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Last updated: 22/10/2020 | Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Van insurance groups

There are many factors involved when it comes to setting your van insurance premium. There's not one policy that works for everyone. Vans come in different shapes and sizes, the way we use them varies hugely, and no two drivers is the same. One of the most important factors that determines your premium is your van insurance group.

Each model of van is put into one of 20 insurance groups, based on their size and power among other things. The lower your van insurance group, then the cheaper your premium will be. Read this guide on the basics of van insurance groups, and see where your van fits in.

In This Guide:

What are van insurance groups?

Each model of van on the market is assigned to a van insurance group by the Association of British Insurers - the trade association of insurance companies in the UK. There is a total of 20 van insurance groups, with group 1 having the cheapest van insurance and group 20 the most expensive. The ABI decide which group each van is put into based on a variety of factors that affect their risk.

The size of your van is an important factor in deciding which insurance group it is part of. Generally, the bigger and heavier the van, then the higher its insurance group and therefore its premiums. Larger vehicles are typically more difficult to drive and will also cause more damage in an accident, so they are seen as a bigger risk to the insurers.

The value of the van is also a determining factor. If your van is relatively expensive then it will probably be in a high van insurance group. This is because in the event of an accident or theft, then any claims are likely to be higher and therefore a bigger risk to the insurance company.

However, some cheaper models may be also be put in a high van insurance group if their parts are difficult to replace. This makes repairing your van more expensive, and therefore any claims made against the insurance company will be higher.

The performance of your van is also a factor. If it's faster than your average van, then it's more likely to be involved in an accident and you're therefore more likely to make a claim. Faster vans with more powerful engines will usually be in a higher van insurance group.

Why should I get a van in one of the lowest insurance groups?

Getting a van in a low insurance group will save you money on your insurance. The lower the van insurance group, then the cheaper your premium will be.

If you are a young driver (aged 25 or under), then your van insurance policy will naturally be more expensive than an older driver. This is because young, inexperienced drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than more experienced road users. It's therefore highly recommended to get a van in a low insurance group if you're under 25.

The same goes for convicted drivers. If you have an unspent driving or criminal conviction, then your van insurance premium will also skyrocket. If you want to get the cheapest van insurance deal, then go for a model in a low insurance group.

What insurance group is my van in?

Most van models can fall into a range of van insurance groups. The age, specifications and any modifications made to your van are also considered. Have a look for the model of your van in this list to see what van insurance group it is in:

Citroen

  • Berlingo (1-8)
  • Dispatch (3-12)
  • Nemo (2-4)
  • Relay (4-18)

Fiat

  • Doblo (3-7)
  • Ducato (5-17)
  • Fiorino (1-8)
  • Scudo (7-13)

Ford

  • Fiesta (1-6)
  • Ranger (9-15)
  • T200 Connect (2-5)
  • Transit (5-16)
  • Transit Connect (3-10)

Volkswagen

  • Amarok (7-11)
  • Caddy (3-20)
  • Crafter (7-11)
  • Transporter (5-20)

Iveco

  • Daily (14-16)
  • Daily 35C (14-17)
  • Daily 35S (12-17)
  • Daily Classic (16)

LDV

  • Convoy (16-18)
  • Maxus (9-12)
  • Pilot (11-13)

Mercedes Benz

  • Citan (5-7)
  • Sprinter (5-18)
  • Vito (5-16)

Vauxhall

  • Combo (1-9)
  • Corsa (1-8)
  • Movano (13-18)
  • Vivaro (4-11)

Nissan

  • Cabstar (9-17)
  • Interstar (12-18)
  • Kubistar (5-6)
  • Navara (9-20)
  • NV200 (4-8)
  • NV400 (12-18)
  • Pathfinder (9-10)
  • Primastar (4-6)
  • Terrano (15-16)
  • Vanette (10-11)

Peugeot

  • Bipper (3-4)
  • Boxer (5-18)
  • Expert (6-13)
  • Partner (1-8)
  • 206 (4)
  • 207 (2)

Renault

  • Kangoo (2-9)
  • Master (11-18)
  • Trafic (3-12)

How else can I keep my van insurance premium down?

The size, value and performance of your van are not the only factors taken into consideration when setting your insurance premium. You age, driving experience and no claims discounts are also considered, among many other things.

You can reduce your premium by setting a higher voluntary excess. This is the amount you agree to pay to make a claim, on top of the compulsory excess. However, don't set your excess too high as it could become unaffordable to make a claim in the first place.

You can also lower your insurance by showing to your insurer that you're keeping your van safe overnight. By parking it in a garage instead of the street or fitting it with an extra alarm of immobiliser can help to reduce your premium, as it's showing your insurance provider that your van is at lower risk of theft.

The quickest and easiest way to get cheaper van insurance is to compare different providers and quotes. You can use our price comparison tool to get a list of all the providers and their best and cheapest van insurance policies in a matter of minutes, and you can decide which level of cover is right for you.