Table of Contents
What Are Car Insurance Groups?
Who Decides Car Insurance Groups?
How Are Insurance Groups Decided?
The New Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) System
Examples of Cars in Different Insurance Groups
Jargon Buster – Car Insurance Group Terms Made Simple
When you’re comparing car insurance in the UK, you’ll often come across the term “car insurance groups.” These groups could have an impact on how much you pay for cover, but many drivers aren’t sure what they really mean. So, what are the insurance groups for cars, and why do they matter? In this guide, we’ll explain how the system works, what’s changing with the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) model, and give you real examples of popular cars in different groups to help you make informed choices.
What Are Car Insurance Groups?
In the UK, all cars are categorised into insurance groups numbered 1 to 50.
- Group 1 cars are the cheapest to insure.
- Group 50 cars are the most expensive.
This grouping gives insurers a starting point when calculating premiums, based on how risky and costly a car is likely to be.
Who Decides Car Insurance Groups?
Groups are set by the Group Rating Panel, which is run by Thatcham Research, in partnership with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA). Every month, the panel reviews new and existing car models, assigning them to the most appropriate group.
How Are Insurance Groups Decided?
Cars are placed into groups using several key factors:
- Repair costs and times – Expensive or complex repairs usually mean a higher group.
- New car value – Pricier cars cost more to replace after a write-off.
- Performance – Faster, more powerful cars are statistically riskier.
- Safety features – Advanced systems like autonomous braking or multiple airbags can lower a group.
- Security features – Alarms, immobilisers, and trackers reduce theft risk.
- Parts availability – Widely available parts make repairs cheaper.
The New Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) System
While the 1–50 group system is still in use, it’s gradually being replaced by Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR). Launched in September 2024 for vehicles registered after 1 August 2024, VRR looks at risk across five categories:
- Performance
- Damageability
- Repairability
- Safety
- Security
Insurers now receive both the old group rating and VRR data, but for customers, the group rating is still the visible benchmark until 2027, when VRR will fully replace it.
Examples of Cars in Different Insurance Groups
Here’s a breakdown with popular car examples to give you a practical sense of how the groups work. The examples below refer to the standard or basic versions of these models. Where you see bracketed notes such as (entry-level) or (lower trims), this highlights that the insurance group applies to the simplest version of the car. Higher-spec trims with larger engines, performance upgrades, or luxury features may fall into much higher groups.
Group 1–10 (Lowest insurance costs)
Ideal for new drivers and those looking to keep premiums low.
- Ford Ka+
- Hyundai i10
- Toyota Aygo
- Vauxhall Corsa (basic trims)
- Volkswagen Polo (entry-level)
Group 11–20 (Affordable family cars)
Popular with everyday drivers needing practicality and moderate costs.
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Juke
- Kia Ceed
- Volkswagen Golf (lower trims)
Group 21–30 (Mid-range models)
Includes larger hatchbacks, SUVs, and premium family cars.
- Audi A3
- BMW 1 Series
- Nissan Qashqai
- Honda Civic
- Skoda Octavia
Group 31–40 (Performance-oriented and premium vehicles)
Cars with stronger performance or more luxury features.
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Mini Cooper S
- Jaguar XE
- Mazda CX-5 (high-spec trims)
Group 41–50 (High-performance and luxury)
The most expensive cars to insure, often high-powered, sports, or luxury vehicles.
- Porsche 911
- BMW 5 Series M Sport
- Audi RS3
- Range Rover Sport
- Jaguar F-Type
Other Factors That Affect Your Premium
Remember, your car’s insurance group is just one part of the calculation. Insurers also factor in:
- Your age and driving experience
- Where you live
- Your driving history (claims, points, or convictions)
- Your annual mileage
- The level of cover you choose
So, while choosing a Group 1–10 car can help, your personal details play a huge role in your final premium.
Jargon Buster – Car Insurance Group Terms Made Simple
| Term | What It Means |
| Insurance Group 1–50 | The traditional ranking (1 = cheapest to insure; 50 = most expensive). |
| Group Rating Panel | The team (via Thatcham Research, ABI, and LMA) that assigns the groups. |
| Thatcham Research | Independent body that manages the rating process and new VRR system. |
| ABI (Association of British Insurers) | Trade body for UK insurers, helping set the framework. |
| LMA (Lloyd’s Market Association) | Represents Lloyd’s insurers; contributes to group decisions. |
| VRR (Vehicle Risk Rating) | The new in-depth risk model replacing the 1–50 format by 2027. |
Key Takeaways
- UK cars are categorised into insurance groups 1–50.
- The Group Rating Panel decides groupings based on repairs, performance, safety, and security.
- A new system VRR is rolling out from 2024 with full adoption by 2027.
- Popular low-group cars include the Ford Ka+, Hyundai i10, and Toyota Aygo. High-group cars include models like the Porsche 911 and Range Rover Sport.
- Your premium depends on more than just your car’s group; it also reflects your personal circumstances.
Final Word
So, what are the insurance groups for cars? They’re a standard way of ranking vehicles by risk and repair costs, helping insurers set premiums. By understanding where your car fits into these, and by choosing a lower-group vehicle if budget is a consideration, you can make smarter financial decisions and avoid surprises when buying or insuring your car.