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Compare BMW car insurance in the UK

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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 £2,000+ for comprehensive policies. Expect to pay more for high-performance M models and less for cheaper series such as the 1 Series.

Specific variables that increase BMW insurance rates include:

  • Engine size: Vehicles with larger, more powerful engines have higher premiums
  • Performance versions: M and Alpina models are more expensive to insure than standard editions
  • No-claims discount (NCD): Policies without NCDs have higher premiums. Multi-year NCDs provide savings
  • Driver age: Under-25s pay the most, while over-25s with experience pay less
  • Location: Urban areas are more expensive than rural spots. Parking also matters
  • Security: Discounts are offered for alarms, immobilisers and garaging
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What factors determine BMW insurance cost?

In calculating premiums, insurers mainly examine the following:

Driving record

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

Vehicle use

Policies for daily-driver BMWs cost more than those covering occasional recreational use. Mileage also impacts premiums.

Vehicle security

Insurers offer discounts for approved alarms, immobilisers, tracking devices and secure garaging. These 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
  • Ask about discounts for multi-car policies, low mileage, experienced drivers, advanced courses, etc.
  • Increase voluntary excess to £500+ to lower premiums if you can afford the extra costs when claiming
  • Add an experienced second driver, such as a partner or parent, to benefit from their good record
  • Limit the BMW to recreational use rather than as a daily driver, if possible
  • Improve security with an approved alarm and tracking system. Also, ensure garaging
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Finding the best BMW insurance

The key to affordable BMW cover is shopping around, optimising risk factors and leveraging discounts. Taking the time to compare specialist BMW insurers on comparison sites yields the best opportunity for savings.

BMW insurance FAQs

BMWs typically span a wide range of groups from 10 to 50 depending on model, engine specifications and trim level. More powerful models sit in higher groups.

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 have strong residual values compared to competitors thanks to their prestige image, performance and build quality.

Yes, BMW offers many plug-in hybrid, hybrid and all-electric iPerformance models, such as the 530e, X5 xDrive45e and iX3. More electric vehicles are planned.

The 1 Series hatchbacks and 2 Series Coupe in lower trims tend to offer the most affordable options for BMW buyers. Used BMWs can also provide value.

Increasing excess, limiting mileage, adding experienced drivers, improving security and comparison shopping help cut BMW insurance costs.

Nick Jones

Editor in Chief

Nick Jones is a highly experienced consumer journalist and editor, who has been writing and producing content for print and online media for over 25 years.

He has worked at some of the UK’s leading publishers including Future Publishing, Highbury Entertainment, and Imagine Publishing, with publications as diverse as Homebuilding & Renovating, TechRadar, and Creative Bloq, writing and editing content for audiences whose interests include history, computing, gaming, films, and science. He’s also produced a number of podcasts in the technology, science, gaming, and true crime genres.

Nick has also enjoyed a highly successful career in content marketing, working in a variety of topics such as health, technology, and finance, with market-leading global companies including Cisco, Pfizer, Santander, and Virgin Media.

Now the Editor-in-Chief of the Independent Advisor, Nick is involved in all aspects of the site’s content, where his expertise in finance, technology, and home products informs every article that’s published on-site. He takes a hands-on approach with our VPN content, penning a number of the articles himself, and verifying that everything we publish in this topic is accurate.

Whatever the area of interest he’s worked in, Nick has always been a consumer champion, helping people find the best deals and give them the information they need to make an informed buying decision.