You wouldn't associate BMWs with cheap insurance - the premium brand is better known for performance and prestige than low insurance ratings.
But the good news is that going for a BMW doesn't necessarily mean getting stung when it comes to insurance premiums. True you're not going to find an BMW M5 here, but there are still plenty of BMW models that will cost you less to insure than you might think.
So if you want to know about BMW car insurance, check out these cars which cover everything from family movers to stylish coupes. And all with that famous blue and white roundel on the bonnet. Yes, you too can be one of those people...
If you're looking to save money on a new or used BMW, check out the best new and used car deals we've found online.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
Insurance group 10
The key fob may tell the world you drive a BMW when you plop it down in the café with friends. Little do they know you have a seven-seat MPV parked outside and it’s front-wheel drive. Yes that's right - a BMW people carrier that won't go sideways (easily).
True, all of that might go against the traditional BMW grain, but it means you can take the whole family plus luggage in the usual BMW refinement and comfort. It's even good to drive. Yes, we're surprised too but BMW has managed to make an MPV that actually handles well thanks to a platform that's shared with MINI.
The 216d won't set the world on fire but it’s smooth, quiet and hauls this people carrier along easily. Stick with this model and your premiums will be considerably lower than for other versions.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Insurance group 13
It's very easy to dismiss the 2 Series Active Tourer as not a 'real BMW, blah, blah, blah' but that's doing this a real disservice. Because this is probably one of the most underrated BMWs in the range. Yes we haven't lost the plot so bear with us. On paper this may look about as exciting as dental surgery - it's a family MPV that's designed for ferrying kids to and from school. Which it is, but it's also very good to drive. Like surprisingly good.
The Active Tourer is the five seat version (you need the Gran Tourer for seven seats) so one oddity is why this sits in a higher insurance group of 13 compared to 10. It won't break the bank but given both have the same 216d engine and do the same job, it's a little baffling.
That 216d is hardly a ball of fire, we much prefer the 216i, but you can't argue with fuel economy of more than 65mpg. The good news is that going for an automatic or a Sport version won't affect the insurance rating.
BMW 1 Series
Insurance group 16
The latest BMW 1 Series marks something of a significant change for BMW. Following the likes of the 2 Series Active Tourer, this 1 Series is now front wheel drive, something which will give BMW purists a cold sweat. For the rest of us, it really makes no difference and in fact the latest 1 Series is actually more predictable to drive (especially in the wet) while the benefit is more interior room.
What has changed is those insurance ratings. The old 1 Series started at group 18 but this newer model, launched in 2019, is group 16 so is actually cheaper to insure. That's assuming you choose the 116d SE model, although there's no penalty for opting for the automatic version.
The good news is that the 116d is a great little engine - despite the name it's actually a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit that has plenty of get up and go, with an eager nature. It's also very good on fuel with more than 61mpg on the official tests.
BMW 2 Series
Insurance group 20
Choosing a small BMW doesn't mean having to sacrifice style, as the 2 Series proves. This is a two-door that just looks right from whichever angle you see it. It sleek, low-slung styling has all the right sporting overtones, yet inside there’s a good deal more room front and back than its predecessor.
If you go for the 218d Coupe, it comes with a Group 20 insurance rating, which is markedly lower than most others in the line-up. True, it’s not as swift as some of those alternatives, but the 218d is essentially the same engine as the 220d just with a bit less power, so you won't feel like you're missing out too much...
Prices for BMW 2 Series are remaining strong on the used market so like the 1 Series, this is a car you know will hold its value well. If you want the soft top version, the 2 Series Convertible starts at group 22 (and it's also one of the best convertibles as well).
BMW i3
Insurance group 21
It may be coming up to 10 years since the BMW i3 was first introduced, at a time when electric cars were a bit of a novelty, but the fact it still looks futuristic now is a testament to its cutting edge design both inside and out. BMW has improved and tweaked the i3 over its lifetime with the latest versions now able to cover up to 220 miles on a single charge.
If you're looking at early used models, you'll find that the range is a more modest 100 miles but if you only have a short commute or are retired and don't cover that many miles any more, the i3 is an ideal fit.
