Lowest Car Insurance Group: How to Pick the Cheapest Car for Your Premium

Car insurance groups rank vehicles by how risky they are to insure. The lower the group, the cheaper the premium. If you’re hunting for a bargain, start by looking for cars that sit in group 1 or 2.

What Makes a Car a Low‑Insurance Group?

Insurance groups are set by the Motor Insurers' Bureau in the UK. They consider three main things: the car’s repair cost, its performance, and how safe it is. A small engine, cheap parts, and good safety ratings push a car into the lowest groups.

For example, a 2010 Ford Fiesta or a 2012 Vauxhall Corsa often lands in group 1. Both have modest engines and parts that are easy to find, which keeps repair bills low.

How to Find the Lowest Car Insurance Group Cars

When you browse new or used cars, check the insurance group before you fall in love with the design. Most dealers list the group on the car’s spec sheet. If it’s missing, a quick Google search using the model name plus “insurance group” will do the trick.

Here are three quick ways to stay in the low‑group zone:

• Pick a small engine. Engines under 1.5 litres usually stay under group 3.
• Choose a car with standard safety tech. Features like ABS and multiple airbags are common in low groups.
• Avoid high‑performance versions. Sport trims add power and cost, pushing the group higher.

Even a few extra years of age won’t push a well‑maintained car out of the lowest groups. A nine‑year‑old Toyota Yaris still often rates as group 1.

Once you have a shortlist, get quotes from at least three insurers. Some companies give discounts for low‑group cars, while others focus on driver history. Comparing quotes lets you see how much the group actually saves you.

Don’t forget that your own driving record can outweigh the group rating. A clean license and no claims keep premiums down regardless of the car’s group. If you have a few points on your licence, even a group 1 car might cost more than a slightly higher‑group vehicle with a clean record.

Finally, think about the long‑term. Low‑group cars often have lower fuel consumption, which adds to the savings. Over a few years, the fuel difference can equal or exceed the insurance discount.

Bottom line: the lowest car insurance group isn’t a magic ticket, but it’s a solid way to keep your insurance cheap. Look for small engines, standard safety gear, and older models that stay in groups 1‑2. Combine that with a good driving history and you’ll see a noticeable drop in your annual premium.