Car Insurance Group Checker

Thinking of buying a new car or renewing your current insurance? Knowing which insurance group your vehicle falls into can help you understand how much you might pay for cover.
Use our car insurance group checker—just enter your vehicle details to see its group rating and how that could influence your premium. It's a quick way to make smarter, more informed choices when comparing insurance options.

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What Insurance Group Do Electric Cars Fall Into?

The insurance group for an electric car varies based on the make, model, and features—just like with petrol or diesel vehicles.
However, EVs are often placed in higher insurance groups compared to their traditional counterparts.

While electric cars are popular for being eco-friendly and more affordable to run day-to-day, their insurance can sometimes come with a higher price tag.
Here’s why:

1. Higher upfront cost

EVs are usually more expensive to buy, which can drive up premiums.

2. Cost of repairs and parts

Specialist components, such as batteries and charging systems, can be pricier and may require specific expertise to fix.

3. Limited availability of parts

Some electric models have fewer widely available spare parts, which can make repairs more expensive or time-consuming.

How Do Car Insurance Categories Work?

When it comes to calculating the cost of your car insurance, the type of car you drive plays a big role. In the UK, every vehicle is placed into one of 50 insurance categories, with Group 1 generally being the cheapest to insure and Group 50 the most expensive.
These groupings are based on a range of factors, including:

Vehicle price - More expensive cars usually cost more to repair or replace.
Safety and security features – Advanced safety systems may reduce the risk of claims.
Engine size and performance - Powerful engines typically mean higher premiums.

Insurance companies use your car’s group as part of their risk assessment when setting your premium. Combined with other personal factors—like your age, address, driving history, and job—this helps determine the final cost of your cover.

Which Car Insurance Group Is the Most Budget-Friendly?

Cars in Group 1 fall into the lowest insurance category, meaning they’re usually the cheapest to insure. At the other end of the scale, Group 50 includes high-performance or luxury vehicles, which tend to come with much higher premiums.

If keeping insurance costs down is a priority—especially for first-time drivers or those on a budget—it’s worth choosing a car in one of the lower groups. These cars are generally smaller, less powerful, and more affordable to repair, which insurers see as lower risk.

Looking for a car in a low insurance group could be a smart move if you want to save money in the long run.

Which Cars Are the Most Affordable to Insure?

Cars that fall into the lowest insurance groups—typically Groups 1 to 5—are usually the cheapest to insure. These vehicles are often smaller, less powerful, and less costly to repair or replace, making them lower-risk in the eyes of insurers.

It’s not just the price of the car that matters, though. Built-in safety and security features—like advanced braking systems, immobilisers, and alarms—can also help bring down your insurance premium by reducing the likelihood of accidents or theft.

If you’re looking for a car that keeps your insurance costs down, start by focusing on models known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety ratings—many of which can be found in the lower group categories.

Who Decides Car Insurance Group Ratings—and How?

Car insurance groups in the UK are set by a dedicated panel from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), with technical data and analysis provided by Thatcham Research, a leading automotive risk intelligence organisation.

Each car is assessed against a set of criteria that helps insurers understand how much risk a vehicle presents in terms of claims, repair costs, and safety. The higher the risk, the higher the group rating—with Group 50 being the most expensive to insure.

Key Factors That Influence a Car’s Group:

Vehicle cost

Expensive cars tend to land in higher groups due to the higher cost of repairs and replacement.

Engine power and performance

Fast, high-powered cars are often rated as riskier, which pushes them into higher insurance categories.

Safety and security tech

Cars equipped with features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), alarms, and immobilisers are often seen as lower risk and placed in lower groups.

Repair complexity and parts availability

The cost and ease of repairing a car is a major factor. Thatcham also considers crash test results and how resistant the vehicle is to damage.

Cars that are inexpensive to fix, have strong safety records, or come with advanced security systems tend to be placed in lower insurance groups, helping drivers access more affordable cover.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Car Insurance?

While your car’s insurance group plays a major role in how much you pay for cover, it’s far from the only thing insurers look at.
Your premium is shaped by a combination of personal, vehicle, and usage details.
Here are some of the key factors that can affect your car insurance price:

1. Your age and driving experience

Younger or newly qualified drivers often face higher premiums due to a higher risk of accidents.

2. Type of cover you choose

Comprehensive insurance usually costs more than third-party or third-party, fire and theft—but can offer better protection and value overall.

3. Optional extras and named drivers

Adding features like European breakdown cover or additional drivers can increase your premium, depending on their profiles.

4. Your location

Where you live impacts risk—urban areas with higher crime or accident rates usually attract higher premiums.

5. Your occupation and vehicle usage

Jobs that involve frequent driving or commuting long distances can lead to higher quotes.

6. Annual mileage

The more you drive, the higher the risk of an accident—insurers consider this when setting your rate.

7. Driving record

Penalty points, past claims, or driving convictions will typically raise the cost of your policy.

8. No Claims Discount (NCD)

The more claim-free years you’ve built up, the more likely you are to qualify for a significant discount.

Want to cut costs? Check out our guide to smart ways to save on your car insurance.

