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.
What are car insurance groups?
In the UK, every car is assigned an insurance group from 1 to 50. Group 1 is the lowest risk and cheapest to insure, while Group 50 is the highest risk and most expensive. These groupings help insurers assess the risk and likely cost 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). Technical assessments are carried out by Thatcham Research, a leading automotive risk intelligence company that tests vehicles for repair costs, safety, and security.
Although the ABI originally created the group rating system, it is now managed by Thatcham Research on behalf of UK insurers. When people search for an "ABI group checker," they are usually referring to this official vehicle insurance group rating system. To see how your vehicle's group affects what you pay, you can compare car insurance quotes from multiple UK providers.
Did You Know?
Thatcham Research has introduced the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR), a more detailed model that scores vehicles from 1 (low risk) to 99 (high risk) across five areas: Performance, Damageability, Repairability, Safety, and Security. The traditional 1-50 groups remain widely used alongside the VRR for consumer reference.
Want to learn more?
Read our comprehensive guide to car insurance groups explained for a full breakdown of groups 1-50, what they mean for your premium, the cheapest cars to insure, and practical tips to lower your costs. You can also read our average car insurance cost UK guide to understand how much drivers typically pay.
What affects which group a car is in?
Thatcham Research evaluates every new car model across six key areas to determine its insurance group rating.
Vehicle Value
More expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, so are placed in higher groups.
Repair Costs and Times
Cheaper and quicker to repair cars are in lower groups. The cost and time to repair after an accident is one of the biggest factors.
Parts Availability
Easily available and affordable parts reduce repair costs, leading to lower groups.
Performance
High performance cars with faster acceleration and higher top speeds are often placed in higher groups due to increased accident risk.
Safety Features
Advanced safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assist can lower the group rating by reducing crash severity.
Security Features
Effective anti-theft devices like immobilisers and Thatcham-approved alarms reduce theft risk, which affects group placement.
Bumper compatibility is also assessed. Cars designed with standard-height bumpers that align with other vehicles in a collision tend to suffer less damage, which can lower repair costs and result in a lower group rating. This is one reason why some SUVs and raised vehicles may be placed in higher groups than their size alone would suggest.
How groups affect your premium
Your car's insurance group is one of several factors insurers use to calculate your premium. Here are the other key factors beyond the group rating.
Driver Profile
Age, occupation, driving history, and claims record all influence your premium. Young drivers typically face higher costs regardless of the car's group.
Location
Where you live and park your car affects risk assessment. Urban areas with higher crime and accident rates typically result in higher premiums.
No Claims Bonus
Each claim-free year builds your no-claims discount, which can reduce premiums significantly over time.
Driving Convictions
Points on your licence and driving convictions can significantly increase premiums, sometimes more than the car's group rating alone.
Annual Mileage
Higher annual mileage means more time on the road and greater risk exposure, which can increase your costs.
Policy Options
Your excess amount, named drivers, and cover level (third party, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive) all affect your premium.
Insurers combine these factors with your car's insurance group to calculate your overall risk profile and premium. Understanding them helps you make better choices to reduce costs.
Groups at a glance
Here's how vehicles are categorised across the six main insurance group bands and what each tier typically means for your premium.
Groups 1-5
The cheapest cars to insure: small city cars with low engine power and minimal repair costs
Groups 6-10
Economical superminis and small hatchbacks with affordable parts and good safety ratings
Groups 11-20
Popular family hatchbacks and compact SUVs with moderate repair costs
Groups 21-30
Larger saloons, sportier trims, and mid-range executive cars
Groups 31-40
Performance variants, luxury SUVs, and larger executive models
Groups 41-50
High-performance sports cars, luxury vehicles, and supercars with the highest repair costs
Looking for the very cheapest cars to insure? See our dedicated list of insurance group 1 cars.
Electric cars and insurance groups
Electric cars are becoming more popular, and their insurance groups are determined using the same criteria as petrol and diesel vehicles. However, there are some important differences to be aware of.
- Electric cars often sit in higher insurance groups due to expensive battery packs, specialist parts, and higher repair costs
- Some insurers offer dedicated electric vehicle policies with tailored cover options
- Advanced safety features in many EVs, including autonomous emergency braking, can help offset the higher group rating
- Read our full guide to electric car insurance for more details on costs and cover
EV Insurance Tips
Look for insurers who offer specialised electric vehicle policies with cover for:
- Battery damage and leasing
- Charging cables and equipment
- Home charging point cover
- Recovery to charging stations
Cheapest cars to insure in 2026
If you're looking for vehicles in the lowest insurance groups, these models are consistently among the cheapest to insure in the UK.
| 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. The Ford Fiesta is another popular choice, with base models starting from group 6.
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. Always check the exact variant.
Benefits of choosing a low insurance group
Lower Premiums
Cars in lower insurance groups typically cost less to insure, resulting in significant savings over time. Insurers view these vehicles as lower risk.
