Every car sold in the UK is assigned a car insurance group from 1 to 50 by Thatcham Research, on behalf of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Group 1 is the cheapest to insure. Group 50 is the most expensive. Understanding which group your car sits in — and why — is one of the most direct ways to control what you pay for car insurance. The system has been running since 1970, originally with 20 groups. It expanded to 50 groups in 2009 to allow more precise categorisation. For cars going on sale from August 2024 onwards, Thatcham is transitioning to a new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model — though the 1-50 system still applies to the vast majority of cars currently on UK roads. How Are Car Insurance Groups Set?The Group Rating Panel — run jointly by the ABI and Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) — meets monthly to assign insurance groups to new vehicles. Thatcham Research carries out the assessments based on the following key factors:
Source: Thatcham Research and ABI Group Rating Panel methodology. Individual insurer premiums use the group as one input among many — your personal factors (age, postcode, claims history) also significantly affect your premium. Car Insurance Groups 1-50 — Band Guide
Insurance groups are for the base/entry-level spec of each model. Higher trims, larger engines, or performance variants within the same model will sit in higher groups. Check the exact group for your specific model and trim at thatcham.org or via your insurer. Cheapest Cars to Insure UK — Groups 1-5
Insurance groups are approximate and based on base specifications. Always verify the group for your specific model, trim level, and year using the Thatcham Research database or asking your insurer directly. The New Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) SystemFor cars going on sale from August 2024 onwards, Thatcham Research is transitioning to a new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model. Rather than a single number from 1 to 50, each new car receives five separate scores — covering performance, damageability, repairability, safety, and security — each rated from 1 (low risk) to 99 (high risk). The shift reflects how much cars have changed. EVs, software-defined systems, and advanced driver assistance technology introduce risks the original 125-factor model was not built to capture. For the vast majority of cars currently on UK roads, the 1-50 system still applies. How to Lower Your Car Insurance GroupThe insurance group is fixed to the car model — you cannot change it. But you can use the system to your advantage:
Bottom Line The car insurance group system is the most direct lever you have when choosing a car for low insurance costs. Sticking to Groups 1-10 for a first car can make the difference between an affordable premium and one that costs more than the car itself. Use the Thatcham Research database to check the group before buying, compare quotes annually, and consider telematics insurance if you are a younger driver in a higher group than ideal. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow are car insurance groups determined in the UK? Car insurance groups are determined by the Group Rating Panel — a joint body run by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyd's Market Association (LMA). Thatcham Research carries out the assessments, evaluating each car on repair costs, parts availability, value, performance, safety features, and security. Groups range from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive). Which cars are in insurance group 1 UK? Insurance group 1 cars in the UK include the Volkswagen Up (1.0 MPI), Fiat Panda (1.2), and Toyota Aygo. These cars share characteristics of low repair costs, cheap and widely available parts, modest performance, and good safety ratings. Always verify the exact group for a specific model and trim using the Thatcham Research database. Does a higher insurance group always mean higher premiums? Not always — your insurance group is one factor among many. Your age, driving history, annual mileage, postcode, and occupation all affect your premium. A 40-year-old with 10 years no-claims driving a Group 25 car may pay less than a 19-year-old driving a Group 5 car. The group has the biggest impact on younger, higher-risk drivers. What is the new Thatcham Vehicle Risk Rating system? For cars going on sale from August 2024 onwards, Thatcham Research is transitioning to a new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model. Instead of a single number from 1 to 50, each car receives five separate scores covering performance, damageability, repairability, safety, and security — each rated 1 to 99. The change reflects the growing complexity of modern cars, particularly EVs and software-defined vehicles. The 1-50 system still applies to most cars currently on UK roads. Can I check my car's insurance group for free? Yes. You can check your car's insurance group free of charge through the Thatcham Research website (thatcham.org) by searching your specific make, model, and trim. Your insurer or a car insurance comparison site can also tell you the group when you request a quote. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify rates and terms directly with providers before making any financial decision. |
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