Which Used Cars Have the Cheapest UK Insurance?

The good news? Some cars are much cheaper to insure than others. And if you know where to look, you can find models that are not only affordable to buy but also kind to your insurance premium.

In this guide, we’ll reveal which used cars have the cheapest UK insurance, why some cars are classed as low-risk, and how you can save even more when shopping for your next motor.

But before we dive in, remember: cheap insurance doesn’t mean the car is a bargain overall. Always run a full car history check before you buy, to make sure the car isn’t hiding issues like outstanding finance, mileage fraud, or a write-off history.

How Car Insurance Groups Work in the UK

Every car in the UK is put into an insurance group between 1 and 50.

• Group 1 = cheapest insurance

• Group 50 = most expensive insurance

Cars are placed into these groups based on things like repair costs, performance, safety features, and security. So, if you want the cheapest premiums, you need to look for cars in the lower groups (usually 1–10).

Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

It’s not just the car itself that matters. Your personal circumstances also play a huge role:

• Age - younger drivers almost always pay more

• Experience - the fewer years you’ve been driving, the pricier it gets

• Postcode - insurers assess risk differently across regions

• Occupation - some jobs are seen as higher risk

• Claims history - any past claims will raise your premium

That said, the car you choose is still one of the easiest things to control. Pick wisely, and you could save hundreds each year.

Cheapest Used Cars to Insure in the UK

Here are some of the most insurance-friendly cars on the UK used market right now:

Spotlight on the Most Insurance-Friendly Cars

Vauxhall Corsa

One of the UK’s most popular learner and first-time driver cars. With small engines and low repair costs, insurers see it as low-risk.

Ford Fiesta

Another UK favourite. Stick to lower-powered petrol engines like the 1.25, and you’ll keep your premiums down.

Volkswagen Polo

Solid build, great safety, and small petrol engines make the Polo a smart buy for drivers looking to save.

Toyota Yaris

Reliable, efficient, and cheap to maintain. Insurance is low because repairs are straightforward and parts are everywhere.

Hyundai i10 / Kia Picanto

Perfect city cars. Tiny engines, strong safety records, and cheap prices make them ideal for young drivers or those on tight budgets.

Other Ways to Save on Car Insurance

Choosing a cheap-to-insure car is only half the battle. Here are a few more tricks:

• Add a named driver - putting an experienced driver on your policy can reduce premiums

• Black box policy - insurers track your driving and reward safe habits with discounts

• Pay annually - monthly payments come with interest

• Shop around - never accept your renewal price without checking comparison sites

• Keep mileage realistic - lower annual mileage can reduce costs, but don’t underestimate

How Age and Mileage Impact Insurance

It’s not just about the insurance group. Older cars can be cheaper to insure because their value is lower - but they might cost more to maintain. Similarly, low-mileage cars often attract lower premiums because insurers view them as less likely to suffer breakdowns.

This is where a car history check helps. It confirms if the mileage is genuine and whether the car has been well cared for, giving you a stronger hand when comparing insurance quotes.

Real-World Comparison

Let’s look at two common used cars:

The BMW might look more appealing, but the Polo saves you nearly £1,000 per year in insurance alone. Over three years, that’s £3,000 saved - money you could put towards fuel, maintenance, or even your next upgrade.

FAQs About Cheap-to-Insure Cars

1. What’s the absolute cheapest car to insure in the UK?
Models like the Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo, and VW Up often sit in group 1, making them some of the cheapest.

2. Are small cars always cheaper to insure?
Generally yes, but not always. Sports versions of small cars (like a Fiesta ST) are in much higher insurance groups.

3. Can an old car be cheaper to insure than a newer one?
Yes - but reliability and repair costs matter. Some old cars have cheap premiums but could cost more in upkeep.

4. Are hybrids or EVs cheaper to insure?
Not necessarily. While they’re efficient, hybrids and EV's can be expensive to repair, so insurance groups are often higher.

5. Should I choose the cheapest-to-insure car even if I don’t like it?
Not always. Balance low insurance with practicality, running costs, and whether you actually enjoy driving the car.

Wrapping It Up: Insurance-Friendly Cars for UK Drivers

Car insurance doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By picking the right used car - one that sits in a low insurance group and has cheap repair costs - you can cut your premiums dramatically.

Cars like the Vauxhall Corsa, VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i10, and Ford Fiesta are smart choices if you’re looking to save. They’re cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and reliable enough to keep you on the road without breaking the bank.

And don’t forget - before you buy, always run a vehicle history check. Insurance might be cheaper, but if the car’s hiding a bad past, you could end up paying far more in the long run.