Affordable Repairs
Vehicles in lower groups typically have readily available, less expensive parts and are quicker to repair after an accident.
Good Safety Features
Many cars in lower insurance groups come equipped with effective safety features like ABS, electronic stability control, and airbags as standard.
Ideal for new and young drivers
For young drivers who already face higher premiums due to limited experience, choosing a car in a low insurance group can make a significant difference. Cars in groups 1-10 are especially popular as first cars because the insurance costs are more manageable.
How to check your car's insurance group
Online Tools
Use the Thatcham Research website to search for your vehicle's group by make, model, and variant. You can also check basic vehicle details through the DVLA's free vehicle enquiry service.
- Enter your car's make, model, and year
- Check 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
Practical tips for reducing your car insurance costs
Beyond choosing a car in a lower insurance group, there are several other strategies to reduce your premium.
Enhance Security
Installing Thatcham-approved security devices like immobilisers, trackers, and steering locks can lower your premium by reducing theft risk. Always check with your insurer which devices they recognise.
Increase Excess
Opting for a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium. Just make sure 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 instalments usually works out cheaper, as insurers often charge interest on monthly payments.
Limit Mileage
Accurately estimating and limiting your annual mileage can qualify you for a lower premium. Be honest about your mileage to keep your policy valid.
Avoid unnecessary modifications
Modifications such as engine remaps, alloy wheels, body kits, and exhaust changes can increase your premium or move your car into a different risk category. If you are considering modifications, read our guide to modified car insurance to understand what you need to declare and how it affects your costs.
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: frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car insurance group?
Group 1 is the cheapest to insure. Cars in this group are typically small city cars with low-powered engines and minimal repair costs, such as the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up!. Choosing a group 1 car can make a significant difference to your premium, particularly if you are a young or new driver.
Does a higher insurance group always mean higher premiums?
Generally yes, but it is not the only factor. Insurers also consider your age, driving history, location, annual mileage, and no-claims bonus when calculating your premium. A driver with 10 years of no-claims discount insuring a group 30 car may still pay less than a new driver insuring a group 5 car.
Can I reduce my premium by choosing a car in a lower insurance group?
Yes. Choosing a car in a lower insurance group is one of the most effective ways to reduce your premium. Even within the same model range, different trim levels and engine sizes can fall into different groups. For example, a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost may be in group 10, while a Fiesta ST could be in group 28.
Do different trims of the same model have different insurance groups?
Yes. Variations in engine size, power output, safety equipment, and security features can place different versions of the same car into different insurance groups. Always check the specific trim level you are considering, not just the base model group.
How often are insurance groups updated?
Insurance groups are reviewed regularly by the Group Rating Panel whenever new models or variants are launched. Thatcham Research, which manages the assessments, also updates ratings when significant changes are made to a vehicle's specification, repair costs, or safety features.
Who decides which insurance group a car goes into?
The Group Rating Panel, which includes representatives from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA), assigns insurance groups. Thatcham Research provides the technical assessments based on repair costs, performance, safety, and security data for each vehicle.
Are electric cars more expensive to insure?
Electric cars can be in higher insurance groups than equivalent petrol or diesel models. This is mainly due to higher repair costs for specialist components like batteries and electric motors, and the need for trained technicians. However, their strong safety features and lower performance in some cases can offset this. Compare quotes to see the actual cost difference.
Do car modifications affect my insurance group?
Car modifications can significantly affect your insurance costs, though they do not change the manufacturer's assigned group. Insurers treat modified cars differently, and changes like engine tuning, alloy wheels, or body kits may increase your premium. Always declare modifications to your insurer to keep your policy valid.
What is the difference between insurance groups and the new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR)?
The traditional 1-50 group system gives each car a single rating. Thatcham Research has introduced the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR), which scores vehicles from 1 to 99 across five areas: Performance, Damageability, Repairability, Safety, and Security. The VRR gives insurers a more detailed picture of risk, but the 1-50 groups remain widely used for consumer reference.
Where can I check my car's insurance group for free?
You can check your car's insurance group on the Thatcham Research website by entering the make, model, and variant. You can also check basic vehicle details through the DVLA's free vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk. Many comparison sites, including ours, display the insurance group when you start a quote.
Ready to compare car insurance?
Now that you understand how insurance groups work, compare quotes from multiple UK providers to find the right cover at the best price.
By choosing a car in a lower insurance group and considering factors like safety features and repair costs, you can save on your premiums. Visit our car insurance page to compare quotes from UK providers.
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How we created this page
This guide was written and reviewed by the MySupermarketCompare editorial team. We referenced publicly available data and resources from Thatcham Research, the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and the DVLA vehicle enquiry service to ensure accuracy. Insurance group data is based on the official Group Rating Panel classifications. This page is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in group ratings, new vehicle models, and industry developments.
MySupermarketCompare.com* is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd (FCA FRN: 313860), who operate the comparison platform and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.*