When it comes to car insurance in the UK, understanding how insurers calculate your premiums can feel like navigating a maze. At the heart of this process are car insurance groups — categories that play a role in deciding how much you pay.
Let’s break it down and highlight which groups offer the cheapest options for savvy drivers.
What are car insurance groups?
Car insurance groups are categories ranging from 1 to 50, where vehicles in ‘Group 1’ represent the cheapest to insure, and ‘Group 50’ the most expensive. Every car sold in the UK is assigned to one of these groups based on specific criteria that help insurers calculate risk. Here’s what goes into determining your car's group:
- Repair costs: How expensive and time-consuming is it to fix your car?
- Parts availability: Are replacement parts easy to find?
- Security features: Does your car have anti-theft technology or alarms?
- Safety ratings: How well does your car protect passengers in an accident?
- Performance: Does your car’s engine size and speed make it more prone to accidents?
These factors ensure insurers can estimate the likelihood of claims and the related costs, tailoring your insurance cost accordingly.
How do the insurance groups work?
Think of these groups as tiers. Cars in ‘Group 1’ are typically small, economical, and inexpensive to repair, making them perfect for first-time or budget-conscious drivers. As you move up the groups, you’ll find larger, faster, and more luxurious vehicles, which cost more to insure.
Which cars are in the cheapest insurance groups?
If keeping insurance costs low is your top priority, you’ll want to stick to cars in Groups 1–5. These vehicles are often compact, fuel-efficient, and designed with affordability in mind.
Examples of group 1–5 cars:
- Groups 1–2: Fiat Panda, Ford Ka, Toyota Aygo, Skoda Fabia Hatchback
- Groups 3–4: Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Vauxhall Corsa
- Group 5: Kia Picanto, Ford Ka Plus, Renault Sandero
These cars are excellent choices for young drivers, students, or newcomers to the UK who may face higher insurance premiums elsewhere.
What about cars in mid-range groups?
Cars in Groups 6–15 strike a balance between affordability and performance. They offer more space and features while keeping insurance costs below the national average.
Examples of Group 6–15 Cars:
- Groups 6–7: Kia Rio, Peugeot 207, Vauxhall Corsa
- Groups 8–9: Fiat 500 Pop Star, Toyota Corolla
- Groups 10–15: BMW 2 Series, Mini Hatchback, Skoda Octavia
These vehicles are ideal for families or drivers seeking a little more comfort and power without breaking the bank.
Higher insurance groups: performance and prestige
As you climb into Groups 16–50, you’ll find premium cars with powerful engines, advanced technology, and luxury appeal. While these vehicles are pricier to insure, experienced drivers with claim-free records may still find competitive rates.
Examples of Group 16–20 Cars:
- Groups 16–17: Audi A1, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo V40
- Groups 18–19: Jeep Wrangler, BMW 1-Series Hatchback
- Group 20: Ford Mondeo, Audi A3
Luxury electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i5 Saloon typically fall into Groups 45 and above, reflecting their higher repair and replacement costs.
How are insurance groups for electric cars decided?
Electric cars are evaluated just like traditional vehicles, considering factors such as repair costs, safety, and performance. Many models fall into the cheaper groups (1–15), including:
- Smart EQ ForFour
- Volkswagen e-Up
- Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback
However, high-performance electric cars like the Tesla Model S are placed in higher groups due to their premium components and advanced systems.
What’s the average cost of car insurance in the UK?
As of 2024, the average cost of car insurance in the UK is approximately £995 per year, according to Confused.com. However, your car’s insurance group is just one of many factors influencing this price. Other considerations include:
- Your driving history and no-claims bonus.
- Your age and location.
- The type of coverage you select (e.g., comprehensive or third-party).
- Additional features like breakdown cover or courtesy cars.
Finding the right insurance deal
Choosing a car in a lower insurance group is one of the simplest ways to save on premiums. But don’t forget to shop around—especially if you’re new to the UK. Many insurers charge extra for drivers without UK-based experience, so it’s worth looking for a provider that recognizes your full driving history, regardless of where you’ve lived.
