Insurance Group Rating

In 2007, the number of insurance groups was expanded from 1-20 to 1-50. Insurance companies have until December 2009 to migrate to the new 1-50 system.

Thatcham provide the Association of British Insurers with 70% of the information used to establish the insurance group of every private motor car registered in the UK. This information is derived from Thatcham's assessment of a vehicle, including the ease of vehicle repair and the level of security.

Thatcham now host the list of group ratings on their website on behalf of the ABI.

Following the internationally recognised insurance standard 15 Km/h impact, Thatcham's engineers determine the cost of parts and times to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. The times provided use the Thatcham Times System philosophy and are accepted as the industry standard for vehicle repair times. Data on parts is similarly supplied to the insurance industry through the Thatcham Parts System, a comprehensive database of vehicle parts and prices needed to repair an accident damaged vehicle.


A vehicle's group rating is also determined by:

• The new car price, reflecting variations in trim level and the cost of settlement in the event of a 'total loss'
• Vehicle performance, both the 0-60 m.p.h. acceleration and top speed
• Parts Pricing from a standard list of 23 parts
• A vehicle's security levels

Thatcham's role in vehicle security testing has also led to new vehicles with good security being rewarded through the group rating system. Security devices fitted as standard are reviewed against the pre-determined level of security required and the group adjusted accordingly. These include alarm/immobiliser systems, high security door and ignition locks, mechanical immobilisers, visible VIN and glass etching.

The insurance groups of private cars and light commercial vehicles can be viewed here.

The Group Rating Panel comprises members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyds Market Association (LMA). They meet monthly to set advisory motor insurance market ratings for all new passenger cars in the UK. Thatcham carry out the administration of the group rating scheme for private cars and light commercial vehicles and provide the technical information used by the Group Rating Panel.