Insurance groups

Cars sit in one of 20 insurance groups; those in the highest groups (typically high-performance models) are the ones most likely to cost insurers the most in insurance claims. Insurers may use the official insurance groups to calculate premiums but, as these groupings are provided as a recommendation only, they may choose to use their own groupings built up by working out claims patterns for the various makes and models of car on their books. There has also been a move recently to a 50-group system which allows each model of car to be more accurately banded with similar cars; some insurers have already moved over to this 50-group system. To work out which group your car sits in, the following factors are taken into account: The cost of replacement parts · How easy the car is to repair Repair costs and times The new value of the car (or an equivalent) Panel availability The car's performance Any security features fitted According to the Association of British Insurers, the cost of motor vehicle repairs accounts for over half of all the money paid out in motor insurance claims, so it's no surprise that repair costs feature strongly in how the groups are defined. If you're looking to save money on your car insurance, it's worth thinking about how the insurance group your car is in affects your premium. Cars in lower insurance groups attract a lower premium; to find out which group any car sits in, look in our 'Facts & Stats' section.