BMW 3 Series insurance groups
We explain BMW 3 Series insurance group ratings and what that means for running costs
)
What Insurance Group is a BMW 3 Series?
If you fancy yourself in one of the most coveted cars on UK roads but are still trying to be sensible, you might be wondering what insurance group a BMW 3 Series is in.
Insurance groups go from one to 50, with the lowest groups being the cheapest to insure.
BMW 3 Series insurance groups differ across the range, but models typically sit in insurance groups 18 to 50.
Find out all about the 3 Series insurance groups in our guide below.
)
Overview of BMW 3 Series insurance groups
The BMW 3 Series has been around since the 70s, so it’s no surprise there are a few models to choose from.
There are saloon, convertible, estate, coupe, and Gran Turismo body styles – plus, the iconic M3 that dominates on the performance front.
The cheapest BMW 3 Series car insurance will typically be found on the models with the smallest engines.
For example, the 316d SE sits in insurance group 18, while the 318i SE is in group 21.
The most expensive 3 Series model to insure is typically the M3 CS auto. This is a ferocious saloon with up to 445hp.
Models like the 318i SE in group 24 and the 320i xDrive SE Sport in group 28 fall somewhere in the middle.
Whichever model you’re looking at, the best way to tell exactly how much it’ll be to insure is to get a quote.
Insurance group ratings explained
Insurance groups are a handy indicator of insurance costs. They’re based on factors such as:
Cost of the car: cars that are expensive to purchase usually cost more to insure
Safety: including things like Euro NCAP ratings, a car that’s considered safe is more likely to be cheaper to insure
Speed: performance cars that are capable of high speeds are usually more expensive to insure
Time it would take to repair: if it’ll take a while to get your car back on the road after an accident, this might make insurance pricier
Security: if your car is an easy target for criminals and doesn’t have a lot of safety features, insurers may see this as a higher risk
 "BMW 3 Series Touring front three quarters")
BMW 3 Series insurance cost factors
BMW 3 Series insurance costs are influenced by the group your model falls into, so they’re definitely worth keeping an eye on before you buy.
Another important factor in insurance costs is information about you as the driver. This includes things like:
Your driving history (including any previous insurance claims)
Your no-claims bonus
Where you keep your car overnight
Your job title
Safety features
Safety tech helps keep car insurance low, and it’s reassuring to know your car can be relied upon in an accident or to protect against thieves.
The 3 Series has been put through its paces by Euro NCAP and got a five-star rating on crash tests.
The Active Guard Plus system with lane departure warning and a collision and pedestrian warning set-up only adds to the 3 Series’ safety credentials.
Car modifications
Modifying your BMW 3 Series can make your car insurance more expensive. You also need to notify your insurance company of any modifications to ensure your policy is valid.
Turbocharging your 3 Series is a common cause of big insurance increases, as this ramps up the car's performance.
Modifications that add value to the car or would cost a lot to fix in the event of an insurance claim are also likely to increase insurance costs.
Also, consider that a modified BMW 3 Series looks flashy to potential thieves, and insurance providers may see this as an increased risk.
If you want to keep insurance costs low, you may want to skip the aftermarket upgrades.
BMW 3 Series insurance cost-saving tips
There are a few ways you can get cheap BMW 3 Series insurance. These include:
Cut down your annual mileage so insurers see you as less of a risk
Choose a safer location to store your car overnight
Use comparison sites to get quotes and find the best deal
Add another experienced driver to your policy
Consider black box insurance for discounts
Avoid excessive modifications that could ramp up costs