If you’ve ever wondered why one car costs significantly more to insure than another, insurance groups are a big part of the answer.
Understanding insurance groups can help you make a more informed decision when buying your next car and could potentially save you money on your insurance premiums.
For more advice on choosing the right vehicle and understanding ownership costs, visit our car selling guidance hub.
What Are Insurance Groups?
Every car sold in the UK is assigned an insurance group.
Insurance groups generally range from 1 to 50, with:
- Group 1 vehicles typically being among the cheapest to insure
- Group 50 vehicles typically being among the most expensive to insure
Insurance companies use these groupings as one factor when calculating insurance premiums.
However, it’s important to remember that your premium will also depend on factors such as:
- Your age
- Driving history
- Location
- Annual mileage
- Occupation
- Claims history
Insurance groups are just one piece of the puzzle.
How Are Insurance Groups Decided?
A vehicle’s insurance group is determined using a range of factors, including:
Vehicle Value
More expensive vehicles generally cost more to repair or replace, which can increase insurance costs.
Performance
Cars with larger engines and higher performance capabilities often fall into higher insurance groups.
Repair Costs
Insurers consider how much replacement parts cost and how long repairs typically take.
Safety Features
Vehicles equipped with advanced safety technology may be viewed more favourably.
Security Features
Factory-fitted alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems can influence a vehicle’s insurance rating.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The overall size and construction of the vehicle can also play a role in group classification.
Which Cars Are Usually Cheapest to Insure?
Generally speaking, vehicles in lower insurance groups tend to be:
- Smaller cars
- Lower-powered models
- Less expensive vehicles
- Cars with lower repair costs
Examples often include:
- Citroen C1
- Ford Ka
- Volkswagen Polo
- Vauxhall Corsa
However, insurance costs vary from driver to driver, so it’s always worth obtaining personalised quotes before making a purchase decision.
Is there actually a prime time to renew your car insurance? We talk about insurance groups, and for more info on when the best time is to renew your insurance, you can find out more here.
Should Insurance Groups Influence Your Next Car Purchase?
For many motorists, yes.
Insurance can be one of the largest ongoing costs of vehicle ownership, particularly for:
- New drivers
- Younger motorists
- Drivers with limited no-claims history
Checking a vehicle’s insurance group before buying can help you avoid unexpected costs later.
A car that appears affordable to purchase may prove expensive to insure, so it’s important to consider the full ownership picture.
Related Reading
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Thinking About Changing to a Lower Insurance Group Vehicle?
If you’re considering switching to a car with lower running costs, it can be useful to know how much your current vehicle is worth first.
With Jamjar, you can compare offers from trusted UK buyers and get a free valuation in seconds, helping you understand your options before making your next move.