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Understanding Car Insurance Groups: Examples by Category

Car insurance groups in the UK range from Group 1 (most affordable to insure) to Group 50 (most expensive). The group a vehicle falls into depends on factors like engine power, repair costs, safety features, and replacement value. Even different versions of the same car model can sit in separate groups—so it’s always worth double-checking.

Below is a breakdown of typical vehicles found in various group ranges to give you a clearer idea of what to expect:

Group 1 – Entry-Level Insurance	Vehicles in Group 1 are among the most affordable to insure, ideal for first-time drivers or budget-conscious buyers.	Examples: Fiat Panda, Vauxhall Corsa (base models), Chevrolet Spark
Groups 2–5 – Low Premiums for Simpler Cars	Cars in these groups tend to have smaller engines and are relatively inexpensive to repair. Great for younger or less experienced drivers looking to cut costs.	Examples: Ford Ka, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia, Nissan Micra
Groups 6–10 – Still Affordable, with a Bit More Tech	These vehicles may offer more in terms of performance or safety features but generally remain cost-effective to insure.	Examples: Seat Ibiza, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i10
Groups 11–15 – Mid-Range Cover	A balance between insurance cost and car performance. Often suitable for drivers with a bit more experience behind the wheel.	Examples: Mini Hatchback, BMW 1 Series, Mazda 2 Hybrid, Peugeot 5008, Toyota Prius
Groups 16–20 – Higher Risk, Higher Cost	These cars often have more power or are more expensive to repair, which may drive up premiums—though experienced drivers with clean records may still find reasonable quotes.	Examples: Ford Focus, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Jeep Wrangler, Honda Jazz Crosstar, Land Rover Freelander
Groups 21–30 – Above Average Insurance Costs	Vehicles in this bracket are usually more expensive to buy and insure. Premiums may be higher due to increased repair costs or more complex parts.	Examples: Nissan Leaf, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Audi A3 Hatchback
Groups 31–40 – Premium Vehicles, Premium Prices	These models typically fall into a higher risk category—either due to value, theft risk, or repair costs.	Examples: Mitsubishi Outlander, Lexus RX L, Jaguar XF Prestige
Groups 41–50 – High-End and High-Cost	These groups cover luxury and performance cars. Expect higher premiums due to speed, brand value, and replacement or repair expenses.	Examples: Ford Mustang, Lotus Evora

Is There a Way to Check Van Insurance Groups?

Clarity Compare doesn’t currently offer a van insurance group checker—but we can still help you understand how vans are grouped and what it means for your premium.
Just like cars, vans are placed into insurance groups based on risk, with factors such as:
1. Engine size and performance
2. Vehicle value
3. Repair costs and parts availability
4. Safety and security features

How Van Insurance Groups Work

Van insurance groups range from 1 to 50, but how they apply depends on when the van was registered:
Vans registered before 2016 fall into groups 1 to 20
→ Group 1 is the cheapest, Group 20 the most expensive
Vans registered in 2016 or later use groups 21 to 50
→ Group 21 is typically the cheapest, Group 50 the most expensive
This split can make things a bit tricky. For example, two vans of the same make and model—one registered in 2015 and one in 2016—could fall into completely different group scales, like Group 20 and Group 21, despite being nearly identical.

Even more confusing: a van in Group 21 might actually be cheaper to insure than a similar van in Group 20, depending on how insurers interpret the risk.

Common Questions About Car Insurance Groups

Can my car’s insurance group change over time?

Once a vehicle has been assigned to a particular insurance group, it usually stays the same. However, industry guidelines and technology evolve, so group classifications can occasionally be reviewed. It’s not common, but a car’s group could change if newer safety data or repair costs become available.

Why do identical cars appear in different insurance groups?

Even small differences in trim level, engine size, or features can affect a car’s insurance group. For example, a basic model might fall into a lower group, while a sportier version with a more powerful engine or added tech could be in a higher one—even if they look nearly identical.

What if my car is in a high insurance group—can I still save money?

Yes! Even if your vehicle falls into a higher group, there are still ways to reduce your premium. Try:

Increasing your voluntary excess
Building up a no-claims discount
Shopping around with comparison tools
Adding security features like alarms or trackers
Opting for black box (telematics) insurance, especially for young or new drivers

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Car Insurance Group Checker

What Insurance Group Do Electric Cars Fall Into?

1. Higher upfront cost

2. Cost of repairs and parts

3. Limited availability of parts

How Do Car Insurance Categories Work?

Which Car Insurance Group Is the Most Budget-Friendly?

Which Cars Are the Most Affordable to Insure?

Who Decides Car Insurance Group Ratings—and How?

Vehicle cost

Engine power and performance

Safety and security tech

Repair complexity and parts availability

What Factors Influence the Cost of Car Insurance?

1. Your age and driving experience

2. Type of cover you choose

3. Optional extras and named drivers

4. Your location

5. Your occupation and vehicle usage

6. Annual mileage

7. Driving record

8. No Claims Discount (NCD)

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say?

Lucy H.

Mark J.

Ayesha K.

Tom R.

Natalie W.

Understanding Car Insurance Groups: Examples by Category

Is There a Way to Check Van Insurance Groups?

How Van Insurance Groups Work

Common Questions About Car Insurance Groups

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