Insurance group (UK)
The UK's advisory 1 to 50 rating of a car's insurance risk, where group 1 is the lowest risk. Thatcham says a Vehicle Risk Rating is replacing it.
Before a UK insurer quotes you, the car itself has already been rated. The Association of British Insurers' Group Rating panel gives cars and light commercial vehicles an advisory insurance group from 1 to 50, using vehicle data that manufacturers supply to Thatcham Research. A higher group number generally means a higher premium, so group 1 is the lowest category.
Thatcham lists four inputs: the repair strategy, cost, and time; the vehicle's new price; performance, including 0 to 60 acceleration time, weight, and top speed; and the complexity of standard security and active safety systems. Its review draws on over 125 data points.
The group is one input among many. Insurers decide how to use it, and your age, address, and history also shape a personal quote, so ask for a quote on the exact model and trim.
Thatcham launched a five-assessment Vehicle Risk Rating (damageability, repairability, safety, security, and performance) on 24 September 2024, with an 18-month period when both ratings applied. As of September 2026, its Group Rating page still says the 1 to 50 system is being replaced.
Differs by market
A GB-market concept. Thatcham Research launched its Vehicle Risk Rating on 24 September 2024 with an 18-month dual-rating period that has nominally ended. As of September 2026, its Group Rating page still says the 1 to 50 system is being replaced, so check which rating your insurer uses.