Cheapest Small Used Cars to Insure

Calculating the cost of running a car can often be as important as the price of the car itself, especially when it comes to insuring one.

If you’re a young or a first-time driver, insurance costs will be a serious consideration towards financing a car, new or used.

Don’t be daunted though, for there are several excellent used car purchases that clock in with handily low insurance group ratings, which could save you hundreds or more on annual fees.

There has never been a better time to buy a used electric car from Vertu. Between 6 – 16 November, Vertu’s Used Car & Van Event assures £500 off every Vertu used car and van, and £500 more for your part-exchange on top of the vehicle valuation you receive from us.

What Are Insurance Groups and Why Do They Matter?

Every car in the UK is categorised into an insurance group that has been determined independently by the Association of British Insurers with a rating from 1 (the lowest), all the way to 50 (the highest).

The cost of insurance takes in myriad factors, including the car itself and the person taking out the policy. Young people and first-time buyers will typically pay more insurance, so sourcing a car that can help negate those premiums by being cheaper to insure can result in major savings.

It should be noted that a single insurance group applies to a particular make and model – different trim levels and engines can affect the group it features.

Used Volkswagen Up, Skoda CITIGO, SEAT Mii

Model: 1.0-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 1-2

Few small used cars represent such excellent value like the Volkswagen Up, Skoda CITIGO and SEAT Mii, especially when it comes to keeping insurance premiums low.

We’ve grouped this trio together because they share identical mechanicals and engine line-ups, while most trim levels allow them to sit in the lowest possible insurance groups.

Choosing which is best for you might come down to personal preference of the styling treatments since each gets its own front-end design, but beyond that each is surprisingly practical for such a small car, while they are a doddle to drive.

They’re economical too, the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine proving frisky without denting fuel returns of around 55mpg.

Used Kia Picanto

Model: 1.0-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 2-3

New or used, the dinky Kia Picanto not only represents an affordable way into car ownership, driving one will keep costs down day-to-day as well.

The smallest model in Kia’s award-winning range, the Picanto might have matured over the years, but it’s cheeky character and perky driving experience have made it a popular choice for first-time drivers.

While low insurance groups keep a cap on running costs, the Picanto complements this with impressive fuel economy returns of up to 60mpg.

Depending on the age of the Picanto you’re considering, it’s also well-kitted out with more recent versions including luxuries like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, alloy wheels and parking sensors.

Used Volkswagen Polo

Model: 1.0-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 1-2

Given the Volkswagen Polo is regarded as a premium choice in the small used car market, the fact it can be bought with low insurance group just emphasises its appeal.

It should be noted that bargainous insurance costs aren’t applied to all models, but if you’re a first-time or a young driver, the 1.0-litre petrol Polo is the pick of the range anyway.

Understatedly stylish, no matter which generation models you’re considering, the Polo has never deviated away from its reputation for solid build quality, generous interior room and a mature driving experience.

Considering the kudos that comes with having a ‘VW’ badge on the front, it’s therefore reassuring to know that the Polo is an absolute steal to run as well.

Used Hyundai i10

Model: 1.0-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 1-2

The Hyundai i10 shares most of its mechanicals with the aforementioned Kia Picanto, so it’s no surprise to learn that it proves similarly cheap to insure as well.

Like the Picanto, the i10 does a fine job of disguising its budget-oriented roots with a design that cuts a dash on the road and an interior that is bigger than you might expect.

Ideal for those seeking a nippy runabout that can dart between traffic and return low running costs, most i10 trim levels return over 50mpg and low emissions figures.

It also looks sophisticated with an external look that contains many of Hyundai’s signature design cues that can be found on more expensive models.

Used FIAT 500

Model: 1.2-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 3-10

It says a lot that the FIAT 500 has barely changed its design almost 20 years on from its modern day revival, proving just how well Italian marque nailed the design brief for retro desirability.

It makes the 500 a sought after small used car, whether you're after the standard slick urban runabout, the sophisticated Cabriolet or the roaring Abarth hot hatch.

Small but perfectly formed, the decision on whether to buy a 500 focuses primarily on its looks - which can really vary depending on the many trims and special editions there have been over the years.

But it's also frugal, light and airy inside, is nimble to drive and, depending on the model, very well equipped too.

Used Dacia Sandero

Model: 1.2-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 2-3

As small cars become ever more advanced, there is something refreshing about the Dacia Sandero and its comparatively back-to-basics approach.

Indeed, the Sandero wears its no-frills nature on its sleeve, but such honesty keeps prices well down compared to the competition.

With that in mind, the Sandero represents a lot of car for the money yet even first-generation models remain among the most spacious in its class.

Better yet, while prices are low for a car of its size, it’s similarly affordable to run with insurance premiums typically no higher than Group 3.

Used Kia Rio

Model: 1.1/1.25-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 2-3

If the Kia Picanto is just a little too small for you, then the Kia Rio – which is placed in similarly low insurance groups – might be for you.

Handsome to look at, especially when fitted with sportier bodywork available on selected trims, the Rio is also more spacious than the majority of other small car rivals.

Stick to the 1.1 or 1.25-litre models to get the best value insurance groups and the Rio turns out to be both a frugal car to drive and run day-to-day.

However, its very best feature is it comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty when new, which means there will be some manufacturer warranty left to run if you’re considering a younger model.

Used FIAT Panda

Model: 1.0/1.2-litre models

Insurance Group: Commonly 1-4

The desirable FIAT 500 might get the lion's share of the attention, but that doesn't mean the Italian marque's other city car - the FIAT Panda - should be ignored either.

One of motoring's most storied nameplates, the third-generation Panda echoes the functional yet quirky charm of the original with a short and upright body shape that allows for plenty of interior space and a chunky design, especially in rugged Panda Cross specification.

The hard-wearing interior is spruced up with colour inserts, while the dash-mounted gearstick is both conveniently postioned and opens up knee room for front passengers.

Designed for the city, the Panda features light steering and is equipped with a perky engine, all while being pennies to insure.