How much does a Volkswagen cost to insure?
Volkswagen manufacturers an extensive range of models, from sports cars with powerful engines to compact vehicles that are cheaper to run. As a result. VW car insurance costs vary greatly.
It's also worth mentioning that different models will be in different car insurance groups.
For instance, the Volkswagen Polo insurance group is Group 1, whereas the Volkswagen Golf insurance group is Group 7. Typically, the lower the insurance group, the lower your Volkswagen car insurance premiums should be.
However, because some models have different specifications and engine power, even if they are badged as a Golf or Polo, the insurance group can still vary. As an example, a VW Golf 1.2 TSI Bluemotion Tech S 3d is in insurance group 7, while the VW Golf 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance DSG 5d is in insurance group 33. That’s a big difference!
Similarly, with a VW Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 200PS DSG auto 5d you are looking at a car in insurance group 26. That’s compared to the VW Polo S 1.0 65PS 5d which is in insurance group 1.
So, although the VW Polo is smaller in size than a VW Golf, in some instances a more powerful Polo model will be in a higher insurance group than some cars within the Golf range.
This means there will also be a huge range of VW insurance costs even within ranges like Golf and Polo.
A Polo SE MPI EVO 65, for example, will typically cost just £719* to insure, but a Polo S 60 could cost £1,055* to insure for the year.
Insurers will also consider several other factors when deciding your VW insurance such as:
- No-claims discount
- The age of your car
- Whether you're married or single
- Your car’s safety rating and anti-theft precautions
- Your profession and where you live
- Your annual mileage
You may live near a traffic black spot or in a postcode where cars are more frequently stolen and that could also make your insurance more expensive.
*The prices we have used are an average based on the model and all our customer quotes from 5 June 2022 to 5 December 2022. This includes different locations, driving background and other factors. Your own quote could cheaper or more expensive depending on your personal circumstances.
All information on this page was last reviewed on 19 December 2022.
Volkswagen history and facts
The history of the Volkswagen brand dates back to the 1930s. In May 1937, the Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH was formally established. Thankfully the name was shortened a year later to Volkswagenwerk GmbH and the company established its main plant in Wolfsburg.
At the end of 1945 the British requested Volkswagen to build cars for the UK market. Since then, VW cars have enjoyed a strong presence on UK roads.
Iconic models such as the VW Golf and the VW Beetle, the designs of which lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his team finalised in 1938, have proved a global success.
While these models have been updated frequently over the years, the enthusiasm to own and drive these cars has not diminished.
The 1970s was a decade of major growth for VW, with the birth of a new generation of Volkswagens such as the Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo models.
Volkswagen is today one of the world’s most successful volume car manufacturers. The VW Group operates 118 production plants in 20 European countries and a further 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. It sells its vehicles in 153 countries.
History of VW’s Top selling models
VW Golf
While it might not quite have the number of years behind it as the VW Beetle, the VW Golf still has a pretty impressive history.
First released in 1974, the VW Golf has become Volkswagen's most popular model and one of the best-selling cars in the world.
The Volkswagen Golf has become a classic compact family car over its near 50-year history. Older models are still sought after by car enthusiasts today but those wanting the latest Golf will be impressed by the modern engine technology. It’s characterised by economy, high torque and power.
VW Polo
One of the world’s most successful compact cars, the Polo may be small in size, but it is one of Volkswagen greatest models.
First appearing in 1975, the Polo has more than held its own against rival compact cars such as the Ford Fiesta and the Honda Civic.
And the Polo continues to evolve. In 2021, VW launched the new Polo GTI. The powerful TSI engine and sports chassis, tailored specifically to the Polo GTI, transformed the best-selling compact car into a dynamic, four-door sports car.
The VW Beetle
Few cars are more distinctive than the VW Beetle. Not many cars can trace continued manufacture back that far either – from 1938 until 2003. Although in the latter years manufacture was only in Mexico.
One of the main reasons for production ending was that the Beetle’s modern competitors like Honda’s Civic and VW's own Golf, were more economical with fuel. They also offered more space for passengers and luggage.
Only it wasn’t quite the end of the Beetle story. VW introduced the New Beetle which was built on the modern Golf platform but with the curvy shape associated with the original Type 1 from the 1930s.
The New Beetle remained in production until 2010, when it was succeeded by the Beetle A5 – which also kept the curved features characteristic of the original Beetle. The Beetle A5 ceased production in 2019.
Buy car insurance and choose a freebie with Confused.com Rewards
Single annual policy. Lidl Plus app required 18+, HelloFresh 18+ subscription service, geographical exclusions apply. T&Cs apply
"Efficient and everything was done very quickly and easily."
Abdulbasir - Confused.com customer (August 2022)
"Easy to use website, good price and a Lidl reward as well."
Jannice - Confused.com customer (August 2022)
"Good selection of possible quotes with clear information about the options."
Richard - Confused.com customer (August 2022)
"Got the level of car insurance I wanted and saved money as well."
Robert - Confused.com customer (August 2022)
"Very easy and a free reward, what more do you want!"
Stephen - Confused.com customer (August 2022)
Car insurance guides

Women's car insurance
The ECJ ruling changed women's car insurance - here are a few handy tips that could keep your costs down.

The best car events
A motoring event is a great place to meet like-minded car lovers and look at the latest models. We reveal the best car events to attend in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada.

Temporary car insurance for non-UK residents
You need car insurance to drive in the UK, even as an international driver. Here's what you need to know about temporary car insurance for non-UK residents.

The most sought-after test drive cars
We analysed the average cost of luxury car hire around the world, as well as the most sought-after cars to test drive according to Google searches.

New driving laws and rules for 2023
Our round-up of the motoring laws that could affect you

Should you invest in a classic car?
Pre-pandemic, many people considered where their money would make the most profit. Here, we look at whether classic cars were a valuable way to do so.