Skip advert
Advertisement

Automatic cars cost almost £100 more to insure

Insurance comparison data reveals opting for a manual gearbox saves 20 per cent come renewal time

Drivers who opt for a car with an automatic gearbox pay an average of £94.07 more to insure their cars, data from 15 million quotes has shown. Owners of manual cars pay an average of £466 to insure their vehicles based on quotes, while those with an automatic pay £560.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The data comes from comparison website MoneySuperMarket, which analysed quotes provided between January 2018 and February 2020. Despite this extra expense, the firm says the number of enquiries for automatic cars has increased significantly of late, with autos making up 22 per cent two years ago, and 28 per cent today. And while insurance costs have fallen in recent years, the cost of cover for manuals has decreased by 24 per cent, while autos have fallen by only 14 per cent.

People living in London are most likely to get quotes for automatic cars, with 51 per cent of the capital’s residents reportedly having an auto box. Those living in Belfast, the Isle of Lewis and the Shetland Islands were least likely to have an automatic car, with 86 per cent of quotes from these areas being for cars with manual gearboxes. 

The reasons for automatic cars being more expensive to insure remain opaque. Self-shifting transmissions are being more expensive to buy and repair compared to their manual counterparts, while in London, insurance claims are higher for those with an automatic gearbox, according to MoneySuperMarket. 

The firm’s insurance expert, Dave Merrick, explained: “One reason for this could be a result of increased technology in automatic cars over time for, example, the parts that make up an automatic gearbox are more complex and could cost more to repair. However, due to improvements in technology, an automatic car might help you save money in the long run through better fuel efficiency.

 “From January 2018 to January 2020 we have seen a huge increase in the price difference between insurance for both automatic and manual cars. This has risen from 5% to 21% and has stayed stable for the last six months.

What are the best small automatic cars on sale? Click here to find out...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025