A complete guide to car insurance groups in the UK
If you’ve ever searched for car insurance and wondered why one model costs far more to insure than another, the answer often lies in insurance groups. In the UK, every new car is placed into a numbered insurance group that helps insurers calculate risk and set premiums.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how insurance groups work and how they affect what you pay.
What Are Insurance Groups?
Insurance groups are a rating system that classifies vehicles from Group 1 to Group 50.
Group 1 = Cheapest to insure
Group 50 = Most expensive to insure
The system is managed by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and calculated by Thatcham Research, an automotive risk intelligence organisation.
Insurers use these groups as a starting point when pricing policies.
How Are Insurance Groups Decided?
Vehicles are assessed across several criteria:
1. Repair Costs
How expensive is the car to fix after an accident?
Cost of parts
Labour time
Ease of repair
2. Performance
Cars with higher power output and faster acceleration usually fall into higher groups because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in claims.
3. Safety Features
Advanced safety systems can lower risk, including:
Autonomous emergency braking
Lane assist
Advanced airbags
Collision avoidance systems
4. Security
Factory-fitted alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems can reduce theft risk, lowering group ratings.
5. Value of the Vehicle
More expensive cars cost more to replace — increasing potential claim payouts.
Breakdown of Insurance Groups (1–50)
Here’s how the groups are generally structured:
Groups 1–10: Lowest Cost
Typically small city cars with modest engines.
Ideal for new drivers
Lower repair and replacement costs
Lower performance
Groups 11–20: Low to Moderate
Small hatchbacks and entry-level family cars.
Still relatively affordable
Suitable for younger drivers with some experience
Groups 21–30: Mid-Range
Common for mid-sized family cars and small SUVs.
Balanced performance and practicality
Moderate premiums
Groups 31–40: Higher Performance
Larger SUVs, executive cars and higher trim levels.
More power
More advanced equipment
Higher replacement value
Groups 41–50: High Performance / Luxury
Sports cars, high-performance models and premium SUVs.
Expensive to repair or replace
Higher claim risk
Significantly higher premiums
What Does the “E” or “P” Mean?
Some vehicles have a letter after the group number:
E (Exceeds) – The car exceeds standard security requirements for that group.
P (Provisional) – The rating is temporary, usually awaiting full data.
These letters don’t always dramatically change price but can influence insurer decisions.
How Insurance Groups Affect Your Premium
Your insurance group isn’t the only factor, but it plays a major role. Insurers also consider:
Your age and driving experience
Postcode
Driving history
Annual mileage
Where the car is kept overnight
For younger drivers especially, choosing a car in a lower insurance group can dramatically reduce premiums.
Why Two Similar Cars Can Have Different Groups
Even different trim levels of the same model can fall into separate groups. For example:
A base model with a smaller engine may sit in Group 12
A turbocharged sport version could jump to Group 25 or higher
Optional extras like larger alloy wheels or upgraded engines can increase the group rating.
How to Check a Car’s Insurance Group
You can check a vehicle’s group:
On manufacturer websites
Through insurer quote systems
Via vehicle comparison platforms
Using Thatcham’s vehicle security ratings database
Summing Up - Know your Car Insurance before you Commit to Buying or Leasing a Car
Always confirm before buying especially if insurance cost is a deciding factor.
Insurance groups exist to create a standardised way of measuring risk across vehicles. They provide a quick indication of how expensive a car may be to insure but they’re only one part of the bigger pricing picture.
If you’re shopping for a new car, checking its insurance group before committing could save you hundreds or even thousands over time.
If in doubt ask your LetsTalk Leasing Customer Service Advisor for assistance on 0330 056 3331.
