Car InsuranceGroup Checker
Understanding how insurance groups 1-50 affect your premiums and making smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
Find Your Group
Every UK car is assigned a group from 1-50, determining its insurance risk level.
Save Money
Lower groups mean lower premiums. Group 1 vehicles are the cheapest to insure.
Make Better Choices
Use group ratings to make informed decisions when buying your next vehicle.
Car insurance can be a minefield, especially with terms like "insurance groups" thrown into the mix. But understanding these groups is key – they play a big part in how much you pay for your insurance. In this guide we'll explain car insurance groups, how they're calculated and how this knowledge can help you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
What Are Car Insurance Groups?
In the UK, every car is assigned an insurance group from 1 to 50, known as the car's insurance group. Group 1 is the lowest risk and cheapest to insure, Group 50 is the highest risk and most expensive to insure, based on the car's insurance group. These groupings help insurers assess the risk of insuring a particular vehicle.
The system is managed by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA), with assessments provided by Thatcham Research – a leading automotive risk intelligence company.
Did You Know?
From 2025 Thatcham Research will be moving from the traditional 1-50 group rating system to a more detailed Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model. This new system assesses vehicles based on five key areas: Performance, Damageability, Repairability, Safety and Security, scoring each from 1 (low risk) to 99 (high risk).
Introduction to Car Insurance
Car insurance is a necessary expense for vehicle owners in the UK, providing financial protection against theft, vandalism, and road accidents. One of the key factors that affect the cost of car insurance is the car's insurance group.
Car insurance groups are used by insurers to determine the level of risk associated with a particular vehicle, and this information is used to calculate insurance premiums. The group rating ranges from 1 to 50, with lower groups being cheaper to insure.
Understanding how car insurance groups work can help vehicle owners make informed decisions when buying a new car and reduce their insurance costs. By being aware of the factors that affect insurance costs, such as the car's value, engine size, and safety features, vehicle owners can choose a car that is more affordable to insure.
Car Insurance
Car insurance is a necessary expense for vehicle owners, providing financial protection against theft, vandalism and road accidents. In the UK car insurance groups play a big part in how much you pay for your insurance.
The car insurance group of a vehicle is a rating system used by insurance companies to calculate the premium for car insurance. The group rating ranges from 1 to 50, with lower groups being cheaper to insure.
Understanding how car insurance groups work can help vehicle owners make informed decisions when buying a new car and reduce their insurance costs. If you're looking for comprehensive coverage, check our car insurance page for quotes and detailed information.
How Are Insurance Groups Calculated?
Several factors influence a car's insurance group rating, determining how much you'll pay for coverage.
Vehicle Value
More expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, so are in higher groups.
Repair Costs & Times
Cheaper and quicker to repair cars are in lower groups. The cost and time to repair after an accident is a big factor.
Parts Availability
Easily available and affordable parts reduce repair costs, leading to lower groups.
Performance
High performance cars are often in higher groups due to increased risk of accidents.
Safety Features
Advanced safety systems lower the risk of accidents, potentially putting cars in lower groups.
Security Features
Effective anti-theft devices reduce the likelihood of theft, which affects group placement.
Factors That Affect Insurance Costs
Beyond insurance groups, several other factors can impact your premium.
Driver Profile
Age, occupation, driving history, and claim history all impact your premium.
Location
Where you live and park your car affects risk assessment and premium costs.
No Claims Bonus
Each claim-free year builds your no-claims discount, reducing premiums significantly.
Driving Convictions
Points on your license and driving convictions can significantly increase premiums.
Annual Mileage
Higher annual mileage means more time on the road and greater risk, increasing costs.
Policy Options
Your excess amount, additional drivers, and coverage options all affect your premium.
Insurers use a combination of these factors to determine your risk profile and calculate your insurance premium. Understanding them helps you make better choices to reduce costs.
Insurance Group Examples
Here's a snapshot of how vehicles are categorized across the insurance group spectrum and what it means for your premiums.
Groups 1-10
Small, economical cars with low repair costs
Groups 11-30
Mid-range vehicles with moderate repair costs and performance
Groups 31-50
High performance or luxury vehicles with higher repair costs
Electric Cars and Insurance
Electric cars are becoming more popular and their insurance groups are determined in the same way as petrol and diesel cars.
