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Understanding car insurance groups

Car insurance can be confusing, especially when terms like “insurance groups” start to pop up. So, what exactly does it mean?

In simple terms, insurers group cars into categories numbered 1 to 50. Knowing your car’s group can help you make smarter choices and manage your insurance costs. Read our guide to learn more.

a person driving and a person looking out of the window of a red car

What are car insurance groups?

In the UK, every car is placed into one of 50 insurance groups to help work out insurance costs.

This system was first introduced in 1970 and started with just 20 groups. By 2009, it grew to 50 groups. This made it easier to assess cars based on things like how fast they are, how safe they are and how much they cost to fix.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • Lower numbered groups, like 1 or 2, are cheaper to insure. These cars are typically smaller, less powerful, and easier or cheaper to repair if something goes wrong
  • Cars in higher-numbered groups, such as 49 or 50, are more expensive to insure. This is usually because they’re faster, more expensive or harder to repair

The groups are set by Thatcham Research on behalf of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). They work with a team of experts, made up of members from the ABI and Lloyds Market Association (LMA), and meet every month to review new cars and place them in a group.

What are car insurance groups based on?

Car insurance groups are based on a few key factors, such as:

  • Repair and replacement costs

This includes how much it costs to fix the car, the price of replacement parts and how long repairs take. Cars that are cheaper and quicker to fix fall into lower groups. Those with rare or expensive parts, or longer repair times, are placed in higher groups.

  • Car value and performance

Expensive cars and high-performance vehicles are usually in higher groups. This is because they cost more to replace and are more likely to be involved in accidents due to their power and speed.

  • Safety and security features

Cars with advanced safety technologies or strong anti-theft systems, such as alarms and immobilisers, are less risky to insure. These cars are usually in lower groups. They’re also less likely to cause or suffer major damage in an accident.

  • Design and compatibility

Cars with well-designed bumpers or structures that reduce damage in collisions are more likely to be in lower groups. These designs help keep repair costs low.

Why do car insurance groups matter?

Car insurance groups are important because they affect how much you pay for insurance.

As we mentioned earlier, cars in lower numbered groups are cheaper to insure, while cars in higher-numbered groups will cost more. This is because they’re often faster, more powerful and expensive to fix.

If you’re buying a car and want to save money, knowing its insurance group can help. It’s a simple way to narrow down your search and stick to a budget.

What insurance group is my car?

Here’s a quick list of popular car models and their typical insurance groups:

Car insurance groups Vehicle make and model
1-10 Citroën C1, Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10, and Volkswagen Fox
11-20 Audi A1, Honda Civic, Mini Hatchback
21-30 BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class
31-40 Jaguar XE, Audi Q5
41-50 Range Rover, Porsche 911, Tesla Model S

 

Please note that the exact group may vary depending on the car’s features, engine size and model year.

These groups are a guide to help you compare cars. It’s always best to check the exact group for a specific car before making a decision. There are various free online tools available which let you search using the car’s registration number or make and model.

What else can affect the cost of my car insurance?

Although car insurance groups play a big role in your premiums, other things can also affect how much you pay. These include:

  • Your age and experience: Younger drivers or those over 70 usually pay more because they’re seen as higher risk
  • Where you live and keep your car: Urban areas, places with high crime rates or flood risks, for example, can increase costs. Being on the electoral roll might help lower your premiums as it shows stability
  • Your driving history: No claims or accidents? You’re likely to pay less than someone with a history of incidents
  • How you use your car: What you use your car for can affect your insurance. Driving for it for social or domestic reasons, such as shopping or personal errands, generally costs less than commuting to a fixed workplace. Both of these typically cost less than using your car for broader business purposes, such as making deliveries or driving clients
  • Type of cover: There are three main types of car insurance – third-party (the minimum legal requirement), third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive. Although comprehensive cover often provides the most protection, it’s not always necessarily the most expensive. It’s worth comparing policies from different insurers to find the best deal for you. You can also customise your policy by opting in and out of extras, like breakdown cover, which could add to your costs

How can I lower my car insurance premiums?

