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How much does it cost to insure a BMW?

Annual BMW car insurance premiums typically range from £600 for basic third-party cover to over £2,000 for comprehensive policies. Expect to pay more for high-performance M models and less for cheaper editions, such as the 1 Series.

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How are BMW insurance costs determined?

When calculating premiums, insurers mainly examine the following:

Driving record

Recent accidents, traffic violations and disqualifications raise rates substantially. A clean record lowers costs.

Model and performance

Vehicles with larger, more powerful engines have higher premiums, as do premium editions such as the M and Alpina models.

Vehicle use

Daily-driver policies for BMWs cost more than those covering occasional or recreational use. Mileage also impacts premiums.

Vehicle security

Insurers offer discounts for approved alarms, immobilisers, tracking devices and secure garaging. These security measures deter theft.

Coverage limits

Lower coverage levels reduce premiums but leave drivers exposed if a major claim occurs. Finding the right balance is key.

Tips for reducing BMW insurance premiums

Here are some top ways to get cheaper BMW insurance in the UK:

  • Shop around extensively and compare quotes from multiple insurers. Use comparison sites to do this faster
  • Find a policy with no-claims discounts, as accumulating these will reduce your insurance costs
  • Ask about discounts for multi-car policies, low mileage, experienced drivers, advanced courses, etc.
  • Increase voluntary excess to over £500 to lower premiums if you can afford the extra costs when making a claim
  • Add an experienced second driver to your policy, such as a partner or parent, to benefit from their good driving record
  • Limit the BMW to recreational use rather than daily use if possible
  • Minimise the risk factors within your control. Improve security with an approved alarm and tracking system and ensure your garage is safe and secure
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BMW insurance FAQs

BMWs typically span a wide range of groups, from 10 to 50, depending on the model, engine specifications and trim level. A 1 Series hatchback will be in groups 16 to 28, a 4 Series coupe in groups 30 to 42 and an i7 saloon will be in group 50.

BMWs have a reputation for being well-engineered and dependable if maintained properly. But as premium vehicles, maintenance costs are higher than average.

Yes, BMWs tend to hold their value compared to competitors, thanks to their prestige, performance and build quality.

Yes, BMW offers many plug-in hybrid, hybrid and all-electric iPerformance models, such as the i5 eDrive 40 and the iX2 xDrive30.

The 1 Series hatchbacks and 2 Series coupe in lower trims tend to offer the most affordable options for BMW buyers. You could also purchase a used vehicle to reduce costs.

Connor Campbell new profile April 2024

Connor Campbell

Senior Finance Writer

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet, Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror, the Daily Express and Business Insider

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian, BBC, Reuters and the Evening Standard

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.