You have to have motorbike insurance to ride legally on UK roads, but you may also want extra protection against the rise in motorbike theft in some areas of the UK. Comparing insurance deals could save you hundreds of pounds. Our guide explains what you're likely to pay, and how to save.
You have to have motorbike insurance to ride legally on UK roads, but you may also want extra protection against the rise in motorbike theft in some areas of the UK. Comparing insurance deals could save you hundreds of pounds. Our guide explains what you’re likely to pay, and how to get more for less.
Motorbike insurance works similarly to car insurance, with different levels of cover: third party offers the least, then third party, fire and theft, and then comprehensive is the highest level of cover. You have to have at least third party to drive legally on UK roads.
Motorbike insurance jargon explained
Certificate of motor insurance. Your insurer will send you this document. It is legal evidence that you’re insured. Duty of disclosure. Honesty is the best policy. An insurer can refuse to pay your claim if you didn’t answer its questions truthfully when you applied for cover – but you also need to disclose any relevant details that changed since then, such as a change in your address or job or a modification to the bike. Insurance policy document. Your insurer will send you this. It contains the list of what your policy will and won’t cover. No claims bonus. Also known as a no claims discount. For each year you ride your bike and don’t make a claim, an insurer will usually give you a discount on the following year’s premium.
What does motorbike insurance cover?
Just as with car insurance, comprehensive gives you the highest level of cover but can be cheaper than third party. One study by the comparison technology firm vast:visibility found that during 2019, annual comprehensive motorcycle policies cost £243 on average, vs £323 for third-party policies.
This is why it’s always worth checking the cost of comprehensive cover, since you might get more for less. The reason for the difference is that people who get third-party cover tend to have a more risky profile, which pushes up the premiums.
We explain what’s included – and what’s excluded – in each level of cover.
This is the most complete form of insurance you can get. Benefits vary by insurer, but comprehensive motorbike insurance typically covers most types of loss or damage.
What is covered?
Everything covered under a third party, fire and theft policy
Damage to your motorbike through accident
Cover for your personal injuries
Some policies include additional cover, such as riding accessories, sidecar cover and legal protection
What isn’t covered?
All policies have some exclusions, which vary by insurer
In addition to providing the benefits of third-party cover, this protects your bike against fire and theft. It’s a popular choice for those who find comprehensive comes in too expensive.
What is covered?
Injuries to others, including riders on your motorbike, people in other vehicles and pedestrians
Damage to other people’s property or other vehicles.
Some policies include the cost of legal claims against you
Replacing your motorbike if stolen
Damage to your motorbike as a result of attempted theft or fire
What isn’t covered?
Other damage to your motorbike
Cover for your personal injuries
A payout if your motorbike is written off
This is the minimum level of cover that all UK drivers are required to have by law. It isn’t always the cheapest and doesn’t protect your own motorcycle against any type of damage.
What is covered?
Injuries to others, including riders on your motorbike, people in other vehicles and pedestrians
Damage to other people’s property or other vehicles
Some policies include the cost of legal claims against you
What isn’t covered?
Damage to your motorbike
Personal injury
Cover for your motorbike against theft
Laid-up insurance is for motorbikes in storage (not for riders who are out of action). It means your bike is still covered for fire and theft even when it isn’t being used. This insurance won’t cover you to ride your bike.
What is covered?
Damage to your motorcycle as a result of attempted theft or fire
What isn’t covered?
You’re not covered to ride your bike during this period
For some people, a comprehensive policy works out cheaper than the more limited options, so always get a quote for that in addition to any other types.”
How to compare motorbike insurance
Look beyond your current provider and your current level. Sticking with the same provider is likely to see your premium rise. The Financial Conduct Authority, the UK finance watchdog, wants to stop the “loyalty penalty” which has seen insurers charging long-standing customers extra. If you have third-party cover, also check whether comprehensive might be cheaper.
Try different versions of your job description in the quote. Your quotes are influenced by your age, location, occupation, and marital status, among other factors. You need to ensure all your personal details are accurate, but if your job title can legitimately be described in different ways, it’s worth checking all variations.
Get the right usage class. If you’re not using your bike for commuting, pick “Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP)”. If you are commuting on it, you’ll want to pick either the “Social including commuting” option or “Class 1 business use” (if you’re using it during work, too). If you’re using the bike for deliveries such as fast food or Amazon parcels, you’ll need dedicated “Class 3” cover for that.
Compare the benefits as well as the price. Not all comprehensive policies cover your helmet and leathers, for example. It’s always worth checking the detail. It’s possible to get cheap motorbike insurance with good benefits.
What types of motorbike can I insure?
For certain types of bike, you may need a specialist insurer – such as for some types of modified bike. Here are the main types of motorbike you can insure.
Mopeds and scooters. A moped typically has an engine of 50cc or below, and scooters are 50cc to 150cc. Since mopeds have a lower top speed, insurers view them as less risky. We’ve created a guide to scooter and moped insurance.
Off-road bikes. Off-road and quad bikes need to be insured unless you’re using them only on private land (with the permission of the land owner). It can be expensive to insure off-road bikes used for motocross or racing.
Classic motorbikes. Typically 20 to 30 years old, classic bikes have a different risk profile from the rest, in the eyes of insurers. They can be highly valuable (expensive to insurer) but owners tend to look after them well and use them less frequently (bringing down the premium cost). Our guide to classic motorbike insurance explains more.
Power and modifications mean a higher premium
Finder insurance expert Danny Butler explains
Just as with cars, a powerful engine in your motorbike will usually mean a higher insurance premium. That’s because insurers view powerful bikes as more likely to be involved in an accident, and at higher speeds.
In a similar way, customising your motorbike can also push up the premium because modifications can boost the bike’s performance and make it more likely to be involved in a crash. And modifications that make the bike look more appealing can make it more likely to be stolen.
