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Taylor Milam-Samuel is an experienced insurance writer for Compare.com. A credentialed educator, Taylor is passionate about personal finance and understanding how people manage their money. You can find her work across several trusted insurance and personal finance sites, including U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Insurify, and more.
Taylor has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
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In This Article
BMW is holding onto its spot as the top-selling maker in the U.S. luxury auto market.[1] With a starting price of $47,500, the BMW 3 Series isn’t cheap, but it’s not the priciest car in the BMW lineup.[2] Insurance rates for the Series 3 mirror the higher price tag, but it’s not a huge jump from what you’d pay for most other cars.
Plus, some insurance companies, like Safeco and Root, offer rates that are lower than you might expect. Certain drivers — especially teens — might see some steep insurance costs, but plenty of solid deals are out there. Let’s take a look at the best auto insurance options for BMW drivers.
On average, insuring a BMW 3 Series costs about $176 per month, which is roughly 15% higher than the national average.
Safeco, Root, and COUNTRY Financial are some of our top insurance picks for BMW 3 Series drivers.
If you’re in Delaware, you’ll be paying some of the highest insurance rates, while drivers in Nevada enjoy the lowest.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a BMW 3 Series?
The kind of insurance policy you pick affects how much you’ll pay. Liability coverage meets the requirements in every state, and minimum coverage insurance rates are much lower. But it won’t help with your repair costs if you cause an accident or hit something.
Full-coverage insurance costs more, but it provides extra protection, like collision coverage, which usually makes it worth the price.
Here’s a quick look at the average costs for both types of policies compared to the average for all other cars, according to Compare.com data.
Vehicle | Average Monthly Premium: Liability | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies |
---|---|---|---|
BMW 3 Series | $122 | $230 | $176 |
All vehicles | $108 | $190 | $149 |
Liability-only coverage for a BMW 3 Series costs $122 per month, while full-coverage rates are $230. Keep in mind, though, that car insurance is personal. Driver age, vehicle age, car trim level, location, credit history, and insurance history all play a role in how much you’ll pay.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for BMW 3 Series
You can always find cheaper car insurance, no matter where you live or what kind of car you drive — even if it’s a luxury one.
Check out the table below for the five most budget-friendly insurance companies for the BMW 3 Series, according to our data. It’s a great starting point to help you compare rates.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Safeco | $110 |
Loop | $128 |
Root | $136 |
Mercury | $136 |
GEICO | $137 |
With an average monthly cost of $110, Safeco is the winner for low-cost BMW insurance. But remember that car insurance premiums can vary based on your unique circumstances, so you might have better rates with another company. It’s a good idea to shop around and see what’s out there to find the best option.
The Best Insurance Companies for BMW 3 Series Drivers
The bad news is that there isn’t a “best” car insurance company, as it ultimately depends on your priorities. But the good news is that you can easily find the best option for your specific needs. By figuring out your driver profile, you can discover which option works best.
The following insurers are the best option for a specific type of driver. Take a look to see which might be the right match for you.
User Reviews | 3.2 |
---|---|
Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4 /5 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $93/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $151/mo |
Drivers appreciate the quick claim handling and good service but dislike the high rates and lack of pricing transparency.
Drivers appreciate the quick claim handling and good service but dislike the high rates and lack of pricing transparency.
Root tracks your driving through an easy-to-use app for a few weeks and then gives a quote based on your safety behind the wheel. Safe drivers with a solid track record can save up to $900 per year on coverage. It’s one of the best options if you want to save money while also adding an extra layer of accountability for safe driving habits.
But there’s a catch: You may not be able to get coverage if your driving habits aren’t safe enough. It’s a significant drawback for some drivers — especially for insuring teenagers, who typically have less driving experience.
Surprisingly low rates
Fast claims process
High App Store rating[3]
Only available in some states
Quotes take longer
Might deny coverage
User Reviews | 3.8 |
---|---|
Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4 /5 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $88/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $139/mo |
Customers appreciate the accessible and friendly customer service but are unhappy with the significant and frequent price increases, especially for those with safe driving records.
