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Checking the group rating before purchasing a new vehicle can be the different between securing cheap car insurance and paying more for your premium. Today’s guide looks at group 8 vehicles.
Car insurance group 8 includes vehicles such as the following:
This group comprises practical, decently equipped cars that are sensible family transportation options. Their solid specifications increase value, repair costs and insurance premiums.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine size | Group 8 vehicles tend to have 1.4-litre to 2.0-litre petrol or diesel motors. More powerful engines increase insurance costs. |
| Repair costs | The price of spare parts and the complexity of repairs impact the group placement. Repairs for group 8 cars cost more than lower groups, given their specifications. |
| Safety features | Standard equipment such as airbags, an anti-lock braking system, parking sensors and immobilisers reduce risk, helping lower premiums. Group 8 cars typically have robust safety features. |
| Performance | With acceleration from zero to 60mph in about 9-10 seconds and top speeds of 110-130mph, group 8 cars offer modest performance. Faster cars have more expensive premiums than slower models. |
| Threat of theft | Luxury and sports cars attract thieves. Family-focused group 8 cars are less likely targets, keeping insurance costs down. |
| Driver profile | Insurers associate certain cars with riskier demographics, such as young drivers. Group 8 cars are well suited for new and family drivers. |
Group 8 cars can be cost-effective options for:
You can find your car’s insurance group by entering its make, model and registration year into a free online car insurance group checker.
Your insurer can also confirm the precise group in which your specific car is rated. Knowing the group helps you compare premium quotes, as lower groups generally have less expensive premium costs.
It’s wise to double-check the current group when renewing insurance, as the Association of British Insurers continually reassesses vehicles, and cars may shift groups over time. For instance, the Vauxhall Astra moved from group 9 up to group 10 in 2022.
In summary, group 8 offers a good balance of specifications and premiums for everyday family cars. While not the cheapest to insure, costs reflect their practicality and solid performance. Group 8 hits the sweet spot for a sensibly priced, well-equipped family car.
