What Cars Are In Insurance Groups 1, 2, 3, & 4?

Car insurance groups are categorised from 1 to 50, with each car assigned to a specific group. Cars are placed into these numerical groups based on a scoring system that looks at factors such as price, safety features, and engine power.

Insurers use these groups to assess risk and set premiums. Smaller, less powerful cars (typically in groups 1 to 10) are cheaper to insure, while high-performance or luxury cars at the other end of the scale cost significantly more

However, insurers don’t just look at the car insurance group when quoting for a premium. They also consider factors such as age, no claims bonuses, and personal details are taken into account. So, two cars in the same insurance group may have different premium costs. 

What Determines a Car's Insurance Group?

So, what are the factors that influence which insurance group a car is assigned to?

• Vehicle Value: In general, the more expensive a car is to repair or even replace, the higher the insurance group.
• Repair Costs: Cars with complex systems that require exclusive parts, which can make repair times longer, can expect to be placed in higher insurance groups than standard vehicles, where replacement parts are readily available and cheaper to purchase.
• Engine Size: If a car is considered to be high-performance then it'll be placed in a higher group and therefore cost more to insure. 
• Safety and Security Features: Cars equipped with advanced safety and security features may fall into lower insurance groups.
• Damage and Theft Risk: If a car is highly desirable and at greater risk of theft or damage, it will be assigned to a higher insurance group.

Insurance Groups 1 through 4 typically represent some of the most affordable vehicles to insure, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious drivers. Cars in these groups tend to have smaller, less powerful engines, which reduce the likelihood of accidents and expensive claims. On top of this, the cost of repairs and parts for these cars is usually lower, with many parts being readily available.

Let’s take a look at the four different groups in more detail: 

• Group 1: These are usually the smallest and least powerful cars, designed to be economical and efficient. They’re particularly popular among young drivers or those looking for a budget-friendly option.
  • Example models: Fiat Panda, Ford Ka, Kia Picanto, Nissan Micra (entry-level engine models), Volkswagen Polo (1.0-litre versions).
• Group 2:  Vehicles in this category are slightly larger, often offering additional features while still remaining cost-effective in terms of insurance. Similar to Group 1 cars, they are a good choice for new drivers and come with low repair costs.
  • Example models: Citroën C3, Nissan Pixo, Seat Ibiza hatchback, Toyota Aygo, Renault Twingo.
• Group 3: With enhanced performance, cars in Insurance Group 3 tend to be higher-spec and slightly more expensive to insure than those in Groups 1 and 2. However, they remain budget-friendly options.
  • Example models: Chevrolet Spark, Dacia Sandero, Ford Fiesta, SEAT Mii, Vauxhall Viva.
• Group 4: Cars in this group give drivers a lot more options in terms of power, trim, and features. They offer a little more space, specific safety features, and a larger engine whilst still having affordable insurance premiums.
  • Example models: Hyundai i10, Renault Clio Hatchback, Mazda 2, Skoda Citigo (certain models), Suzuki Alto.

If you're hoping to lower the cost of your car insurance premiums, choosing a vehicle in car insurance Groups 1-4 can make that much more achievable. Whether you're a new driver who's struggling with the costs of being on the road, or you're someone who's looking to downsize or simply save more money each month, choosing a new or used vehicle with any of these group ratings means you still have plenty of choices, but they won't come with the hefty insurance price tag.

However, it's not just about groups. While your car's group is an important part of determining your car insurance premiums, other elements such as your driving history and where you live are also scrutinized by insurance providers.

Car insurance providers don't just consider your vehicle's insurance group when they calculate insurance premiums. There are other factors at play, which you should keep in mind if you're hoping to keep your premiums low.

• Age and Experience: If you're a young or inexperienced driver, you'll be expected to pay higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of an accident or a claim.
• Driving History: Drivers with a clean record can expect to pay cheaper car insurance than those with convictions or driving offences against them.
• Where you live: Drivers who live in urban areas can sometimes pay more than drivers who live in rural areas. This is due to the increased likelihood of accidents, crime and theft.
• Annual mileage: Driving more miles each year may increase the chances of being in a situation where a claim is needed. As a result, insurers tend to offer lower premiums to drivers with lower annual mileage.
• Your no-claims discount: A no-claims discount is a reward for being a safe driver, which means lower premiums and even deals and discounts on your premiums.
• Vehicle usage: If you're using your car as a business vehicle, or for commuting, then you'll pay more for your insurance than someone who only drives for leisure purposes.
• Excess: The amount you choose to pay in the event of an accident can influence your premiums. The more you choose to pay, the lower your monthly insurance costs.
• Insurance type: The type of cover you need will also influence your insurance costs. In general, fully comprehensive policies can be cheaper than third-party policies, however, this will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
• Occupation: Some job titles are considered to be higher risk than others. For example, a mechanic or an administrator could expect to pay less for their car insurance than a chef or delivery driver.
• Car modifications: Any changes you make to your vehicle that increase its performance or its risk of theft and damage (custom wheels, engine modifications, body kits) can influence your premiums.
• Claims history: If you've made claims in the past, you can expect higher premiums than someone who has never made a claim before.

By choosing a vehicle in a low insurance group, you've already taken a significant step towards lowering your monthly premiums. Here are some other ways you could potentially lower your costs even further:

• Increase your voluntary excess: Increasing your voluntary excess means your monthly premiums will be lowe
• r. Just remember to set it at a realistic figure!
• Build on your no claims discount: The longer you drive without making a claim, the bigger your discount will be!
• Drive less: Those who drive less are considered less likely to make a claim. Just remember to be honest – drivers found to be providing incorrect information could invalidate their policies.
• Park in a secure location: Parking in a garage or driveway instead of on the street can reduce your premium. You could also consider installing additional features such as trackers and immobilisers to help lower your premiums.
• Consider a telematics (Black Box) policy: With a telematics policy, you can prove that you're a safe driver. Data recorded with one of these devices will tell insurers about your speed, braking habits and the time of day or night you're driving.
• Pay annually: Drivers who pay annually for their insurance often pay a little less than those who pay monthly. This is due to the additional cost of interest and admin fees for those who choose to pay each month.
• Avoid optional extras: Extras such as breakdown cover, legal cover, or key cover can increase the costs of your premiums. So, when you take out your policy, ask yourself if you really need them.
• Always compare as many quotes as possible: One of the most effective and simplest ways to save money on your premiums is to shop around. Never go with the first quote you're offered. Compare as many policies and prices as possible to find the right cover at the right price.