BMW car insurance Car Insurance for your BMW
BMW is known for its precision engineering, premium comfort and dynamic performance. Whether you drive a compact 1 Series, a refined 3 Series or a versatile X1, we can help you find BMW car insurance that suits your needs and budget.
Popular BMW Models We Cover
Insurance for your BMW 1 Series:
The BMW 1 Series is an entry-level hatchback that offers a more affordable route into BMW ownership. Popular with commuters and younger drivers, it combines premium build quality with efficient engine options.
With smaller petrol, diesel and hybrid engines available, many 1 Series models can be cheaper to insure than larger or higher-performance BMWs. Choosing a lower-powered trim and sensible usage can help keep BMW 1 Series insurance costs down.
Factors to consider ahead of getting an insurance quote for your BMW 1 Series:
Engine size: Lower-powered engines usually cost less to insure
Driver age and experience: Younger drivers may pay more, but telematics can help
Usage type: Commuting mileage and named drivers affect pricing
Insurance for your BMW 5 Series:
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury executive saloon or estate designed for long-distance comfort and performance. Due to its size, value and engine options, BMW 5 Series insurance is often more expensive than smaller BMW models.
However, advanced safety systems and careful usage can help offset costs. Drivers using their 5 Series mainly for business or motorway driving may benefit from lower-risk driving patterns.
Factors to consider ahead of getting an insurance quote for your BMW 5 Series:
Vehicle value: Higher values can increase repair and replacement costs
Engine size: Larger engines usually attract higher premiums
Parking location: Secure overnight parking can reduce theft risk
Insurance for your BMW X1:
The BMW X1 is a compact SUV offering practicality, raised driving position and modern safety technology. It’s a popular choice for families and drivers needing extra space without moving to a full-size SUV.
BMW X1 insurance costs depend on engine type, trim level and driving habits. Hybrid models and versions with advanced driver-assistance systems may benefit from lower risk ratings.
Factors to consider ahead of getting a BMW X1 insurance quote:
Engine and trim: Higher trims may increase premiums
Driver profile: Family use versus business use affects pricing
Safety technology: Advanced features can help lower insurance risk
Insurance for your BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 Series is one of the brand’s most popular models, available as a saloon, touring estate and plug-in hybrid. Favoured by professionals and families alike, it balances performance with practicality.
Insurance costs for a BMW 3 Series vary depending on trim level, engine size and whether you choose a sportier variant. Higher-powered models typically attract higher premiums, while standard trims with good safety features may be more affordable to insure.
Factors to consider ahead of getting a BMW 3 Series insurance quote:
Trim and performance level: Sport and M Sport models may cost more
Annual mileage: Higher mileage can increase premiums
Security features: Factory-fitted alarms and immobilisers can help reduce risk
Need cover for another BMW model?
We also insure other BMW models - from the sporty 2 Series to the powerful X5.
Ready to protect your BMW? Getting covered is simple: just hit the button, enter a few details, and we’ll provide a tailored quote.
What affects car insurance premiums for your BMW?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay to insure your BMW. Understanding them can help you make smart choices and potentially save money*.
*These are only a few of the things that can influence the cost of your insurance quote.
Vehicle model and specifications
Insurers look at the car’s make, model, engine size, age and value.
Driver age and experience
Younger or newly qualified drivers are statistically more likely to claim, which often leads to higher premiums.
No Claims Discount and past claims
Building your No Claims Discount over time reduces your premium, while past claims or convictions can increase it.
Location and mileage
Where you live and park your car affects risk. Similarly, the more miles you drive each year, the greater the risk of an accident.
Safety and security features
Cars equipped with immobilisers, alarms and advanced driver-assistance systems are harder to steal and may attract lower premiums.
Parking location
Off-street parking or a secure garage can reduce premiums because it lowers theft risk.
Telematics and driving behaviour
Choosing a telematics policy allows us to monitor your driving through a smartphone app and sensor; safer driving can earn you a lower renewal price.
Create car insurance that works for your BMW.
Check out our optional extras, so you can tailor your cover to suit your needs.
Breakdown Cover
What our customers think
Join our satisfied customers.
