What Insurance Group is My Car?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What insurance group is my car?”, you’re not alone. Knowing your car insurance group can help you estimate how much you’ll pay for your policy and avoid unexpected costs. It’s a handy piece of information to have, whether you’re budgeting for a new car or want to compare insurance quotes.
In the UK, cars are placed into insurance groups ranging from Group 1 (the cheapest to insure) to Group 50 (the most expensive). Generally, the higher the group, the more you’ll pay for cover.
Key points
What Decides a Car’s Insurance Group?
Insurance groups are set by the Group Rating Panel (which includes members from the Association of British Insurers and Thatcham Research). They consider factors such as:
- Original value of the car: Expensive cars often mean higher repair or replacement costs.
- Repair costs and times: Longer or pricier repairs increase the group rating.
- Engine size and performance: Faster or high-powered cars sit in higher groups.
- Safety features: Extra features like automatic emergency braking can help lower your group.
- Security features: Alarms, immobilisers, and trackers may reduce the risk of theft.
How to Find Out What Insurance Group Your Car Is In
- Use an Online Group Checker: You can use free tools online by entering your car’s make, model, and year. These tools will tell you your exact group rating.
- Ask Your Insurer or Broker: If you’re already insured or getting quotes, your provider can tell you your group and explain how it affects your premium.
- Check the Vehicle Handbook or Logbook: In some cases, the group may be listed in the manufacturer’s documentation.
Why It Matters
If you’re comparing cars or shopping for insurance, understanding your car’s group helps avoid surprises. It’s especially useful if you’re a young driver or trying to keep costs low. Choosing a lower-group vehicle can make your premiums significantly cheaper.
Need to know how your group affects your quote? Compare car insurance quotes and see where you could save.
Do all insurers use the same group system?
Most do, but quotes can still vary as each insurer applies its own pricing model on top of the group data.
Can I lower my insurance even if my car is in a high group?
Yes. You can increase your voluntary excess, build up a no-claims bonus, or add extra security to reduce your premium.
Are electric cars cheaper or more expensive to insure?
It depends. Some electric cars fall into higher groups due to repair costs, while others benefit from safety tech and land in lower ones.
In Summary
- UK cars are rated from 1 to 50 for insurance groups.
- Lower group = generally cheaper insurance.
- Group depends on value, performance, safety, security, and repair costs.
- You can check your group online, through your insurer, or in your car’s handbook.
- Always compare car insurance quotes to find the best price for your group.
Knowing your car’s insurance group is a small step that can make a big difference when budgeting for cover or choosing your next vehicle.
Need to know how your group affects your quote?
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