Car insurance group 12 new hero

The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

What cars are in car insurance group 12?

Want cheap car insurance? Compare quotes from over 160 providers
In partnership with

Knowing which insurance group your vehicle falls into is important, as it greatly influences your chance of getting a cheap car insurance quote. The higher the insurance group, the more costly the insurance premiums will be for that make and model.

This article focuses on insurance group 12, a mid-range bracket comprising family cars, SUVs and more upscale vehicles that maintain relatively affordable insurance pricing.

What cars are in insurance group 12?

Insurance group 12 contains mostly small and medium-sized hatchbacks and family cars, including the following models:

  • Volkswagen Polo (select models)
  • Peugeot 108 (premium trim models)
  • Skoda Fabia
  • BMW 2 Series
  • SEAT Arona
  • Citroen Berlingo
  • Fiat Panda
  • Audi A1
  • Kia Sportage

What factors differentiate the cars in insurance group 12?

FactorDescription
Engine sizeGroup 12 cars have small to medium-sized petrol engines, typically 1-2 litres. Larger engines increase insurance costs.
PerformanceGroup 12 contains family cars and hatchbacks that lack high horsepower and acceleration, keeping premiums affordable.
Repair costsThese models use common parts that are inexpensive to replace. Their simple construction also limits repair bills compared to more complex vehicles, which keeps the premiums down.
Safety featuresMost group 12 cars offer standard safety equipment, such as airbags and an anti-lock braking system.
The threat of theftHatchbacks and family cars have broad appeal but aren’t usually targeted by thieves, so premiums for these cars are lower.
Driver profileInsurers associate group 12 vehicles with new and young drivers. Premiums are lower for older motorists with experience.

Who are insurance group 12 cars most suitable for?

Group 12 cars are best suited for:

  • New drivers: more affordable pricing makes these cars accessible for those just starting out. Models such as the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1 are stylish yet practical
  • Growing families: spacious hatchbacks such as the BMW 1 Series provide more room than smaller cars
  • Commuters: group 12 cars’ decent performance and fuel economy suit frequent drivers. Medium hatchbacks, often found in group 12, also provide good storage for daily use
  • Downsizers: those looking to reduce size or costs from larger vehicles may find better value in group 12 while maintaining some higher-end features present in cars in higher groups
Get Cheap Car Insurance
Get a great deal on your car insurance by comparing over 160 providers
GET A QUOTE
In partnership with MoneySuperMarket

Which car insurance group am I in?

You can use a free online tool to find your car insurance group by entering its registration number, or your insurer can confirm your vehicle’s precise group. Knowing your group can help you compare premium quotes, as higher groups typically carry more expensive premiums.

Insurance groups are regularly reassessed and may change over time. Always verify your car’s current group when renewing your policy to obtain accurate quotes.

In summary, group 12 provides a good balance between affordability and performance. More premium brand models appear in this group, but insurance costs remain reasonable.

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.