Ease. It's central.
“It was a very easy transition from previous insurer. The online service was straight forward too and I got covered without having to speak to anyone. The range of cover was excellent, so that’s why I chose 1st Central”.
Real people. It's central.
“I’ve been with First Central for 2 years and their customer service has been really good anytime that I’ve had to contact them. I love how I get to talk to a real person when I need to. They are supportive and provide great advice”.
Fair price. It's central.
“Their pricing is fair and the customer experience reminds me of a time when service really mattered. They're a refreshing touch in this modern age”.
Understanding. It's central.
“I passed my driving test in 2020, and my first insurer kept putting my price up. 1st Central were very understating of my situation as a first-time driver and will contact me if they see if I am struggling with payment…I think that is very considerate, and I really appreciate the support”.
Excellent service. It's central.
“The price for my cover is very reasonable for the level of cover I receive, and the customer service is excellent. Anytime I’ve had a to call the response times have been great and the advisor was very helpful”.
Support. It's central.
“I’ve only ever had insurance with 1st Central. The price has been reasonable, and I’ve also been given the support I needed throughout my time of being a customer, so I’ve never felt the need to move”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my car insurance cover me to drive other cars?
If you are aged 25 or over, then in a majority of cases we will cover you to drive other cars, although there are some exceptions to this rule, for example some occupations won't be covered.
Please don't assume that you are covered without first checking your Certificate of Motor Insurance. When you buy a policy with us, we will email this to you and can also be accessed within Your Account. If your policy includes cover for driving other cars it will be shown under section 5 of your Certificate of Motor Insurance and will mean 1ST CENTRAL will provide Third Party only cover for any accident involving the car, while you're driving it. This covers any amounts you are legally liable to pay if someone else is injured or killed or their property is damaged, but not any damage to the car you're driving.
When you're getting a quote, we'll tell you before you buy whether driving other cars is included.
The following conditions must be met for this cover to apply:
- You must obtain prior permission from the owner of the car
- You are still in possession of your own car, it is still insured and it has neither been damaged beyond economical repair nor stolen
- The other car is not owned by you and is insured by another insurance policy to drive on the public highway (and is not a rental car, or hired to you under a hire purchase or leasing agreement)
- You are not named as a driver of the other car on any Certificate of Motor Insurance
- You are not using this cover to remove the car in the event it has been seized by, or on behalf of, any government or public authority
What car insurance payment options do you offer?
If you're 18 or over, you have the option of paying in full or in instalments, subject to a creditworthiness assessment. It's more expensive to pay for your policy by monthly instalments instead of paying in full, because you're charged interest on a loan.
However, if you're 17 you'll need to pay in full as car finance is not an option for 17-year-olds, as you're not allowed to sign a credit agreement until the age of 18.
If you decide to pay by instalments, we offer two options: a direct debit from your bank or monthly recurring card payments from a debit or credit card.
When you purchase a policy for the first time and decide to pay monthly, you'll be required to pay a deposit on the day you purchase, in addition to your monthly instalments.
We accept the following cards:
Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro
Do you insure learner drivers?
Yes, we do.
We try to be competitive in the young and learner driver market and will insure learner drivers subject to normal underwriting rules.
Does my car insurance cover me to drive my car abroad?
Your 1st Central policy includes up to a maximum of 90 days’ free cover per policy year whilst driving the insured vehicle in:
- any country which is a member of the European Union; and
- any country which the Commission of the Economic Community approves as meeting the requirements of Article 8(1) of the EC Directive 2009/103/EC, or as amended.
Countries include:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (including Liechtenstein).
Currently you have the same level of cover you receive in the UK for 90 days whilst driving in Europe, and cover isn’t limited to one trip only. After the 90 days, if you’re still driving abroad, you’ll automatically have the minimum legal cover required for that country (usually third party only).
If you’ve already used your period of cover for this year or wish to extend your cover beyond your standard allowance, this will be subject to our underwriting criteria and you may need to pay an additional premium.
You need to let us know if you’re planning to take your car abroad, no matter how many days you plan to go away for.
You can view your Insurance Document Wording on our website here.