Smart EQ Forfour

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Compare Smart car insurance in the UK

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The tiny Smart car is known for its nimble handling and ultra-compact dimensions. But insuring this microcar still comes at a cost. This guide looks at Smart car insurance rates in the UK and offers tips for finding affordable cover.

How much does it cost to insure a Smart car?

Annual Smart car insurance premiums typically range from £400 for basic third-party policies up to £700+ for fully comprehensive cover. Exact rates depend on driver age, location, model year and intended use.

Factors that increase Smart car insurance costs include:

  • Engine size: The 1.0-litre engine has slightly higher premiums than the 0.9-litre variant
  • Performance versions: The BRABUS model commands higher premiums than regular Smart editions
  • Driver age: Under-25s face far higher rates and excesses. Premiums decrease with experience
  • No-claim discount: Policies without no-claim discounts cost more. Multi-year no-claim discounts provide substantial savings
  • Location: Inner city regions have higher premiums than rural areas. Parking is also a factor
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What factors determine Smart car insurance cost?

When calculating premiums, insurers mainly examine:

Driving record

Recent accidents, traffic violations and disqualifications raise rates substantially. A clean record lowers costs.

Vehicle use

Daily driver policies cost more than those covering occasional recreational use. Mileage also impacts premiums.

Vehicle security

Insurers offer discounts for approved security devices and secure garaging, which deter theft.

Coverage limits

Lower coverage levels reduce premiums but leave drivers exposed if a major claim occurs. Finding the right balance is key.

Tips for reducing Smart car insurance premiums

Here are some top ways to get cheaper Smart car insurance in the UK:

  • Shop around extensively and compare quotes from multiple insurers
  • Ask about discounts for multi-car policies, low mileage, experienced drivers and advanced driver training
  • Increase your voluntary excess to £500+ to lower premiums if you can afford the extra costs when claiming
  • Add an experienced second driver, such as a partner or parent, to benefit from their good record
  • Limit your Smart car to recreational use rather than daily driving, if possible
  • Improve security with an approved alarm and immobiliser. Also park securely
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Finding the best Smart car insurance

The key to finding affordable Smart car cover is shopping around, minimising risk factors and leveraging available discounts. Taking the time to compare specialist Smart car insurers on comparison sites yields the best savings.

Frequently asked questions

The Smart car is in a low insurance group. It normally sits between groups 1 and 9 depending on the model year and specifications. This helps lower premium costs.



The Smart car has a mixed reliability record, with some costly issues reported related to the transmission and engine in certain model years.



The latest Smart car has a 4-star Euro NCAP rating. Crash protection is good, but its short length limits safety features.



According to government data, the Smart car achieves 45-60 mpg in real-world driving conditions, depending on the specific model.



Yes, the latest Smart EQ fortwo models are fully electric vehicles with around 80 miles of range. Some earlier electric Drive models are also available used.



Increasing your excess, limiting mileage, adding experienced drivers, improving security, choosing lower-power models and comparing insurers helps reduce costs.



Nick Jones

Editor in Chief

Nick Jones is a highly experienced consumer journalist and editor, who has been writing and producing content for print and online media for over 25 years.

He has worked at some of the UK’s leading publishers including Future Publishing, Highbury Entertainment, and Imagine Publishing, with publications as diverse as Homebuilding & Renovating, TechRadar, and Creative Bloq, writing and editing content for audiences whose interests include history, computing, gaming, films, and science. He’s also produced a number of podcasts in the technology, science, gaming, and true crime genres.

Nick has also enjoyed a highly successful career in content marketing, working in a variety of topics such as health, technology, and finance, with market-leading global companies including Cisco, Pfizer, Santander, and Virgin Media.

Now the Editor-in-Chief of the Independent Advisor, Nick is involved in all aspects of the site’s content, where his expertise in finance, technology, and home products informs every article that’s published on-site. He takes a hands-on approach with our VPN content, penning a number of the articles himself, and verifying that everything we publish in this topic is accurate.

Whatever the area of interest he’s worked in, Nick has always been a consumer champion, helping people find the best deals and give them the information they need to make an informed buying decision.