| ★ TL;DR TL;DR: Ford vehicles span Thatcham insurance groups 5 to 40 across the model range, Fiesta and Puma base trims in groups 5 to 18, Focus standard variants at 14 to 28, ST performance variants at 25 to 35. Ford models, particularly the Fiesta and Focus, have historically featured prominently in ABI vehicle theft data, though newer keyless security measures have reduced vulnerability on recent models. UK average motor premium: £622 (ABI Q4 2025). |
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026
Ford Thatcham insurance groups across the model range
Thatcham Research assigns insurance groups from 1 to 50 to all UK-sold vehicles. Ford's model range, the UK's best-selling volume brand by registered vehicles, spans a wide portion of the lower and mid-range of this scale, reflecting the brand's mass-market positioning and moderate repair cost profile.
The Ford Fiesta, historically the UK's best-selling car before it was discontinued from new production in 2023, occupies groups 5 to 18 depending on engine and trim. Base 1.0-litre EcoBoost variants in lower trims sit at groups 5 to 10, among the most affordably insured vehicles in the UK market. The Fiesta ST and Fiesta ST-Line with performance styling (but standard engine) sit at groups 14 to 20.
The Ford Focus in standard trim spans groups 14 to 25. The Focus ST performance variant reaches groups 28 to 35. The Focus RS, the highest-performance Focus variant, discontinued after 2020, reaches groups 37 to 42 on the used-car market.
The Ford Puma (introduced 2019) occupies groups 10 to 22 across its range. The Puma ST performance variant reaches groups 24 to 28. The Ford Kuga SUV spans groups 20 to 32 depending on drivetrain, the Kuga PHEV at the upper end. The Ford Mustang, a US-import positioned as a performance vehicle, occupies groups 38 to 50, significantly higher than the volume Ford range, reflecting its American muscle-car performance specification.
The Ford Transit Custom van requires separate commercial vehicle insurance rather than standard private motor cover, it is classified as a commercial vehicle for insurance purposes regardless of personal use.
Ford and UK vehicle theft data
Ford models have featured persistently in ABI vehicle theft data, particularly the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus on older models. The Fiesta was consistently among the most stolen vehicles in the UK by volume across the 2010s and into the early 2020s, driven by high registration numbers and, on older models, vulnerabilities in the original keyless entry and electronic immobiliser systems.
Newer Ford models produced from approximately 2020 onwards have incorporated improved keyless entry security measures, including signal-blocking key fob design and rolling-code systems that reduce relay-attack vulnerability. The theft frequency for current-production Ford models is lower relative to earlier generations.
For used-car buyers purchasing Ford models manufactured between 2012 and 2019 with keyless entry, relay-attack vulnerability remains a risk. Thatcham-approved signal-blocking key pouches and steering wheel locks provide effective supplementary security for these models.
Ford's approved repairer network and repair cost profile
Ford's approved repairer and service network is one of the most extensive in the UK, with authorised dealers and Ford-approved bodyshops across the country. The geographic density of the Ford network means most policyholders can access an approved Ford repairer within a reasonable distance.
Repair costs for Ford vehicles are generally moderate compared to premium brands, Ford's mass-market position means genuine parts are widely available through dealer and aftermarket channels, and repair times are shorter on average than for premium or specialist vehicles. These factors contribute to the moderate Thatcham group positions for most Ford models.
Standard direct motor insurer approved repairer networks typically include Ford-certified facilities, allowing standard Comprehensive policies to provide adequate quality repairs without specialist network access concerns.
ST and RS variants: performance loading
Ford's ST (Sport Technologies) and RS (Rallye Sport) performance variants carry materially higher Thatcham groups than equivalent standard models. The Focus ST's group 28 to 35 represents a significant jump from the standard Focus at groups 14 to 25, reflecting the higher power output, faster acceleration, and elevated actuarial risk associated with performance driving.
Owners of ST and RS models should ensure any performance modifications, induction kits, exhaust upgrades, suspension modifications, remaps, are declared to their insurer under CIDRA 2012. Undeclared modifications void the policy at claim time.
