CompareDirectCompare the Best UK Deals
Log in

Car insurance groups explained

Every car sold in the UK is placed in an insurance group from 1 to 50. Group 1 cars are generally the cheapest to insure and group 50 the most expensive — so the group matters as much as the badge when you're choosing a car.

Compare car insurance →

Handing over car keys across a desk with insurance paperwork

How the groups work

  • There are 50 groups, set by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Thatcham Research.
  • Each model and trim level gets its own rating — two versions of the same car can sit in different groups.
  • Insurers use the group as one of many factors when pricing your quote, alongside your age, postcode, driving history and mileage.

What decides a car's group

  • Repair costs and times — the price of parts and how long common repairs take.
  • Performance — faster, more powerful cars usually land in higher groups.
  • Security — factory-fitted alarms and immobilisers can lower the rating.
  • Safety and bumper design — how well the car protects people and limits damage in low-speed bumps.
  • New car price — a guide to the cost of a total-loss payout.

How to check a car's group

  • Ask the dealer or seller — they can tell you the group for the exact model and trim.
  • Use a free online group checker from a motoring organisation or insurer — you'll need the exact model, engine and trim, or the registration number.
  • Check before you buy, not after: two similar-looking cars can differ by several groups, which can mean a noticeable difference in premium.

Choosing a cheaper-to-insure car

  • Smaller engines and lower trims usually sit in lower groups.
  • Popular models with cheap, widely available parts often cost less to insure than rare ones.
  • Modifications — even cosmetic ones — can push the price up, so declare them and expect a higher group rating.
  • Always get insurance quotes on the specific car before committing, especially if you're a new or young driver.

Before you buy

Our listings are dated snapshots of providers' own pages, not live prices. Always check the price, contract length and terms on the provider's website. Nothing here is financial or insurance advice.

More guides

Last updated: