An instrument for inserting a bone anchoring element into a bone is provided, the instrument including a shaft (2) having an end portion (23, 23′) for engaging the bone anchoring element and for transferring torque to the bone anchoring element (1, 1′) and a longitudinal axis defining an axis of rotation (R); a cutting member (4, 4′) connected to the shaft (2) with cutting portions (45) that are configured to cut bone material; wherein the cutting member (4, 4′) has an outer diameter (D) defined by the cutting portions (45) that is substantially the same or larger than an outer diameter (dd) of a receiving part (500) of the polyaxial bone anchor in a region at a bottom end (500b) of the receiving part.