- Electric cars tend to have higher insurance groups due to expensive parts and repair costs
- Many insurers offer discounts for electric cars and some have dedicated electric policies
- Advanced safety features in many electric vehicles can help reduce premiums
- Shopping around is essential to find the best deals for electric vehicles
EV Insurance Tips
Look for insurers who offer specialized electric vehicle policies with coverage for:
- Battery damage and leasing
- Charging cables and equipment
- Home charging point coverage
- Recovery to charging stations
Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2025
If you're looking for vehicles in the lowest insurance groups, consider the following models:
| Car Model | Group | Why It's Affordable to Insure |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 | 1 | Compact size and low repair costs |
| Kia Picanto | 3 | Economical with affordable parts |
| Ford Ka+ | 2 | Simple design and low performance |
| Toyota Aygo | 5 | Reliable with good safety features |
| Fiat Panda | 4 | Budget-friendly and easy to repair |
These cars are ideal for new drivers or those seeking lower insurance premiums.
Popular UK Cars and Their Insurance Groups
Here's a snapshot of popular UK cars and their typical insurance groups:
| Make & Model | Insurance Group |
|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 1.0 SE | 1 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 | 3 |
| Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost | 10-12 |
| Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SE Nav | 8-10 |
| VW Golf 1.5 TSI | 15-17 |
| Toyota Yaris Hybrid | 12-14 |
| BMW 1 Series 118i M Sport | 22-25 |
| Audi A3 35 TFSI | 20-26 |
| Mercedes A-Class A180 | 20-27 |
| Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T | 14-18 |
Note: Insurance groups can vary based on the car's trim level, engine size, and other specifications.
Benefits of Low Insurance Groups
Choosing a car with a low insurance group rating can offer numerous advantages:
Lower Premiums
Cars in lower insurance groups typically cost less to insure, resulting in significant savings over time. Insurance companies view these vehicles as lower risk.
Affordable Repairs
Vehicles with lower insurance groups typically have readily available, less expensive parts and are quicker to repair after an accident.
Better Safety Features
Many cars in lower insurance groups come with excellent safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Perfect for New Drivers
For new drivers who already face high premiums due to lack of experience, choosing a car in a low insurance group can make a significant difference to insurance costs.
Cars with low insurance groups are an especially smart choice for young drivers, families adding a second car, or anyone looking to minimize their motoring expenses.
How to Check Your Car's Insurance Group
Online Tools
Use the Thatcham Research website or other reputable sites like Compare the Market to search for your vehicle's group.
- Enter your car's make, model and year
- Consider the specific trim level for accuracy
- Some sites allow searching by registration number
Vehicle Documentation
Your car's insurance group may also be listed in its handbook or other official documents.
- Check your vehicle handbook or manual
- Contact your dealer for information
- Review your current insurance policy documents
Making Informed Decisions
Understanding car insurance groups helps you make better choices about your vehicle purchase and insurance needs.
Before Buying a Car
- 1
Use a group checker to compare the insurance groups of different vehicles you're considering
- 2
Get insurance quotes for specific models to understand the real-world cost differences
- 3
Consider different trim levels as they can affect the insurance group rating
- 4
Balance your desire for performance with the potential insurance costs
When Renewing Insurance
- 1
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal
- 2
Consider how modifications might affect your vehicle's insurance group
- 3
Ask insurers about discounts for additional security features
- 4
Maintain a clean driving record to maximize no-claims benefits
By planning ahead and using insurance group information to guide your decisions, you can make choices that balance your driving needs with your budget.
Compare Insurance Quotes NowReducing Insurance Costs
Beyond choosing a car in a lower insurance group, there are several other strategies to reduce your premiums.
Enhance Security
Installing approved security devices like immobilizers, trackers, and steering locks can lower your premium by reducing theft risk. Always check with your insurer which devices they recognize.
Increase Excess
Opting for a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium. Just ensure you can afford to pay this amount if you need to make a claim.
Pay Annually
Paying your premium in one annual payment rather than monthly installments usually works out cheaper, as insurers often charge interest on monthly payments.
