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What cars are in car insurance group 17?

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Cars in the UK fall into one of 50 insurance groups that determine the cost of cover. Affordable and lower-risk vehicles sit in the lower groups, while high-performance and luxury models occupy the higher groups, and can make it harder to get a cheap car insurance quote. This guide will focus on group 17.

What cars are in insurance group 17?

Insurance group 17 contains medium-sized family cars and sportier hatchbacks. Brands include Audi, Ford, Honda, Lexus, SEAT, Citroen and Fiat. Models include the following:

  • Audi A3
  • Ford Mondeo
  • Honda Civic
  • Lexus CT
  • SEAT Ateca
  • Audi Q2
  • Citroen C5
  • Fiat Bravo

Factors determining insurance group 17

Factor Description
Engine size Group 17 vehicles have modest 1.6-2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines, which offer more capacity than group 3 runarounds but aren’t as high-powered.
Repair costs Combination of family cars and sportier hatchbacks brings moderately higher repair costs than basic models. Badges such as Audi and BMW push parts pricing up.
Safety Cars feature standard safety kits such as airbags and ABS brakes. Options include extras such as parking sensors but lack cutting-edge tech found in luxury marques.
Performance Performance suits motorways while remaining practical for city driving. Engines deliver adequate pace but aren’t designed for track days.
Theft appeal Mid-range appeal for thieves thanks to standard specs and lack of pricey trim. Premium nameplates increase attractiveness.
Driver profile Draws middle-aged drivers aged 30-50 rather than high-risk young motorists. Younger drivers still pay a premium.

Who are group 17 cars most suitable for?

Group 17 cars are good targets for:

  • Families: Spacious interiors and good boot space make them ideal for school runs and shopping trips
  • Company fleets: A professional image plus low running costs appeal to businesses
  • Commuters: Decent performance and motorway manners work for longer journeys
  • Downsizers: Those trading from larger cars appreciate the blend of space and economy
  • Used buyers: Reliable models offer value on the second-hand market
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Which car insurance group am I in?

You can find out which insurance group your car falls into by entering its make, model and year of registration into a free online car insurance group checker.

Your insurance provider can also confirm the precise group your car sits in. This assists when assessing premium quotes, as vehicles in higher groups typically have more expensive insurance.

It’s important to note that insurance groups are regularly reviewed and can change over time. For instance, the Ford Focus shifted from group 10 to group 12 in 2022, reflecting an updated risk analysis. So, always check your car’s current group when renewing to get accurate quotes.

In summary, group 17 offers a middle ground between basic small cars and executive models. While insurance still costs more than low-risk vehicles, group 17 provides practicality and performance at a reasonable price.

Nick Jones

Editor in Chief

Nick Jones is a highly experienced consumer journalist and editor, who has been writing and producing content for print and online media for over 25 years.

He has worked at some of the UK’s leading publishers including Future Publishing, Highbury Entertainment, and Imagine Publishing, with publications as diverse as Homebuilding & Renovating, TechRadar, and Creative Bloq, writing and editing content for audiences whose interests include history, computing, gaming, films, and science. He’s also produced a number of podcasts in the technology, science, gaming, and true crime genres.

Nick has also enjoyed a highly successful career in content marketing, working in a variety of topics such as health, technology, and finance, with market-leading global companies including Cisco, Pfizer, Santander, and Virgin Media.

Now the Editor-in-Chief of the Independent Advisor, Nick is involved in all aspects of the site’s content, where his expertise in finance, technology, and home products informs every article that’s published on-site. He takes a hands-on approach with our VPN content, penning a number of the articles himself, and verifying that everything we publish in this topic is accurate.

Whatever the area of interest he’s worked in, Nick has always been a consumer champion, helping people find the best deals and give them the information they need to make an informed buying decision.