Although less powerful and slower than most bikes, moped and scooters are cheaper to buy than motorcycles and so are favoured by young, inexperienced rider. This means they can be relatively expensive.
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What is motorcycle insurance?
Motorbike insurance provides financial protection if your bike’s involved in an accident, damaged or stolen. It’s also a legal requirement. Riding an uninsured motorcycle in the UK is a criminal offence. This includes off-roading.
The only time you don’t need motorbike insurance is if you’ve declared that your bike is off the road to the DVLA and it’s parked on private land.
What level of cover do I need from my motorbike insurance?
You can choose from three types of motorcycle or moped insurance cover:
Third party only
The lowest level of cover required to ride on UK roads. It covers injury to others and damage to their property.
Third party, fire and theft
Insures against injury to others and damage to their property. It also covers losses incurred through fire damage or theft.
Fully comprehensive
Covers all of the above, plus repairs to the bike after damage to your bike through accidents or vandalism.
Get the cover and extras you need
When you’re looking for a quote, think about what you need from your policy. Even the best motorbike insurance will be sold with the option to buy additional levels of cover. For instance, you might want protection for:
Trips abroad: most insurance companies cover riding your bike abroad, but the length of time you’re covered and in which countries can vary
Helmets and clothing: most motorbike policies offer cover for accessories, but you might have to pay extra for it. Check the limit’s high enough to cover the cost of a replacement helmet and leathers
UK breakdown: this gives you roadside assistance if your bike breaks down on the road. Some insurers charge extra for this, so look for policies that include it as standard
Pillion passengers: some insurers let you take a passenger, but others sell this as an add-on. Check whether it’s included as standard
What kinds of specialist motorbike insurance policies are there?
Scooter or moped insurance
Although less powerful and slower than most bikes, moped and scooters are cheaper to buy than motorcycles and so are favoured by young, inexperienced rider. This means they can be relatively expensive.
Sports bike insurance
This is for high-performance bikes that are designed to handle well at speed.
Supermoto insurance
Cover for lightweight bikes that are used for on- and off-roading.
Classic motorcycle insurance
Classic bikes can be worth a lot, but they’re usually well looked after and not used much, so insuring them might not be too expensive.
Multi-bike insurance
If you have several bikes, this can be a cost-effective way to insure them.
What kinds of specialist motorbike insurance policies are there?
Scooter or moped insurance
Sports bike insurance
This is for high-performance bikes that are designed to handle well at speed.
Supermoto insurance
Cover for lightweight bikes that are used for on- and off-roading.
Classic motorcycle insurance
Classic bikes can be worth a lot, but they’re usually well looked after and not used much, so insuring them might not be too expensive.
Multi-bike insurance
If you have several bikes, this can be a cost-effective way to insure them.
How much does motorbike insurance cost?
The price varies greatly between companies and also depends on a number of variables. These include:
The type of motorbike
How old you are
Your riding history
How the bike’s used
Security measures
Where you park
The excess
Policy extras
How to compare motorbike insurance
Select your extras
Let us know what you need so that we can find our best motorbike insurance policies. Consider whether you need any extras such as breakdown or legal cover or if you need your bike insured while riding abroad.
Compare your options
Have a look through the options as cost can vary significantly between providers. The cheapest motorbike insurance policy might catch your eye however check the cover levels to ensure you're fully protected if you need to make a claim.
Apply and save
Monthly or annual payment options are available however you can typically get a cheaper motorbike insurance policy by paying up front. Once you've decided on the provider you want simply apply for the cover.
How can I get cheap motorcycle insurance quotes?
Don’t simply focus on getting cheap bike insurance – you need to make sure it gives you enough cover, too.
There are, however, a few things you can do to save money on your insurance, such as:
Pay up front in full: because insurers charge interest for monthly payments
Choose to pay a higher excess: this should reduce your premium, but make sure you can afford the excess if you have to claim.
Leave out extras: don’t pay for add-ons you don’t need
Shop around: compare motorcycle insurance to get the best quote that meets your needs
Don’t auto-renew: check the quote your current insurer offers, because it might not be the best deal
Check the details and make sure you’re getting the right cover for your needs. You don’t want to be under-insured, but you don’t want to over-insure yourself, either."
FAQs
Do I legally need bike insurance?
Yes, unless you’ve declared your bike as off the road to the DVLA. Even if your bike is in storage, you may still need insurance to cover damage or theft.
Am I covered to carry passengers?
Only if you select pillion cover, which covers you while riding with passengers. Some insurers charge extra for this, so check if it is included.
Can I get cover for vintage or specialist motorbikes?
Yes, but you may need to contact an insurance broker or specialist insurer.
Can I get insurance for a quad bike?
Yes, but you may need to get your policy through an insurance broker as most companies don’t provide online quotes for quad bikes.
Am I covered for competitions or racing?
No, this is excluded from most standard motorbike insurance policies. If you need cover for a competition or race, speak to a broker about track-day insurance.
Does it cost to make a claim?
Yes, you have to pay an excess if you make a claim.
Can I cancel the policy if I change my mind?
Yes, you have a 14-day cooling-off period, which means you can cancel and get your premium refunded. However, you may be charged an admin fee.
Can I ride other motorbikes on my motorcycle insurance policy?
Some insurers offer policies that allow you to ride other bikes. These are often known as ride-any-bike policies and usually just offer third-party cover on bikes that aren’t yours. So, if you damage a bike that you’ve borrowed from a friend, you will have to pay to have it repaired.
What information do I need to share to get a motorcycle insurance quote?
You need to tell us a little about yourself, your bike and your riding history. This includes any claims you’ve made or accidents you’ve had. We’ll help you find the best motorcycle insurance for your needs in minutes.
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