Compare car insurance for your BMW from 130+ UK insurers. See which models sit in the lowest insurance groups.
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See insurance groups for popular BMW models
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BMW models typically sit in Groups 10 to 50. Trim choice makes a bigger difference than for most brands, with M-Sport variants moving up several groups from SE equivalents.
| Model | Typical Insurance Group | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Series Gran Tourer (2015) | 10-22 | 1.5-2.0L |
| X3 (2018) | 10-45 | 2.0-3.0L |
| 1 Series (2011) | 12-41 | 1.5-3.0L |
| 2 Series Active Tourer (2014) | 12-24 | 1.5-2.0L |
| i3 (2013) | 21-29 | Electric |
| X1 (2015) | 22-34 | 1.5-2.0L |
| 3 Series (2019) | 24-42 | 2.0-3.0L |
| X1 (2022) | 25-35 | 1.5-2.0L |
| iX1 | 29 - 31 | Electric |
| i4 | 34 - 45 | Electric |
| M3 (2020) | 41-42 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo |
| X5 (2018) | 50 | 3.0-4.4L |
See how BMW models compare for reliability in our BMW reliability report.
Every car sold in the UK is assigned to one of 50 insurance groups by Thatcham Research and the ABI. Group 1 typically represents the lowest insurance cost, and group 50 the highest. Insurers generally use these groups as one factor when calculating your premium, alongside your age, location, driving history, and other personal details. For example, the BMW 1 Series 118i in SE trim typically sits around Group 15, while the M135i moves up towards Group 41.
Insurance groups set by Thatcham Research and the ABI.
BMW models typically range from Group 10 (2 Series Gran Tourer) to Group 50 (X5), so insurance costs can vary significantly depending on which BMW you drive. Trim choice matters more than for most brands. SE and Sport trims typically sit several groups below the M-Sport equivalent on the same model.
Insurance groups are only one of several factors. Insurers may also weigh up your age, where you live, your annual mileage, your driving history, and any modifications to the car. Two drivers insuring the same BMW could receive very different quotes.
Whether you choose fully comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only cover can also affect your premium. Comprehensive cover is often competitively priced compared to third party only.
The most reliable way to find your price is to compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Based on typical Thatcham insurance group ratings, these four BMW models sit in the lowest group bands and may be worth shortlisting if keeping the premium down is a priority.
1. 2 Series Gran Tourer (Groups 10-22)
Typically the most affordable BMW to insure. A seven-seat MPV based on the front-wheel-drive 2 Series platform. Family-friendly and starts in single-digit groups.
2. X3 (Groups 10-45)
A wide group range across trims. Base xDrive20i in SE trim can start in the low teens, while the M40i and M40d push toward the top of the scale.
3. 1 Series (Groups 12-41)
BMW's entry hatchback. The 118i in SE trim typically sits at the lower end, while the M135i xDrive climbs to Group 41.
4. 2 Series Active Tourer (Groups 12-24)
A compact MPV with a narrower group range than the 1 Series, and typically similar starting groups to the 2 Series Gran Tourer.
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Get QuotesBMW is a premium brand, so most models sit in higher groups than mainstream rivals. That said, the 2 Series Gran Tourer (Groups 10-22) and the 1 Series in base SE trim (from Group 12) can be practical starting points if you have your heart set on a BMW as a first car.
A telematics policy could help new drivers demonstrate safe driving habits, which may lead to lower premiums over time. Black box devices or app-based policies typically monitor braking, cornering, and time of day, and reward safe driving with a lower renewal price.
If you are aged 17 to 21, see our dedicated young drivers insurance guide for more tips. Younger drivers may find rivals like the VW Polo or Ford Fiesta easier to insure at this life stage.
University students may also find our student car insurance guide helpful, particularly for advice on registering the car at the address where it is kept most often.
Seven practical steps that could help reduce your BMW insurance premium.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Prices for the same car and driver can vary significantly between providers. Comparing quotes is typically the most effective way to find a competitive deal.
Choose SE trim over M-Sport
Trim choice on a BMW can shift your group by 5 or more places on the same model. If group is a priority, SE and Sport trims typically sit below M-Sport and any M-badged variant.
Avoid the M-badged models
Full M cars (M3, M4, M5) typically sit in the top group bands. If you want the look without the group, consider an M Performance or M-Sport trim instead.
Consider the i3
The BMW i3 (Groups 21-29) may be lower-group than many petrol BMWs. Worth quoting if you are open to an electric car.
Consider a telematics policy
A black box or app-based policy could reward safe driving with lower premiums.
Increase your voluntary excess
A higher excess typically means a lower premium, but make sure you could afford to pay it if you needed to make a claim.
Pay annually if you can
Monthly instalments could add interest to the overall cost, so paying upfront may save you money over the year.
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