While electric cars are generally more expensive to insure than conventional petrol and diesel cars, that's not the case with the i3 which starts at group 21.
BMW X1
Insurance group 22
To get the cheapest to insure X1 you have to avoid any four-wheel drive xDrive models and go for the entry level sDrive 18i model although choosing an M Sport trim, with its sportier looks, won't change that rating.
But even sticking with the entry-level SE means you won't be lacking in equipment or appeal. For starters, the 18i engine has lively performance and along with the X1's nimble handling, means you’re never hindered by its high-riding stance.
Although a smidgen shorter than its predecessor, this X1 is taller and wider to free up plenty of cabin space and there’s a generous 505-litre boot to cope with family and shopping demands.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Insurance group 23
Can you have it all in a single car? The 4 Series 420d xDrive Sport certainly does it best to provide that thanks to all-wheel drive, stylish coupe looks and an insurance ranking that undercuts its arch rival A5 from Audi.
True this model is about to be replaced by a shiny new 4 Series Gran Coupe with an ugly grille - we're still waiting for it to 'grow on us' - but that means that dealers will be keen to sell on existing stock. We'll stop short of saying you'll get a bargain, but you could make a decent saving.
There’s plenty more to like about this 4 Series too. The engine might not be the last word in refinement, but it offers plenty of performance and low running costs. You also get a well-appointed cabin with enough space for four and a decent boot.
BMW 3 Series
Insurance group 25
If ever a car was more closely associated with its brand values, we’d like to see it. The 3 Series sums up BMW perfectly: agile, intuitive to drive and crisply styled. In Touring estate form, it’s even better in our view as you get all of the plusses with the added bonus of a 495-litre boot that’s simple to expand when you need extra space.
And the good news here is that both the 3 Series saloon and 3 Series Touring sit in the same group 25 for insurance. The catch here is that you have to forego that 340i and instead stick with a sensible 318d in SE or Sport trim.
Still, it's certainly not the poor relation here, there's no such thing as a 'basic' 3 series model and the 318d is more than quick enough, making for an ideal long distance car. Of course economy of more than 60mpg helps too.
BMW X3
Insurance group 28
The latest BMW X3 is so good, it almost makes the BMW X5 redundant - spacious, incredibly refined and as good to drive as you'd expect from a BMW, the X3 is an ideal family SUV with that extra bit of class. Unlike the smaller X1, all BMW X3 models comes with xDrive four-wheel drive for that extra reassurance and while you may have to do without one of the wonderful six-cylinder engines if you want the cheapest insurance, the 20i petrol model is smooth yet has plenty of power.
The entry SE and xLine models are the cheapest to insure, but if you want to move up to an M Sport, this sits in group 29 so will hardly break the bank. It's the same story if you want the 20d engine which would be our choice here, especially if you're covering big distances.
It's well equipped too with even SE models getting not only leather upholstery but heated seats, navigation and an electric tailgate.
BMW 5 Series
Insurance group 30
There’s a strong case for the latest BMW 5 Series being the best car in the world. And not only to justify the fact it is one of the few cars we have given a maximum 10 out 10 rating to. It serves up supreme comfort and cabin space blended with driving attributes that leave you in no doubt it’s been honed to perfection.
It's no surprise this has become one of the most popular cars of recent years, offering everything from diesel economy to hybrid power and performance with the likes of the BMW M5. Of course you may have to go for something less powerful to save on insurance.
So the 520d is the one to choose if you want to save money on insurance The 2.0-litre diesel is very refined and comes with a decent turn of speed, while economy and emissions are also gentle on your wallet.
BMWs are no more expensive to insure than rivals from other premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes. The cheapest models to insure are the 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Active Tourer which have very few natural rivals.
The current BMW 1 Series starts at insurance group 26 making it considerably more expensive to insure than its predecessor which started at group 18. However, this is in line with rivals like the Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes A-Class.
It depends on what model and engine/trim you are comparing but generally both BMWs and Audis are very similar when it comes to insurance costs with both companies competing strongly with each other for sales.
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