Family car insurance groups
Quick answer
Family cars span the widest part of the 1–50 scale. A basic family hatchback can sit in the low teens, while the same model in a performance trim — or a mid-size premium SUV — can reach the thirties. Size and space matter less than engine choice, trim level and how expensive the car is to repair.
Typical group range here
Groups 9–46
Typical annual estimate*
£315–£1485
*Estimate only, not a quote — driver aged 30–49, medium-risk postcode, comprehensive cover. The midpoint (28) sits in the medium band. How we calculate this.
Cheapest to insure here
| Model | Typical group range | Band | Typical cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 9–33 | Medium | from £315 |
| MG ZS | 9–22 | Low | from £315 |
| Toyota Auris | 10–19 | Low | from £330 |
| Honda Civic | 10–32 | Medium | from £330 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 10–37 | Medium | from £330 |
*Estimate only, not a quote — based on the lowest trim in each model's range.
Space doesn't push the group up — power and repair cost do
It's a common assumption that a bigger family car automatically means a higher group. In practice, a roomy, modestly-powered estate can sit lower than a small but fast hatchback. What moves the number is the performance pillar and the repair bill: bigger alloys, adaptive headlights, driver-assistance sensors and premium badging all add cost when something goes wrong.
Picking the trim is the real decision
Across the family models in our data, the gap between the entry trim and the flagship is routinely ten groups or more. If you're buying for a family budget, checking the exact derivative — not just the model — before you commit is the single most useful thing you can do, because that choice is locked in for as long as you own the car.
Highest-group models here
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class — up to group 46 (very high band)
- Mercedes-Benz CLA — up to group 45 (very high band)
- BMW 3 Series — up to group 43 (very high band)
All 44 models we cover here
- Ford Focus (9–33)
- MG ZS (9–22)
- Toyota Auris (10–19)
- Honda Civic (10–32)
- Volkswagen Golf (10–37)
- Vauxhall Astra (10–24)
- Kia Ceed (10–26)
- Vauxhall Zafira (11–20)
- Mazda 3 (11–21)
- Ford C-Max (12–21)
- Toyota Corolla (12–22)
- Skoda Octavia (12–29)
- Vauxhall Insignia (13–24)
- Nissan Qashqai (13–26)
- Audi A3 (13–32)
- Volvo V50 (13–21)
- Hyundai Tucson (13–25)
- Peugeot 2008 (13–22)
- Volkswagen Touran (14–23)
- Hyundai ix35 (14–21)
- Ford Kuga (14–27)
- Kia Sportage (14–27)
- Toyota C-HR (14–24)
- MG HS (14–22)
- Volkswagen Passat (15–26)
- Volkswagen Tiguan (15–28)
- Peugeot 3008 (15–26)
- Kia Niro (15–26)
- Skoda Superb (16–27)
- Ford S-Max (17–30)
- Toyota RAV4 (17–28)
- Honda CR-V (17–28)
- Mazda CX-5 (17–27)
- Volvo V60 (17–29)
- BMW 1 Series (18–36)
- Mini Countryman (18–35)
- Nissan Leaf (20–26)
- Audi Q3 (20–42)
- BMW X1 (21–36)
- Volkswagen ID.4 (21–34)
- BMW 3 Series (22–43)
- Audi A4 (24–43)
- Mercedes-Benz CLA (26–45)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class (28–46)
How these ratings are set
Every figure here comes from the same ABI/Thatcham 1–50 scale used across the site — there is no separate scale for a body style or a brand. See how insurance groups are decided for the rating factors behind each number, or car insurance groups explained for the wider picture. For model ranges launched since August 2024, check our Vehicle Risk Rating guide — those cars are increasingly rated on a different framework.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance group is a typical family car?
Most mainstream family hatchbacks and mid-size SUVs sit somewhere between groups 10 and 25 depending on engine and trim. Premium badges and performance versions push well above that.
Are family SUVs in higher groups than family hatchbacks?
Often slightly, because they're heavier, carry more technology and cost more to repair — but a well-specified hatchback can easily sit above a basic SUV. Compare the specific derivatives rather than the body style.
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Sources & further reading
- Thatcham Research — The motor insurers' automotive research centre. Co-runs the Group Rating Panel that sets UK insurance groups, and publishes the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) framework.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI) — The trade body for UK insurers. Co-runs the Group Rating Panel behind the 1–50 insurance group scale.
- DVLA — Get vehicle information — The official GOV.UK service for vehicle details by registration. Our checker uses the DVLA's Vehicle Enquiry Service API, the same underlying record.