If you’re looking to save on car insurance, here are some ways that could help cut costs:

  • Choose a car in a lower insurance group: Smaller, less powerful cars are cheaper to insure and repair
  • Add extra safety and security features: Alarms, immobilisers or a dashcam can make your car safer and cheaper to insure
  • Increase your voluntary excess: Agreeing to pay a bit more if you need to make a claim can lower your monthly costs. Just make sure it’s affordable
  • Build up a no-claims discount: The longer you go without making a claim, the bigger your discount gets. This could save you a lot over time
  • Drive fewer miles: Fewer miles could lower your risk of accidents and help reduce your premiums. But remember, less time on the road doesn’t always mean fewer accidents, as less experienced drivers may still face risks
  • Try a telematics policy: Having a black box or an app-based insurance monitors your driving. If you’re a safe driver, you could pay less
  • Add a named driver: Including an experienced driver with a good driving history could help lower costs. But never list someone as the main driver when they’re not. This is illegal and could invalidate your insurance

If you want to save money on your insurance, check your existing policy or to compare quotes from different providers.

Key takeaways

  • Car insurance groups matter. In the UK, every car is categorised into one of 50 groups, based on factors such as repair costs, safety features and performance. Lower groups (1-10) are cheaper to insure, while higher groups (41-5) tend to be more expensive. This is because of higher repair and replacement costs
  • Other things can affect your premiums too. Your age, driving history, where you live, how you use your car and optional extras, like breakdown cover, can all have an impact on what you pay. Comparing quotes and reviewing your current policy can help make sure your insurance is affordable and meets your needs
  • There are a few ways you might be able to help lower your monthly premiums. For example, you can choose a car in a lower group, add security features or build up a no-claims discount. Installing a black box or even adding an experienced named driver with a good driving history can also help lower premiums

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Common questions about car insurance groups

  • Cars are assessed by Thatcham Research, who consider factors like repair costs, the price of replacement parts, safety and security features, car value, and performance. Based on these factors, they assign cars to one of 50 groups. Lower groups are cheaper to insure because the cars are less risky and more affordable to repair, while higher groups are for cars that are more expensive, powerful or complex.

  • Cars in insurance groups 1-4 are generally smaller, less powerful, and cheaper to repair. These vehicles are often ideal for new drivers or those looking for lower insurance costs. Examples include:

    • Ford Fiesta (basic models)
    • Volkswagen Polo (S trim)
    • Hyundai i10
    • Kia Picanto
    • Aygo
    • Vauxhall Corsa (entry-level trims)
    • Renault Clio (basic trims)
    • Fiat Panda
    • Skoda Citigo
    • Peugeot 108

    Always check with your insurer, as specific models and trims can vary between groups depending on the features and specifications.

  • Yes, a car’s insurance group can change. Thatcham Research reviews new cars regularly, and updates can occur as more data becomes available, such as repair costs or accident statistics. For example, if repairs for a specific model are more expensive than initially thought, it might be moved to a higher group.

  • Electric cars can fall into a wide range of insurance groups depending on their value, performance, and repair costs. While some are in lower groups due to simpler designs or advanced safety features, others may fall into higher groups because battery repairs or replacements can be costly.

  • Modifications don’t directly change the insurance group, but they can increase your premiums. Insurers view modifications, like adding performance parts or cosmetic changes, as increasing the car's risk or repair costs, which might make the car more expensive to insure.

  • See more FAQs
  • Yes, there are free online tools and databases that let you search for a car’s insurance group using its make, model and registration number. Knowing this information in advance can help you choose a car that fits your budget for insurance costs.

  • Classic cars typically aren't assigned to regular insurance groups. Instead, insurers assess these cars individually, considering their age, value, usage, and any special repair requirements. You may need a specialist policy for classic cars.

  • Yes, different versions of the same car model can belong to different groups. Factors like engine size, trim level, and additional safety features influence the group assignment. For example, a base model may be in group 10, while a high-performance version of the same car might be in group 30.

  • For young or inexperienced drivers, cars in lower insurance groups are typically the most affordable to insure. Insurers already view young drivers as higher risk, so choosing a car in a lower group can significantly reduce their premiums.

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