Key Figures
| Metric | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK avg motor premium Q4 2025 | £622 | ABI | Q4 2025 |
| Ford Fiesta typical group range | 5-18 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| Ford Focus standard typical group | 14-25 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| Ford Focus ST typical group | 28-35 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| Ford Mustang typical group | 38-50 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| Ford Puma typical group | 10-22 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| IPT standard rate | 12% | HMRC / gov.uk | 2026 |
| Road Traffic Act 1988 minimum | Third Party Only | legislation.gov.uk | 2026 |
| Thatcham group scale | 1-50 | Thatcham Research | 2026 |
| BIBA broker finder | biba.org.uk/find-insurance/ | BIBA | 2026 |
How to get the most competitive Ford insurance quote
For standard Ford models in the Fiesta, Puma, and Focus range, mainstream direct motor insurance comparison is straightforward, these vehicles fall within standard actuarial rating models, and all major UK direct brands will quote without specialist access requirements.
Run a full comparison across available direct brands. Include any direct-only brands that do not appear on aggregator panels, most notably U K Insurance Limited's Direct Line (FRN 202810), alongside the aggregator panel results. Ensure all quotes include equivalent add-ons for a like-for-like total-cost comparison.
For Ford ST and RS performance variants, some direct brands will quote but with elevated premiums reflecting the higher Thatcham group. BIBA-registered specialist brokers (biba.org.uk/find-insurance/) can compare across a wider range of underwriters including those with specific performance vehicle appetite, potentially producing more competitive terms for high-performance Ford models.
Insurance Premium Tax at 12 percent (HMRC, gov.uk) applies to all Ford motor insurance premiums regardless of distribution channel. The Road Traffic Act 1988, section 143 minimum of Third Party Only applies to all Ford vehicles on UK public roads. For DVLA-registered Ford vehicles not currently in use, a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) via gov.uk/make-a-sorn removes the insurance and VED obligations while the vehicle is kept off-road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance group is a Ford Fiesta?
The Ford Fiesta spans groups 5 to 18 depending on engine, trim, and variant. Base 1.0-litre EcoBoost models in standard trim sit at groups 5 to 10. The Fiesta ST sits at groups 14 to 20. Verify the specific variant at thatcham.org. Note: the Fiesta was discontinued from new production in 2023.
Why has the Ford Fiesta been so frequently stolen?
The Fiesta's high registration volume means absolute theft numbers are high. Older models (2012 to 2019) had vulnerabilities in keyless entry and immobiliser systems. Newer models incorporate improved security. For used older Fiesta models, Thatcham-approved key pouches and steering wheel locks reduce relay-attack vulnerability.
Is Ford car insurance cheap?
Standard Ford models, Fiesta, Focus, Puma, in base trim occupy low-to-moderate Thatcham groups and produce accessible premiums relative to the all-age average of £622 (ABI Q4 2025). Performance ST and RS variants carry substantially higher premiums reflecting elevated groups.
Do Ford ST models cost significantly more to insure than standard Focus?
Yes. The Focus ST (groups 28 to 35) carries a materially higher premium than the standard Focus (groups 14 to 25) for the same driver profile. The group difference of approximately 10 to 15 groups produces a premium difference that may exceed £200 to £400 per year.
Does Ford Transit van insurance work the same as car insurance?
No. The Ford Transit and Transit Custom are commercial vehicles requiring separate commercial vehicle insurance rather than standard private motor cover. Use class, goods-in-transit requirements, and fleet considerations apply. A BIBA-registered commercial vehicle broker (biba.org.uk/find-insurance/) is the appropriate route.
| ✓ Editorial Process How we verified this Thatcham Research group data confirmed at thatcham.org. ABI Motor Insurance Premium Tracker Q4 2025 confirmed at abi.org.uk. ABI vehicle theft data confirmed at abi.org.uk. Road Traffic Act 1988 section 143 confirmed at legislation.gov.uk. HMRC IPT rate confirmed at gov.uk. BIBA broker finder confirmed at biba.org.uk. Last fact-checked 26 April 2026. |
Sources & Verification
- Thatcham Research, insurance group checker: https://www.thatcham.org
- ABI Motor Insurance Premium Tracker Q4 2025: https://www.abi.org.uk
- Road Traffic Act 1988, section 143: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52
- HMRC Insurance Premium Tax: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/insurance-premium-tax
- BIBA, Find a specialist broker: https://www.biba.org.uk/find-insurance/
- FCA Register: https://register.fca.org.uk
- gov.uk, Driving without insurance: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/penalty-for-driving-without-insurance
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify rates with official sources before making any financial decision.