Customers appreciate the accessible and friendly customer service but are unhappy with the significant and frequent price increases, especially for those with safe driving records.
Safeco is our top pick for drivers who want cheap car insurance. The company’s rates for the BMW 3 Series are much lower than average. Plus, safe drivers get cash back for staying claims-free, and the company offers accident forgiveness, making it a win-win for your budget and driving habits.
Even though Safeco earns a top spot due to its cost-saving features, it might not be the pick if you want stellar service. Unfortunately, Safeco has low customer satisfaction ratings, so customers aren’t always happy with the experience.
Affordable rates
Claims-free cash back
Available in every state
Below-average claims satisfaction[4]
Must work with an agent
Limited insurance discounts
J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 665 |
---|---|
Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $38/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $67/mo |
COUNTRY Financial hits nearly every requirement for excellence: low prices and excellent customer experience. You can choose from unique coverage options like new car replacement and trip interruption. The company also offers roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
But the biggest downside is that coverage is only available in 19 U.S. states, so it’s not an option for many drivers. You also can’t get gap insurance, which might be a deal-breaker if you have an expensive car loan or your car has low resale value.
Affordable coverage for BMW owners
Low customer complaints[5]
Easy to personalize
Only available in 19 states
Limited digital quotes
Gap insurance not available
BMW 3 Series Insurance Rates by Model Year
Expensive cars usually come with higher insurance costs because replacement costs are higher. On the flip side, older cars with more mileage are worth less, so insurance is typically cheaper for those.[6]
If you own a newer model, be prepared to spend more on your insurance. For instance, insuring a 2025 BMW 3 Series can cost around 30% more than insuring a 2010 model.
We’ve broken down the average insurance premium price for different 3 Series in the table below.
3 Series Model Year | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
2025 | $216 |
2024 | $213 |
2023 | $207 |
2022 | $210 |
2021 | $213 |
2020 | $210 |
2019 | $196 |
2018 | $200 |
2017 | $192 |
2016 | $190 |
2015 | $177 |
2014 | $184 |
2013 | $174 |
2012 | $160 |
2011 | $156 |
2010 | $149 |
Your car’s age isn’t the only factor affecting insurance costs. The place you call home also affects how much you’ll pay for coverage.
BMW 3 Series Insurance Rates by State
Your location, including the weather, traffic patterns, and crime statistics, affects the price of auto insurance. Rates can even vary within the same ZIP code, but your state is the biggest factor. Each state has different car insurance requirements and legislation, which changes how insurers determine pricing.
The map below breaks down the average rates for 3 Series in every state, according to Compare.com data.
Average 3 Series Rates by State
state_id | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Alabama | $120 |
Arizona | $174 |
Arkansas | $157 |
California | $193 |
Colorado | $186 |
Connecticut | $305 |
Delaware | $336 |
Florida | $250 |
Georgia | $227 |
Idaho | $253 |
Illinois | $103 |
Indiana | $108 |
Iowa | $149 |
Kansas | $127 |
Kentucky | $140 |
Louisiana | $198 |
Maine | $210 |
Maryland | $155 |
Massachusetts | $317 |
Michigan | $137 |
Minnesota | $241 |
Mississippi | $169 |
Missouri | $170 |
Montana | $139 |
Nebraska | $136 |
Nevada | $90 |
New Hampshire | $121 |
New Jersey | $140 |
New Mexico | $95 |
New York | $223 |
North Carolina | $130 |
North Dakota | $268 |
Ohio | $322 |
Oklahoma | $119 |
Oregon | $160 |
Pennsylvania | $151 |
Rhode Island | $157 |
South Carolina | $215 |
South Dakota | $257 |
Tennessee | $114 |
Texas | $130 |
Utah | $212 |
Vermont | $161 |
Virginia | $182 |
Washington | $125 |
Washington D.C. | $160 |
West Virginia | $114 |
Wisconsin | $142 |
Wyoming | $100 |
BMW 3 Series Insurance Rates by Age
Your age can affect your insurance costs. Studies consistently show that young drivers, especially teen drivers, have higher crash rates.[7] The good news is that rates tend to decrease as you age, reaching their lowest point around retirement age.
