What is car insurance group 16?

Key takeaways

• Cars in insurance group 16 offer a balance between affordability and features, ideal for drivers who value reasonable insurance costs and moderate performance

• Vehicles in this group often include larger hatchbacks, saloons, and compact SUVs with moderate engine power and strong safety features

• Group 16 includes models such as the Ford Focus and Honda Civic

What is car insurance group 16?

Car insurance group 16 falls in the lower half of the UK’s 1–50 insurance group scale, which helps insurers gauge how costly a vehicle is to cover. Group 1 cars are the cheapest to insure, while group 50 are the most expensive.

The ratings are determined by the Group Rating Panel, made up of members from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Lloyd’s Market Association, using data from Thatcham Research, a specialist in vehicle safety and repair costs.

While still affordable for many drivers, premiums will be higher for younger or less experienced motorists due to the slightly increased risk and repair costs associated with these cars.

When setting a car’s insurance group, the Group Rating Panel and insurers assess various factors that indicate how costly a vehicle might be to repair or replace.

These include the car’s value – as higher-priced models usually cost more to insure – along with repair costs and times, since vehicles that are quicker or cheaper to fix receive lower ratings.

The availability and price of parts, performance (such as speed and acceleration), and safety or security features like automatic braking, alarms, or trackers also influence the rating.

Lastly, claims and damage data from Thatcham Research help determine each car’s overall risk level.

Cars in group 16 are usually defined by a moderate engine size, usually between 1.6 and 2.0 litres, offering decent but not excessive power.

Repair costs are generally low too with parts often readily available. It makes these vehicles an appealing choice for drivers who prioritise affordability.

Young drivers, those with little experience, and those with previous insurance claims will face higher premiums than experienced drivers with a decent no claims bonus.

Which cars are in car insurance group 16?

Here are some makes and models of cars in insurance group 16.

Insurers can check the make and model of your car using your car registration number. You will be asked to confirm the details are correct and whether your car has been modified in any way.

Modifications may mean your car costs more to insure.

What’s the average insurance cost for a group 16 car?

According to Moneysupermarket data, the average annual cost of car insurance for a vehicle in insurance groups 11-20 is £473.75 for comprehensive cover.

Car insurance groupings are a major factor in deciding insurance premiums for providers, reflecting a vehicle’s repair costs, power and performance, and safety ratings.

However, insurers also consider things like your age, location and driving history when pricing your car insurance policy, so it’s worth comparing quotes from different providers.

Is a group 16 car expensive to insure?

Group 16 is not a particularly high insurance group – it’s more on the lower side of mid-range, balancing moderate performance with affordability.

You’re likely to see reasonable premiums when insuring cars in group 16, far cheaper than those in higher groups like 30-50 but not as cheap as those in groups 1-10.

You might be able to reduce your insurance costs for cars in group 16 by doing things like building a no-claims discount, paying a higher voluntary excess and using secure parking if possible.

It’s always a good idea to compare your options to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Who is car insurance group 16 suitable for?

Car insurance group 16 offers a number of vehicles that would be a good pick for budget-conscious drivers, young professionals and families. These drivers are likely to value affordable cars with a few advanced features or specifications that add performance and comfort.

What does the ‘e’ mean in car insurance group 16e?

In car insurance group ratings, the letter “e” stands for “exceeds.” It shows that the vehicle has better safety or security features than the standard model in the same insurance group.

These extra features – such as alarms, immobilisers, trackers, or advanced driver-assistance systems – reduce the risk of theft or accidents.

Because of this, a car rated 16e, for example, will usually be cheaper to insure than a standard group 16 vehicle without those added protections.

How can I check my car insurance group?

Use Moneysupermarket’s car insurance group checker tool to check which insurance group your car belongs to.

How can I get cheaper insurance for my group 16 car?

There are several ways you can find cheaper insurance for your group 16 or 16e car. These include:

• Pay premiums annually, not monthly

• Add a named driver

• Build up your no-claims bonus

• Limit annual mileage

• Increase your voluntary excess

• Improve your car’s security

• Park off-road or in a locked garage

You should always compare quotes from different insurers when buying car insurance.

Comparing car insurance with MoneySuperMarket

You can compare car insurance with MoneySupermarket. Drivers can save up to £514^{^} by comparing quotes and you can get a £15 SuperSaveClub reward with your car insurance policy, plus other benefits like Free Days Out.