s important that the main driver on the policy is the one who drives the car the most. Not being honest about this is a type of fraud called ‘fronting’, which is illegal and could invalidate your insurance.
*Confused.com data Q2 2024.
Automatic cars are typically in higher insurance groups than manual cars. This is because they’re usually more expensive, and can be trickier to fix.
All cars in the UK are grouped into 1 of 50 groups. The lower your car's group, the cheaper your insurance tend to be.
But groups are just one factor insurers look at when calculating your car insurance costs. So don't assume your premium will be low just because you have a car in a low insurance group.
Check what group your car is in with our group checker tool.
9/50
| Vehicle type (automatic) | Average cost* |
|---|---|
|
Electric car
|
£860
|
|
Hybrid
|
£1,052
|
|
Petrol/diesel
|
£1,049
|
*Confused.com data Q2 2024. Comprehensive cover only.
Well, they are and they aren’t.
The ‘automatic’ refers to the automatic shifting of gears. But electric vehicles (EVs) only have one gear, so they don’t need to shift between them - either manually or automatically.
But when it comes to the driving experience, the vast majority of EVs are like automatics. This is because you don’t need to worry about changing gear, and you don’t have a clutch. There are two pedals to accelerate and brake, and there will be three basic modes - drive, reverse and park - controlled by a lever, button or switch (or ‘gearstick’).
There may also be additional modes - such as eco, or a sports mode in performance cars. But by and large, driving an EV is much like driving an automatic. And it’s arguably worth getting used to, as petrol and diesel cars are being phased out, meaning this kind of driving style is almost inevitable.
It is possible to get EVs with a manual gearbox, intended to preserve the driving experience. However, these can be very expensive.
Looking to insure an electric car? We can help there too.
"Automatics can be pricier to insure than manual cars of a similar specification. But things like your no claims bonus, age and licence type can often help offset this. Not to mention comparing quotes. So don’t let the potential for a higher premium put you off. There are always ways to save. "
Yes. Passing your driving test using a manual vehicle means your licence allows you to drive both a manual and an automatic.
It doesn't work the other way around though. If you have an automatic-only licence, you won’t be able to drive manual cars. In fact, getting caught driving with the wrong kind of licence is a motoring offence. This could land you a fine of up to £1,000, and 3-6 penalty points on your licence.
For some, a caravan holiday is the perfect getaway. For others, towing is just part of their job. But in either case it pays to be clued up.
Working out what the driving licence codes and categories mean can be confusing. Here’s an explanation of some of the most common.
Social, SDP or fully comp? Car insurance policies come in a variety of flavours. Which one gives you the best blend of protection?
Car insurance groups are one of the ways car insurance companies work out insurance premiums. Learn how car insurance groups work.
Being prepared and knowing what to do can be crucial in keeping you and your passengers safe with a broken down car.
Is a legal requirement if you're driving in the UK. Find out more about choosing the right cover at the right price.
Offers cover for owners of classic cars. For insurance purposes, a classic car can be any car that’s older than 15 years.
Covers you if you use your car for work, including travelling between offices or across the country.
Page last reviewed: 15 July 2024
Reviewed by: Louise Thomas
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