The van insurance groups

The van insurance groups are subdivisions that vans are placed into so the insurance industry can accurately determine the risk each van imposes on their business. Before January 2016 there were 20 different groupings from 1 to 20 as set by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). After that point, this group reviewed their classification and subdivided all vans into 30 different groups, listed as 21 to 50.

With very little difference between the two lists, for simplistic reasons the old grouping will be explained which are listed from the lowest risk, 1 to the highest risk 20.

How are vans grouped?

The overall size and weight of the van are big factors into where it is classified. The logic is that the larger, wider, longer, heavier and taller a van is the more difficult it is to maneuver. This places the larger vans high on the risk factor.
The engine displacement is another factor that influences on what group a van is placed in. Larger vans are heavier and require large displacement engines that can be more powerful and obtain higher speeds. This makes their classification as higher risk than vans with economical engines of small displacement.
The less a van cost to purchase, the lower the risk scale they are, since they are cheaper to replace if damaged or stolen. Most expensive vans are also cost more to repair, which makes them a higher risk to insure.
The rarity and abundance of each type of van in the UK are also taken into account. With more of a particular make on the roads in the UK, their parts and accessories will be more abundant, which generally translates to less expensive. If the model does not sell well in the UK, then there will be fewer places to get replacement parts for repairs and maintenance so that the cost of those parts can be higher, which increases the risk of insuring them.
Vans that are modified are always classified as more risk than a version of the same model that is equipped with standard options.

ABI examines each van that is manufactured and for sale in the UK to classifies them. The main areas the ABI looks at include the following;

All makes and models are classified on a sliding scale that is determined by the options chosen by the first owner. Low risk models rank under 9 with medium but not over 13 and high risk at 14 and above. Some rank from low to high due to the variety of options, including engine size.

Low risk models include Citroen Berlingo from 1 to 8 and Nemo from 2 to 4. Fiat Doblo from 3 to 7 and Fiorino from 1 to 8. Ford Fiesta from 1 to 6 and T200 Connect is 2 to 5. The Mercedes Benz Citan from 5 to 7. Nissan Kubistar from 5 to 6, NV200 from 4 to 8, the Primastar from 4 to 6. Peugeot has the Bipper from 3 to 4, Partner from 1 to 8 with the 206 at 4 and the 207 at 2. Vauxhall has the Corsa from 1 to 8.

The medium risk vans include Citroen Dispatch from 3 to 12. Fiat Scudo from 7 to 13. Ford Transit Connect from 3 to 10. LDV Maxus from 9 to 12 and the Pilot from 11 to 13. Peugeot Expert from 6 to 13. Renault Kangoo from 2 to 9 and the Trafic from 3 to 12. Vauxhall Combo from 1 to 9 with the Vivaro from 4 to 11. Volkswagen Amarok from 7 to 11 and the Crafter from 7 to 11.

The high risk models include the Citroen Relay from 4 to 18. Fiat Ducato from 5 to 17. Ford Ranger from 9 to 15 and the Transit from 5 to 16. LDV Convoy from 16 to 18. Mercedes Benz Sprinter from 5 to 18 and the Vito from 5 to 16. Nissan Cabstar from 9 to 17, Interstar from 12 to 18, Navara from 9 to 20, NV400 from 12 to 18 and the Terrano from 15 to 16. Peugeot Boxer from 5 to 18. Renault Master from 11 to 18. Vauxhall Movano from 13 to 18. Volkswagen Caddy from 3 to 20 and the Transporter from 5 to 20.

Using the Volkswagen Caddy as an example that has the largest margin on the sliding scale from 3 to 20, it is then options that factor into just how much risk is associated with each van. The short box, small engine variety are at the lower end of risk with the extended box and large displacement engine at the upper end of the scale.

How can I lower my van’s risk?

Obtaining multiple quotes is another path to getting low-cost insurance coverage. By clicking on this link to van insurance quotes, you will receive multiple quotes from a reliable broker. There is also the limited company van insurance page with information if your van is used as part of your business.
For vans to be used as part of a business, the name of the business can be embossed on the side of the van. This is a deterrent for thieves, and most insurance companies will offer a discount for this.
Know the difference in having a named driver or any driver van insurance so that you can use the one that best fits your organization. It is less expensive to only have drivers 25 years old or older operating your van.

For the lowest cost insurance, use one of the vehicles listed in the van insurance groups with the lowest possible number. This will help you to obtain the lowest insurance rate as long as you do not modify the van.

Compare providers of van insurance

When searching for a good deal on van insurance, spend some time researching the available deals and check direct with specialist van insurance providers some key players in this sector include Gladiator van insurance, AXA, Direct Line Van Insurance and TESCO.