Motorbike Insurance: The Complete Guide to Comparing and Choosing the Right Policy

What Are the Different Levels of Motorbike Insurance Coverage?

• Third Party: the minimum legal coverage required to ride in the United Kingdom.
• Third Party Fire & Theft: Third Party protection plus cover for theft and fire damage to your motorcycle.
• Comprehensive: covers all damage, including repairs to your own motorcycle.

Third Party coverage is the basic insurance legally required for all riders. It covers damage and injuries you cause to others but does not cover damage to your own motorcycle, whether resulting from an accident, theft, or fire. It is usually the most affordable option but also the most limited.

With Third Party Fire & Theft coverage, you receive all the protections of a Third Party policy, along with reimbursement if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by fire. It is a good compromise if your bike has moderate value and you want protection against these specific risks without paying for a Comprehensive policy.

Comprehensive coverage provides the highest level of protection. It includes Third Party and Fire & Theft cover, while also paying for repairs to your own motorcycle, even if you are responsible for the accident or if the damage occurs without an identified third party. Interestingly, this option can sometimes be cheaper than a Fire & Theft policy. For example, 10% of new customers paid £131 or less for Comprehensive cover, while 51% of policyholders received quotes below £523.42.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of My Motorbike Insurance and How Much Does It Cost?

Tips for Reducing Your Insurance Premium

• Secure garage: keeping your motorcycle in a locked garage reduces theft risk and can lower your premium.
• Advanced rider training: completing courses such as BikeSafe or RoSPA demonstrates responsible riding and may earn you discounts.
• Annual payment preferred: paying annually rather than monthly avoids finance charges.
• Higher voluntary excess: agreeing to a higher excess can reduce your premium.
• Lower annual mileage: declaring realistic and limited usage generally represents lower risk to insurers.
• Approved security devices or tracker: a Thatcham-approved security system or GPS tracker may qualify you for a discount.

How Much Does Motorbike Insurance Cost on Average?

Premiums vary significantly depending on your age, the type of motorcycle, your location, and your claims history. Data shows that 51% of customers received a quote below £523. For a 125cc motorcycle, half of riders pay less than £826. Young riders aged 16 to 17 typically face premiums of up to £1,196.

At the lower end of the market, 10% of new customers paid £131 or less for their insurance coverage. Among those who chose Comprehensive insurance, 10% paid only £256. These differences highlight the importance of comparing multiple quotes before purchasing a policy.

What Additional Options Can I Add to My Motorbike Insurance?

Each add-on allows you to tailor your policy to your actual riding needs. For example, if you ride year-round in all weather conditions, 24/7 breakdown assistance can be invaluable if you break down far from home at night. For riders who invest in premium gear, helmet and protective clothing cover helps avoid paying the full replacement cost after an accident.

Some insurers offer bundled packages. A Comprehensive policy often includes new motorcycle replacement cover, while a Third Party policy can be enhanced with legal protection at a relatively low cost. Always review the coverage limits carefully: a £21,000 personal accident benefit may be sufficient for a solo rider but may not provide adequate protection if you regularly carry a passenger.

Motorbike Insurance by Motorcycle Type

Insurance premiums vary significantly depending on the type of motorcycle. For a 50cc scooter or moped, the maximum speed is 45 km/h (28 mph), and the minimum riding age is 16 years old. These vehicles are generally cheaper to insure, even for young riders.

A 125cc motorcycle is a common choice for riders completing the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). Insurance premiums are typically higher, with 51% of customers paying less than £826. A sports motorcycle usually costs even more to insure because of its higher performance and increased theft risk.

In contrast, a classic motorcycle is often ridden less frequently, which can reduce premiums. For a trike or quad bike, specialized insurance is usually required because these are considered non-standard vehicles and are often used off-road.

How to Get a Motorbike Insurance Quote and Purchase Coverage

• Information required: your motorcycle’s make, model, year, and registration number, along with your age, address, occupation, licence type, and claims history.
• Online or telephone quotes: you can receive a quote within minutes through an insurer’s website or by speaking with an advisor. Some insurers, backed by 96 years of experience protecting motorcyclists, offer highly intuitive quote platforms.
• Compare multiple quotes before making a decision. Some providers boast 4/5 on Trustpilot (based on 27,000 reviews) and a 5-Star Defaqto rating, both indicators of quality and reliability.
• Check included coverages and exclusions: carefully review policy terms, particularly personal accident cover (up to £21,000), legal protection (up to £100,000), and the availability of 24/7 roadside assistance.
• Confirm and pay to activate your policy. You can choose annual or monthly payments. Once your policy is issued, documents are typically delivered by email within 24 hours or by post within 5 working days. Your insurer will usually send a renewal notice 21 days before expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorbike Insurance

Is Motorbike Insurance Really That Expensive?

No. The premium depends on your profile and level of coverage. For young riders or owners of sports motorcycles, premiums can be high, but a Third Party policy often costs less than €30 per month. Comparing multiple insurers is the best way to find a policy that fits your budget.

What Happens If You Ride Without Insurance?

The penalties are severe: a fixed fine of €3,750, licence suspension or revocation, vehicle impoundment, and possible confiscation of the motorcycle. In the event of an accident, you would be personally responsible for compensating third parties, which could amount to thousands of euros.

Which Licence Is Required for Which Motorcycle by Age?

The A2 licence is available from age 18 and allows riders to operate motorcycles producing up to 35 kW. The Category A licence, which permits more powerful motorcycles, can be obtained at age 24 or after two years of holding an A2 licence. The AM licence (formerly BSR) or a Category B car licence with 7 hours of additional training is required for mopeds, depending on age and local regulations.