Car insurance for used cars

If you’re looking to insure your used car, the process shouldn’t be any different just because it’s secondhand. Insurers will look at several factors in order to calculate the insurance premium. But the type of policy you choose will really depend on your own circumstances in addition to the make and model of your car. Read our guide to find out about car insurance for used cars and how you could reduce your premium.

How do I get car insurance for my used car?

Obtaining insurance, whether it’s for a used car or a brand new one, is exactly the same. If you own a secondhand car that has been around for many years, you may have to pay a little more attention to which insurance companies are willing to offer you cover as some may have restrictions on the age of the vehicle, if it’s particularly old.

In order to get car insurance for your used car, follow these simple steps:

Begin an online quote by specifying the make and model of your car.
Provide all information relating to yourself such as name, address, age, etc, as well as details about your car, such as its make, model and age.
Choose the level of cover and any optional extras that you may require.
Review the details of each policy carefully.
Select a policy.
Finalise details and pay for your cover.

What type of policy do I need for my used car?

As a minimum, your used car will need third party insurance to be on the UK roads. Beyond this level of cover, it really depends on your own situation as well as the age, make and model of your car.

For example, if your car is old and isn’t worth a great deal, you might decide on a third party or third party fire and theft policy, as a comprehensive policy might not make much sense.

However, if you have a secondhand sports car that is still worth a lot, you may wish to have a comprehensive policy to ensure you won’t be left out of pocket if something happens.

Do your research and compare deals to ensure you have the right policy for your needs.

Finder survey: What aspects of car insurance matter most to Brits when choosing a policy?

Response	Male	Female
Cost of the premium	53.26%	49.1%
Level of excess	44.84%	37.5%
Ability to pay in instalments	21.2%	26.66%
Courtesy car included	25.82%	23.95%
Customer service	23.1%	16.87%
Provider reputation	19.84%	20.18%
Don't know	9.24%	16.42%
I would not choose car insurance	8.97%	10.69%
Other	0.82%	0.75%

Source: Finder survey by Censuswide of 1032 Brits, December 2023

Do older used cars have different insurance requirements?

No, used cars have the same legal requirements as other cars and will need at least third party insurance as a minimum to be on the roads.

However, your used car could qualify for a classic policy if it meets the requirements. Many insurers will consider a classic car to be a vehicle older than 15 years old and worth more than £15,000 while others may only insure a classic car if it’s at least 20 years old, is the driver’s second car and the annual mileage is low. It’s important to do your research to find the insurers that will cover your used car.

How can I save on car insurance for used cars?

In certain situations, you may pay a high premium for your used car if it’s a top of the range make and model. In this case, there are several ways to save money.

Multiple discounts. Check into policies that include discounts you might qualify for, such as insuring multiple cars or bundling insurance policies together with one insurer.
Safety features. You may qualify for extra discounts if your car is fitted with an alarm.
Low mileage. If you start working part-time or your long commute becomes much shorter, letting your insurer know about a reduction in your mileage could result in cheaper insurance.
Cover level. If your used car isn’t worth much, you might not want to choose a comprehensive policy. But do your research to ensure you’re not left out of pocket if, for example, something goes wrong and your car is written off.
Shop around. Don’t simply choose to renew your car insurance when it’s up for renewal as you could end up paying more than you need. Shop around and compare your options to find the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best policy so check the cover details carefully.

How much is car insurance for a used car?

The cost of car insurance for a used car is dependent on many factors but can sometimes be cheaper to insure. Details about the driver such as their age, address and driving history will be reviewed as well as information about the car such as its make and model, age, performance and value. The cost will also depend on which insurer is providing the cover.

Shop around and compare deals to find the best deal for your needs.

What should I watch out for?

Used cars do have a few caveats for getting the right amount of insurance. These include:

Fire and theft. Although new cars may be more appealing to thieves, older cars may also be targeted since the parts might be easier to sell. If skimping on cover, consider keeping comprehensive.
Car value versus insurance. Consider the cover you need for the value of your car. If you have an old car and sufficient savings, it may not be worth the extra premium.
Upkeep for safe driving. Used cars need more maintenance than new ones to keep them safe on the roads.

Frequently asked questions

Car insurance can sometimes be cheaper for used cars. However, premiums are based on a range of factors including the driver’s age, location, driving history as well as the make and model of the car, its age, performance and value. The price will also depend on which insurer is offering the cover. Do your research about what you require in a policy and then shop around for the best deal.
Not necessarily. The car insurance premium you pay will depend on which category your car falls into, as assessed by your insurance provider. Insurers use a 1-50 group rating system when assessing how much a car will cost to insure. Several factors are considered including the car’s performance, security and value amongst others to decide its rating. The lower the rating, the cheaper that car is to insure.

*Based on data provided by Consumer Intelligence Ltd, www.consumerintelligence.com (Mar ’24). 51% of car insurance customers could save £524.68

The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.

Thank you for your feedback!

Helen Champion

Helen Champion is an associate editor at Finder. She has worked in communications for over 16 years and currently writes on a range of topics including insurance and money transfers in the hope of empowering people to make better financial decisions. During her broadcast career, she helped to produce hundreds of news and breaking news reports for Associated Press TV and ITV News. And in public relations, she managed several high-profile public relations campaigns for Macmillan Cancer Support, the General Medical Council and overseas for Qatar Foundation on behalf of BLJ Worldwide. Helen has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Lincoln, a passion for practising karate in the dojo and a deep love of making mischief with her sons.

Courtesy car insurance cover How car insurance is calculated

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