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 8?

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

The Association of British Insurers assigns every vehicle to an insurance group from one to 50 based on factors such as value, performance and safety features. Checking a car’s group before purchasing it can be the difference between securing cheap car insurance and paying more for your premium; the lower the group, the lower the insurance costs. 

This guide looks at group 8 models.

What cars are in insurance group 8?

Car insurance group 8 includes vehicles such as the following:

  • Toyota Yaris
  • Volkswagen Golf hatchback
  • MINI Countryman
  • Ford Focus Estate
  • Kia Rio
  • SEAT Ibiza ST
  • Fiat Doblo
  • Hyundai ix20

The cars in this group are practical, decently equipped and can be sensible family transportation options. Their specifications mean their value, repair costs and insurance premiums are higher than cars in lower groups.

What factors determine which cars fall into insurance group 8?

FactorDescription
Engine sizeGroup 8 vehicles tend to have 1.4 to 2.0-litre petrol or diesel motors. More powerful engines increase insurance costs, so these cars aren’t at the bottom of the scale.
Repair costsThe price of spare parts and the complexity of repairs impact a car’s insurance group. Given their specifications, repairs for group 8 cars tend to cost more than those for lower groups.
Safety featuresGroup 8 cars typically have robust safety features and standard equipment, such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems, parking sensors and immobilisers.
PerformanceGroup 8 cars offer modest performance; they’re capable of going from 0-60mph in about 9-10 seconds and achieve top speeds of 110-130mph. Faster cars have more expensive premiums than slower models.
Threat of theftLuxury and sports cars attract thieves; the family-focused cars in group 8 are less likely targets, keeping their insurance costs down.
Driver profileInsurers associate certain cars with riskier demographics, such as young drivers. Some group 8 cars are popular choices for newer drivers, which can raise insurance premiums. 

Who are insurance group 8 cars most suitable for?

Group 8 cars can be cost-effective options for:

  • Teenagers: their practicality, safety features and reasonable pricing make group 8 models smart choices as first cars for people gaining experience behind the wheel
  • Younger motorists: opting for group 8 cars over higher-powered ones allows younger drivers to get generously equipped vehicles while avoiding exorbitant running costs
  • Growing families: group 8 cars offer the space, child-friendly features and value needed to transport kids around without the inflated insurance bills that come with larger vehicles
  • Multi-car families: having a secondary group 8 vehicle keeps multi-car insurance relatively affordable compared to a household with two cars in higher groups
  • Urban dwellers: compact group 8 cars are well suited to cities, with dimensions and manoeuvrability that make parking and navigating congested streets easier
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 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 group your car is in. Knowing your car’s insurance group helps you compare premium quotes, as lower groups generally come with less expensive premiums.

It’s wise to double-check the current group when renewing your insurance, as the Association of British Insurers continually reassesses vehicles, and cars may shift groups over time.

In summary, group 8 vehicles offer a good balance between specifications and insurance premiums. While not the cheapest to insure, costs reflect their practicality and solid performance. Group 8 is a good option if you’re in the market for a sensibly priced, well-equipped family car.