ABI / Thatcham Insurance Groupings


At Premium Choice we are often asked how to get cheaper car and van insurance.  One of the ways is to consider the insurance category of the vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing.  This can make a dramatic difference to the cost, especially if you’re a younger driver.

Below are some answers to questions we often get asked.

What are ABI insurance groups?

In the UK, a car’s insurance category is determined by a panel which meets monthly.  The panel consists of members of the ABI (Association of British Insurers) and the LMA (Lloyds Market Association).  New types of vehicle are classified after testing at the Thatcham Research Centre and it is Thatcham which administers the scheme.


What is the relevance to me?

Thatcham looks at the damage caused by impacts and the cost of the repairs.  This in turn provides information about the likely insurance payouts for various types of cars.  The ABI and the MLA then use this information as part of their way of categorising cars and vans in terms of insurance risk and this is used by the insurance industry.  Many other factors are taken into account as well.


How does this help me to get a cheaper insurance premium?

Clearly certain types of car will be seen by insurers as a higher risk than others.  If you are a young or convicted driver in particular, you might want to take this into account before you decide on a model to buy.  Choosing a rare import, for example, is definitely going to put you in a higher insurance category.


How many insurance groups are there?

This has just changed.  Before 2007 there were only 20 main categories of insurance grouping.  Since 2007 this number has risen to 50 and from December 2009 all insurance companies have been required to migrate to the new classifications.


How do I find out which insurance group my car or van is in?

You can either ask us or go to http://www.thatcham.org/abigrouprating/index.jsp?page=343 where you will be able to get this information.

For more questions on insurance categories, please call us on 0800 130 3744

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