Let’s take a look at the average car insurance cost for the 3 Series based on age range.
Average Premiums by Age Group
Teens are three times more likely to get into a car crash based on claims history, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Insurance rates for the 3 Series reflect this extra risk, with teen drivers paying nearly double the average cost. The combination of a luxury car and a young driver leads to significantly higher expenses.
BMW 3 Series Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record is a history of your experience behind the wheel. Drivers with a clean record pay less for coverage because they’re less risky to insure. Insurers charge more once you have a violation because the likelihood of it happening again increases.
The table below shows the average rates for the 3 Series based on driving record, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Clean record | $230 |
Speeding ticket | $319 |
At-fault accident | $333 |
DUI | $378 |
BMW 3 Series drivers with clean records pay $148 less for coverage than drivers with a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction on their record. The bottom line is that insurers charge more for coverage if you have a history of violations.
BMW 3 Series Features and Options That Affect Insurance Rates
Your BMW’s features and options affect insurance rates. For example, you might pay less for coverage if you have advanced security features. Here’s a look at how features of the car help keep coverage costs low.
Extra features: The BMW 3 Series earns “Good” ratings for safety features across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it cheaper to insure and easier to get safety feature discounts.
Theft likelihood: Insurers charge more for cars that have a high theft rate. The BMW 3 Series isn’t on the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s list of most stolen vehicles, which helps keep insurance costs down.
Safety rating: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the BMW 3 Series the highest crash test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, indicating to insurers that it might be less expensive to insure from a safety standpoint.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance for Your BMW 3 Series
You can always take steps to lower your 3 Series insurance costs. The following strategies are simple but surprisingly effective.
Consider a separate policy. Luxury cars, like the BMW 3 Series, are more expensive to insure. You might be able to save money with a separate insurance policy, especially if you have a teen driver who won’t be using the BMW.
Check for discounts. The 3 Series has impressive safety features, such as forward-collision warning and protection systems, which might qualify for an extra discount.
Increase your deductible. If you can handle a bigger payment when filing a claim, choosing a higher deductible could work better for your budget.
Regularly compare quotes. Even if you already have coverage, compare quotes at least once every year. Checking rates from similar companies is a low-effort way to find cheap insurance.
BMW 3 Series Auto Insurance FAQs
Car insurance is a necessary ownership cost, but finding the right coverage level for a luxury vehicle can feel daunting. To make it easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about car insurance for the 3 Series.
Are BMW 3 Series expensive to insure?
Yes. Our data shows that the BMW 3 Series is more expensive to insure than the national average for all vehicles. The car earns high safety ratings and has extra features that can bring down insurance rates.
What’s the cheapest insurance company for a BMW 3 Series?
Safeco has the lowest insurance rates for the BMW 3 Series, at $110 per month, according to our data. It’s a solid option for drivers who want the cheapest option.
How much is car insurance for a 2025 BMW 3 Series?
The average monthly premium for a 2025 BMW 3 Series is $216, according to Compare.com data. Because it’s the newest model, it’s the most expensive to insure. But that’s true for every car, not just the 3 Series.
What’s the cheapest BMW to insure?
The BMW Z4 is the cheapest BMW to insure, according to Compare.com. Coverage costs an average of $147 per month.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- Mercedes-Benz Media News Room. "Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Year-Over-Year Passenger Car Sales Growth for Q1 2025."
- BMW of North America. "2026 BMW 3 Series Sedan: Model overview, features, and specs."
- App Store. "Root Insurance."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Naic.org. "Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Teen Drivers. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
Taylor Milam-Samuel is an experienced insurance writer for Compare.com. A credentialed educator, Taylor is passionate about personal finance and understanding how people manage their money. You can find her work across several trusted insurance and personal finance sites, including U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Insurify, and more.
Taylor has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
)
)
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.