It may come as no surprise that the car you choose plays a big part in how much insurance you’ll be paying. Your car will be put into a car insurance group (1-50) by an independent panel that assesses each vehicle, on everything from its general safety level to running/repair costs, and then places them in an insurance group accordingly. We’ve already taken you through the cheaper groups 1-10 and 11-20, so here we’ve kicked it up a notch and found the best cars in groups 21-30.
Hyundai i30 Hatchback
Produced by the Korean manufacturer across several generations since 2007, the current version of this family hatchback was awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, so there’s no surprise that it’s a suitable car when looking for affordable insurance premiums. Sat in group 27, the i30 comes with lots of handy safety features which secured it the 5-star rating, including lane-keeping assist, tyre pressure monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
Group 27
Mercedes-Benz GLB
If you want an SUV but one that's not too large and also doesn't have eye watering insurance costs, look no further than the Mercedes Benz GLB. This compact 7 seat SUV is a brilliant family car with loads of interior space and superb styling. It is fitted with brilliant tech, similar to the A & B Class with twin screen infotainment & sleek interior features to boot. Now to get lower insurance costs you will have to have a look around, but we’ve found this model AMG Line Trim with 1.3 litre GLB 200 petrol engine which should sit you in group 24.
Group 24
Kia Sorento
Looking for a family car that doesn’t look and feel like your typical large family car? The Kia Sorento is the same size of a standard 5-seater SUV, but with one vital difference, 3 rows of seating! The 1.6 T-GDi HEV 2 5 Door version of the Kia Sorento will sit you in insurance group 30, so one of the most costly choices in this roundup. But you’ll also find that it’s reliable too, having finished 7th out of 31 manufacturers in WhatCar? Reliability survey in 2020.
Group 30
Nissan Leaf
Want to go electric? The battery-powered Nissan Leaf 110kW N-Connecta 40kWh is reasonably affordable to insure for an electric vehicle sitting in group 21 in the insurance brackets. If you’re worried about range, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that it has a range of up to 239 miles with faster and easier charging with innovative tools designed by Nissan which help you preserve your miles and stretch your battery. If that’s not enough, when you lease with Vanarama, you’ll also be able to charge at home as we will throw in a free home charger.
Group 21
Ford Kuga
This sleek SUV by Ford is a family SUV that you’ll love to drive. Rivalling the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Nissan Qashqai, the Kuga has a striking design and sportier feel. There is more room in later models like this 1.5 EcoBoost 150 Zetec which has more room inside the cabin, plus insurance isn’t too pricey either. The 1.5 EcoBoost 150 Zetec will sit comfortably in group 25 for insurance, so you’re looking at a mid-range price when looking at insurance premiums.
Group 25
Audi A3 Sportback
Looking for a premium small family saloon? The Audi A3 Sportback is a firm favourite amongst families having been produced by the German manufacturer since the mid-90s. This is one of the more expensive cars in this round-up, sitting in group 29, so expect to pay slightly more if you choose something like this. The Sportback has 5 doors, high tech interior as well as a variety of engine choices from petrol to hybrid.
Group 29
CX-5
A 5-seat SUV which is cheap to insure? Say hello to the Mazda CX-5. It’s a large SUV big enough to fit the family, but doesn’t compromise on the drive or handling. The CX-5 isn’t too expensive to insure either, out of the 50 groups this practical SUV sits midway at group 30 so expect it to pay a fair bit for insurance but not too much. This practical SUV is great for all the family as it has generous boot space and the engine offers great fuel economy too.
Group 30
Kia Soul
Now only in fully-electric form, the Kia Soul is one to look out for if you’re looking for an electric vehicle with low insurance premiums. The Soul sits nicely in an affordable group 21 the same as the Leaf but has a 280-mile range, which is surprisingly more than you’ll get with the Nissan. However, despite the longer range, the Soul lacks space and a well-designed interior. However, what you do get with a Kia, is comfort in the knowledge that you’re supported with a 7-year warranty and relatively low running costs.
Group 21
BMW i3
Another electric vehicle in our round-up but this i3 has stood the test of time, as it’s coming up to almost a decade since it was first introduced. Since then, BMW have improved on the model featuring a new and improved sleek design and even better range. The i3 can now go up to 220 miles on a single charge, vastly different from the 100 miles 10 years ago. Not only will this little hatchback deliver you to your destination with its range ability, it’ll also not cost you much on your insurance premiums, with this little run-about sitting comfortably at group 21.
Group 21
Skoda Octavia
If you like the Volkswagen Golf GTI but want more space, take a look at the Skoda Octavia. This great hot hatch provides you with great interior space, good fuel economy and also is in group 28 for insurance, so you know you’ll be paying a reasonable amount. Whilst its not the quickest hatch on the market, its very light on corners which makes you feel secure whilst out and about. It's a brilliant family car too, with plenty of legroom, front passenger room as well as a huge boot.
Group 28