Van Insurance Groups

Key takeaways 

• Van insurance groups are a classification system used by insurers to assess the risk and cost of insuring a van 

• Groups are numbered from 1 to 50, with higher numbers for higher insurance costs 

• Factors affecting groups include repairs parts, performance, engine size, weight and security 

• Other factors that impact insurance premiums include driver’s age, location, claims history, chosen excess and where the van is parked 

• You can use a van insurance group checker to help work out how your van is ranked 

How do van insurance groups impact your premiums?  

In the same way that knowing your van's dimensions can prevent a scrape, knowing about van insurance groups can help you swerve paying over the odds for your insurance.

Here, we break down the essentials of van insurance groups, how they affect your premiums and where to find that all-important van insurance group checker. 

What are insurance groups for vans? 

Just like car insurance groups, van insurance groups are a classification system used by insurers to weigh up the risk associated with insuring a particular vehicle and the cost of the premium for that cover. 

And like car insurance, vans are categorised into groups numbered from 1 to 50 - the higher the group number, the higher the insurance cost. 

The lowest group is group one and until 2016 the highest was a group twenty. But then, after a tweak to the rules, 30 new groups were added to make the highest group now fifty.  

In other words, a group 20 van is the highest insurance group for vans registered before 2016. But group 21 is the cheapest group for vans registered after this date. 

How do van insurance groups work? 

The grouping system is designed to reflect the potential costs and risks associated with insuring different types of vans. Groups 1-20 deal with vans manufactured before that 2016 review of classifications, while groups 21-50 include those made after.  

The higher the group, the more expensive the insurance is likely to be. 

What insurance group is my van in? 

Insurers take into account a variety of factors to assign a van to an insurance group, including: 

Where can I find a van insurance group checker? 

Those in the know will go to one name for van insurance group information - Thatcham Research. It’s a not-for-profit organisation that puts together lists of insurance groups using - among other things - a panel of experts from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyd’s Market Association.

Insurance providers then use those groups to make decisions about your van cover and how much your premiums will be.  You can check what insurance group your van is in by using Thatcham Research's vehicle search tool. 

Does my van’s insurance group affect my premiums? 

Absolutely. It has a direct impact on your insurance premiums. Vans in higher groups are deemed higher risk, and therefore, more costly to insure. But the insurance group isn’t the only factor affecting your premiums.

Insurers will also look at the driver's age, location, claims history, chosen excess, and where the van is parked, for example. 

How do I choose a van with cheap insurance? 

Opting for a van in a lower insurance group can lead to cheaper insurance premiums but weigh up other factors that influence the cost too. This isn’t all about the group number; it's about finding the right balance for your specific needs. 

Tips for keeping your van insurance premiums down

Keen to reduce your insurance premiums? Try: 

Sarah Tooze
Car & Van Insurance Expert

Our expert says

These days, knowing when a van was first registered will give you a head start when it comes to getting your head around van insurance groups and the impact they have on your insurance costs.

You should also look at the security ratings which go alongside the groups. Vans fitted with security features as standard are likely to have a lower premium.

And remember, this isn’t just about the cheapest possible cover. It's crucial to find a policy that offers a suitable balance between cost and coverage.

Understanding van insurance groups can be a powerful tool in your arsenal when it comes to finding the right policy. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions that could lead to significant savings on your insurance premiums.

Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the world of vans, taking the time to understand these groups and compare your options will put you in the driver's seat when it comes to insurance.

How to compare van insurance quotes 

When it's time to insure your van, we reckon the best place to compare quotes is on MoneySuperMarket. You'll need to provide some personal details, your driving and claims history, and information about the van you wish to insure. 

You'll then receive a list of quotes tailored to your needs, allowing you to compare costs, excess amounts, and coverage levels. It’s that easy.