Limit Mileage
If you can accurately estimate and limit your annual mileage, you may qualify for a lower premium. Be honest about your mileage to ensure your policy remains valid.
Shop Around for the Best Deal
Never automatically renew your policy without checking alternatives. Insurance companies often offer their best rates to new customers, and comparing quotes can save you hundreds of pounds.
Compare Quotes from Multiple InsurersCar Insurance Groups FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance group?
Group 1 is the cheapest, typically small, economical cars like the Hyundai i10. Be aware of how your car's insurance group affects your premium.
Does a higher insurance group always mean higher premiums?
Generally yes. Higher groups mean higher risk, higher premiums. But other factors like driver history and location also impact premiums. Insurers use these groups to assess the risk of insuring particular vehicles.
Can I reduce my premium by choosing a car in a lower insurance group?
Yes. Choosing a car in a lower group will reduce your premium.
Do different trims of the same model have different insurance groups?
Yes. Variations in engine size, performance and safety features can affect the insurance group.
How often are insurance groups updated?
Insurance groups are reviewed regularly especially with new models and technologies.
For more tailored advice speak to an insurance expert.
Ready to Compare Car Insurance?
Understanding car insurance groups is key to making informed decisions about vehicle purchases and insurance policies.
By choosing a car in a lower insurance group and considering other factors like safety features and repair costs, you can save significantly on your premiums. Visit our car insurance page to find the best coverage options for your vehicle.
Understanding Insurance Group Ratings
Car insurance can be a minefield, especially with terms like "insurance groups" thrown into the mix. But understanding these groups is key – they play a big part in how much you pay for your insurance. In the UK, every car is assigned an insurance group from 1 to 50, known as the car's insurance group.
The insurance group system is managed by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA), with assessments provided by Thatcham Research – a leading automotive risk intelligence company.
Upcoming Changes to Insurance Group Ratings
From 2025 Thatcham Research will be moving from the traditional 1-50 group rating system to a more detailed Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model. This new system assesses vehicles based on five key areas:
- Performance: How the vehicle accelerates and its top speed
- Damageability: How easily the vehicle is damaged in a collision
- Repairability: The cost and time required to repair the vehicle
- Safety: The vehicle's ability to protect occupants and pedestrians
- Security: How resistant the vehicle is to theft
The VRR will score each vehicle from 1 (low risk) to 99 (high risk) in each category, providing a more comprehensive view of a vehicle's risk profile and helping insurers make more accurate premium assessments.
Car Insurance Group Benefits
Understanding your car's insurance group offers several benefits:
- Informed vehicle purchasing decisions
- Better budgeting for insurance costs
- Ability to compare similar vehicles on insurance cost
- Understanding why your premium is priced as it is
- Potential savings by choosing vehicles in lower groups
For new drivers or those facing high premiums, choosing a car in a lower insurance group can make a significant difference to the cost of coverage.
Car Insurance for Different Vehicles
Car insurance groups are not limited to cars; they also apply to vans and other vehicles. The insurance group rating for vans is determined in a similar way to cars, taking into account factors like engine size, performance, and security features.
Vans and Commercial Vehicles
Vans tend to have higher insurance groups due to their larger size and increased cargo capacity. When insuring a van, consider:
- The intended use (personal or business)
- Payload capacity and gross vehicle weight
- Security features like immobilizers and alarms
- Where the van will be parked overnight
Some insurers offer specialized van insurance policies that can provide additional benefits and discounts based on your specific needs.
Performance Factors
A vehicle's top speed, alongside its 0-60mph acceleration time, can significantly influence its insurance grouping. High-performance vehicles typically fall into higher insurance groups due to:
- Increased risk of accidents at higher speeds
- More expensive parts and specialized repair requirements
- Higher theft risk for desirable models
- Greater damage potential in collisions
Even different engine variants of the same model can be placed in different insurance groups based on their performance characteristics.
Vehicle owners can reduce their insurance costs by choosing a vehicle with a lower insurance group rating and maintaining a good driving record. Understanding how these ratings apply to different vehicle types can help you make more informed decisions when purchasing and insuring your vehicle.
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