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?
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?
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.