Car Insurance Groups: Before you fall in love with a new set of wheels, there’s one number you need to check: the insurance group number. Whether you are looking to renew car insurance or buying your first vehicle, understanding these groups can save you thousands. But in 2026, the way we measure “risk” is changing with the phase-in of the new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR). Here is what you need to know.

How the 1-50 System Works

Traditionally, every car in the UK is placed into one of 50 groups.

• Groups 1–10: These are your “budget-friendly” heroes. Think small engines and cheap parts (e.g., VW Polo or Fiat 500).
• Groups 40–50: This is the “high-risk” zone. It’s where you’ll find luxury SUVs and supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador.

The Golden Rule: The lower the car insurance group, the lower the cost when you go to renew car insurance.

NEW FOR 2026: The Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR)

If you are buying a brand-new model launched after August 2024, the old 1-50 system is being joined by the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR).

Unlike the old groups, which stay the same forever, the VRR scores cars from 1 to 99 based on five “pillars”: Performance, Damageability, Reparability, Safety, and Security. Most importantly, a car’s VRR can change over time as insurers see how it performs in the real world.

What Factors Push a Car into a Higher Group?

It isn’t just about how fast a car goes. Car Insurance Groups are rated by Thatcham Research and the Panel look at:

• Damage & Parts Cost: If a wing mirror for a luxury car costs £800 but the same part for a Ford costs £80, the luxury car will sit in a higher group.
• Repair Times: Rare or complex cars (like many modern EVs) often take longer to fix. Longer stays in the workshop lead to higher claims costs.
• Security Standards: High-spec security (alarms and immobilisers) can pull a car down a group. Conversely, models with “vulnerable” keyless entry systems often find themselves pushed into Group 50.
• Bumper Compatibility: Believe it or not, how well your bumpers align to prevent damage in low-speed bumps actually affects your group rating!

Don’t Get Caught Out

There is nothing worse than buying your dream car only to find out you can’t afford to renew car insurance because it’s in Group 48.

Our Advice: Always check the insurance group before you buy. A “sportier” trim of the same car could move you from Group 12 to Group 25, doubling your premium for the sake of a few badges and larger alloys.

The “Before You Buy” Insurance Checklist

Avoid the “Group 50” shock! Use this 5-point checklist before you commit to your next vehicle.

1. Identify the Rating System

• Is it a pre-August 2024 model? It will be in the traditional Groups 1–50.
• Is it a brand-new 2024–2026 model? It might have a Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) from 1–99.
• Rule of Thumb: The lower the number, the lower your premium.

2. Check the “Security Suffix”

When looking at 1–50 groups, look for the letter after the number. It tells you if the car’s security is up to scratch:

• E (Exceeds): The car has better security than required. This often lowers your cost!
• A (Acceptable): Meets the standard requirements.
• D (Doesn’t Meet): Security is below standard for that group, so the car has been “pushed up” a group.
• U (Unacceptable): The security is so poor many insurers may insist you fit an aftermarket alarm or tracker before they will cover you.

3. Spot the “Trim Trap”

Don’t just check the model; check the exact trim.

• A base model might be Group 12.
• The “Sport” or “GT” version of the same car could be Group 22 because of larger alloys (expensive to replace) and a slightly faster engine.

4. Investigate “Repairability” (The 2026 Factor)

With the new VRR system, insurers are looking closely at how long a car takes to fix.

• Check for Carbon Fibre or “Mega-Castings”: These are great for weight but can be a nightmare to repair after a small bump, leading to a higher insurance group.
• Parts Availability: Is it a rare import or a limited edition? If parts have to come from overseas, expect a higher group rating due to “Repair Duration” costs.

5. Run a “Dummy Quote” to Renew Car Insurance

Before you pay a deposit, get a “mock” quote using the registration of the car you are looking at.

• Pro-Tip: Use VINTTRO Cover as your specialist broker to see if there are “Enthusiast Discounts” that aren’t visible on standard comparison sites.

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How to Find Your Car Insurance Group Right Now:

1. Thatcham Research: The official source for UK group ratings.
2. Your V5C Logbook: Often lists the group for older vehicles.
3. VINTTRO Cover: Message us with a registration number and we can tell you exactly where that vehicle sits and how it will affect your cost to renew car insurance.

Ready to Renew?

At VINTTRO Cover, we understand that niche and high-performance cars don’t always fit the “standard” 1-50 box. We look at the enthusiast behind the wheel, not just the data in the chart.

Speak to our specialist team today on 0333 4042 007 and let’s find a policy that fits.