(BTW Info in
BLUE below is take from websites, black are my comments)
I have been told
inconsistantly by many insurers (including one source of information being my ex-girlfriend who is an insurance broker with access to the insurance databases and information) that the 172 Cup can be a Group 16 or more commonly Group 17 due to its safety features of the car having been reduced compared to a group 16 'full spec' 1*2, for example ABS, traction control, less airbags, etc and the performance of the car due to its weight reduction is improved; whereas the rest of the RS Clio 1*2 range is Group 16 D. I believe the rating for the Trophy is Group 17 though too.
The OP's question in insurance differences is due to the difference the factors which create the premium to star with, for example the original cost of the car, cost of replacement parts etc etc see below.
Quote taken from :
www.expertcardirectory.co.uk
A guide to how the car insurance group rating System Works
Insurance companies classify cars in order to provide the correct level of car insurance. To do this each vehicle is assigned to a group number between 1 and 20. This means that each model can be accurately banded with cars of similar characteristics. There can be a significant spread of groups within a particular model range.
Nearly three quarters of all money paid out in car insurance claims goes on repairing vehicles. The cost of spare parts and the times taken by repairers are therefore major factors in pricing a car insurance policy. The factors used to calculate group ratings are:
1. Damage and Parts Costs: The likely extent of damage to each car model and the cost of the parts involved in its repair. The lower these costs, the more likelihood there is of a lower group rating.
2. Repair Times: Longer repair times mean higher costs and the greater likelihood of a higher group rating. Different paint finishes on modern vehicles are an important factor. These too are taken into account.
3. Value: The prices of new cars identify the higher specification models within a model range.
4. Body Shells: The availability of body shells (the basic frame of the vehicle) is taken into account in insurance group ratings because they are essential for certain accidental damage repairs.
5. Performance: Acceleration and top speed are important factors. Insurance companies know very well, from their claims statistics, that high performance cars often result in more frequent insurance claims.
6. Security: Security features fitted as standard equipment by motor manufacturers can help to reduce car insurance claims costs. Such features include high security door locks, alarm/immobilisation systems, glass etching, coded audio equipment, locking devices for alloy wheels and visible VIN numbers.
*MOST IMPORTANTLY: The next paragraph shows why different guys on this forum have been given different ratings from different companies*:
Note that car group ratings determined by the Association of British Insurers are recommendations only. Individual insurance companies, depending on their own experience, may vary from these recommendations.
EVEN DIFFERENT CARS IN THE SAME/SIMILAR (16/17) GROUP i.e. said above £500 difference between a 206 GTi and a 182. The price is mainly based on the info in the first quote in my post above, points 1-6 where all the cost variables are taken into account.
Couple of websites that also contain useful information:
http://www.thatcham.org/abigrouprating/ have a search for renault, clio, 1998cc....will give the insurance group of most of the range as 16 D (I am not sure why the RS clio has been given a D or under achieving on security issues, no tracker possibly?) The new RS 200 is a 15 according to that source.
The following website (
http://motortorque.askaprice.com) explains the ratings given to the FULL insurance group.
i.e.
Clio 182 = Group 16 D.T1
Enjoy....
Rob
