What is car insurance group 16?

If your car went on sale in the UK from 1 August 2024 and is part of a brand new model range, then it will be assessed under a new insurance rating system. ➡️ Find out more.

Key takeaways

• Cars are sorted into insurance groups from 1 to 50, with 1 being the cheapest to insure and 50 the most expensive, based on factors like new car value, engine size, and repair costs.

• Group 16 includes popular family cars such as the Ford Focus, and Nissan Qashqai.

• Insurers consider a range of factors when setting premiums, not just what group a car is in, so it’s always good to compare your options.

What is car insurance group 16?

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

Cars in group 16 are 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. This 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.

How are cars assigned to insurance groups?

The group rating system is run by Thatcham Research, a not-for-profit automotive risk intelligence organisation. It sets the requirements for the groups, tests vehicles, and collects all the data to see which group each car fits into.

Factors that are used to help calculate a car’s insurance group include:

• Car value – pricier cars usually cost more to insure

• Repair costs – cheaper, quicker repairs mean lower ratings

• Parts prices – easily available, low-cost parts reduce premiums

• Performance – faster, high-powered cars fall into higher groups

• Safety technology – features like automatic braking or lane assist can lower the rating.

• Security features – alarms, immobilisers, and trackers help reduce risk

💡 Top tip: The trim level of your car and its engine size affect which group your car is in so different versions of the same car model can sit in different groups. Use our our free car insurance group checker to find out which group your car is in

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 £499.99^{^} for comprehensive cover.

While a car’s insurance group affects how much you’ll pay for cover, other factors also play a major role in calculating your final insurance premium, including:

• Your age, driving experience, and claims history, as younger or less experienced drivers typically face higher costs

• Your postcode as living in an area with higher traffic, accident rates, or vehicle crime can increase premiums.

• Your annual mileage

• Your job title

• The type of cover you take out

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

• Using secure parking

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 will usually be cheaper to insure than a standard group 16 vehicle without those added protections.

Which car insurance group will my hybrid or electric car be in?

Hybrid and electric cars are rated in the same way as petrol and diesel models so you’ll find electric and hybrid cars throughout the different groups.

Some small electric cars that are in the lower insurance groups include:

• The Volkswagen E-up is in group 10

• The Smart EQ forfour is in groups 9-11, depending on the version

However, electric cars can be more expensive to repair than petrol and diesel cars, and more likely to be written off if the battery is damaged in an accident, which can push up electric car insurance costs.

See our Electric Car Insurance Index to find out the top 10 cheapest and most expensive electric cars to insure.

📣 Did you know? Electric vehicles are about 25% more expensive to repair than equivalent petrol and diesel models and their repair times can be 14% longer, according to Thatcham Research.

Which car insurance group will my classic car be in?

Classic car group ratings can vary hugely depending on the make, model and variant, as different cars will have different values, accident and theft risks and repair costs. You should look into your specific model to understand what insurance costs might look like.

Which car insurance group will my modified car be in?

Some modifications can increase the risk of theft or cost of repairs, while others can improve your car’s safety and security and therefore bring down costs. Some insurers might even request that you upgrade a car’s features before they will insure it - these cars, whichever group they’re in, will have a ‘U’ rating alongside their group number.

Do car insurance groups change over time?

No, the group rating system gives each car a score at launch that never changes. However, the new vehicle risk rating system is different as the scores update regularly to reflect changing market conditions.

Which car insurance group is my car in?

You can quickly find out what insurance group a car is in with our free car insurance group checker.

When you’re buying a new car it’s a good idea to check which insurance group it’s in case the version you’re interested in falls into a higher group than a lower specification model and could therefore have a higher insurance cost.

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.