If you modify your bike and don’t tell your insurer, it can refuse to pay out a claim, so it’s key that you tell the company about any relevant changes.
That doesn’t mean you have to phone up for every tiny tweak. Insurers typically list the changes you don’t need to tell them about, such as replacing the seat on the bike. But if it’s not on the list, you’ll have to declare it.
The insurer will then decide whether it’s a performance modification (such as an upgraded exhaust system or new, longer-lasting braided brake lines) or a cosmetic modification (such as a different screen) and it’s likely to raise your premium at least slightly.
What is an excess?
You’ll usually have to pay an excess when you make a claim. This is the amount you must contribute towards the cost of a claim. The amount can vary by hundreds of pounds between providers, but you should be able to review the figure before taking out a policy.
The two main types of excess are:
Compulsory. Set by the provider and payable for most claims. The amount for this cannot be changed by you. Young and inexperienced riders may have to pay a higher excess.
Voluntary. This is set by you and payable on top of the compulsory excess. Setting this type of excess to a higher amount will usually lower your premiums, but make sure you can actually afford to pay it should the need arises.
What affects the cost of my motorcycle insurance?
Your insurance premium is generally based on how likely you are to make a claim and how expensive that claim is likely to be. So there are many factors that affect your premium – some which you can control. Insurers use the factors below to calculate your premium.
Your age. Insurers rely on statistics to work out how likely you are to make a claim. Unfortunately for young drivers, those aged 17-25 are considered the riskiest age group of all and therefore are charged higher rates.
Your bike. If you’re driving an expensive, powerful or rare bike, expect to pay your insurer a top rate, as the expected cost of repairs will be much higher. Bikes with a large, powerful engine will also attract higher premiums, as they’re considered more likely to be involved in a crash.
How secure your bike is. Any security measures that protect your motorbike from being stolen will drive down your premiums. Whether you store your motorbike in a garage or have anti-theft tools such as bike locks or ground anchors, be sure to notify your insurer as you could be entitled to a discount.
Where you live. Your postcode is likely to impact the cost of insuring your motorbike. Living in an urbanised area will raise your premium, due to a greater risk of accident, as will living in an area with higher levels of theft.
How you use your bike. Most insurers will want to know when you use your motorbike and how often. If you typically ride your bike at busier times of the day, such as on your commute to work, expect to pay a higher rate. Additionally, the more time you spend on the road, the more you’re likely to pay, as your chances of being involved in an accident are greater.
Your riding history. Your claims history is one of the most significant ways insurers calculate your insurance premium. If you have points on your licence or have recently made a claim, you’ll be charged a higher rate. Securing a no claims bonus is a key way to save on your insurance.
Your excess. Generally speaking, the higher the voluntary excess you sign up for, the less your insurance will cost. This is because if you do make a claim, your insurer will have less to pay. However, make sure you don’t set your voluntary excess to an amount you cannot actually afford to pay should you need to make a claim.
How can I get cheaper motorcycle insurance?
Some factors that contribute to your premium are beyond your control, but there are a couple that you can change.
Become an advanced rider. Some (but not all) insurers will offer a discount of up to 10% if you’ve got an advanced rider qualification, such as the BikeSafe certificate or RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle standards. Before signing up to a course, check your insurer will recognise it.
Boost your security. Motorbike theft is a popular pastime, especially in London. According to the motorbike security firm Datatool, a bike is more than twice as likely to be stolen as a car. Ideally, keep your bike in a locked garage. Insurers have different criteria, but generally will want to know about alarms, immobilisers and trackers, as well as any ground anchor, locks or chains. Many insurers recognise devices approved by Thatcham, which specialises in rating security gadgets.
Pay for the year upfront. Few people realise that paying in monthly instalments for your insurance is a form of credit, and drives up the price. If you can pay for the year upfront, it will typically be cheaper. We show an example from a quote in 2021.
Comprehensive policy for a teacher with a Suzuki Bandit, London
Annual payment = £363.77
Same policy, paid in monthly instalments
1 X £57.57
8 x £49.89
Total = £456.69
Difference vs annual = £92.92
How to claim if you’ve had an accident
If you’re involved in an accident and would like to make a claim, keep the following tips in mind to help the process run smoothly.
At the scene of the accident. Make a note of the names, contact information and registration numbers of the other people involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. If a police report had been put together, be sure to make a note of the report number. Take pictures of the scene if possible.
Before you make the claim. Consider all the consequences that might arise as a result of making a claim. You’ll need to review your insurance policy and check up on any excess obligations you may have, as well as the impact of loosing your no claims bonus.
Make the claim as quickly as possible. You must give the insurance company complete and accurate information about your accident as close to the date of the incident as possible.
Provide proof. If available, provide as many supporting documents as possible and make sure that the insurance company acknowledges that your claim was received.
Keep in regular contact with your insurer. You’ll have to answer any questions that are relevant for the assessment of your claim. To ensure everything goes smoothly and you get a quick resolution, make sure you stay up to date with how your claim is progressing.
If you’ve just got your licence and are looking for insurance, you’re likely to pay a high rate, especially if you’re under 25.
It’s worth looking for specialist policies for new riders. The best thing you can do is take it nice and easy and start building up a good record and a no claims bonus. Then you’ll begin to see your insurance premium fall.
The riders’ details. You’ll need to give your name, address, date of birth and occupation. You’ll also need to give this for anyone else who’ll ride the bike.
The riders’ driving history. The insurer will ask about any convictions you or other riders have, and any claims you’ve made. It will also want to know when you got your bike licence.
The bike’s details. The insurer will want the make and model, year of manufacture, value and any modifications.
Moped and scooter insurance policies are widely available. Motorbike insurance premiums are determined by the vehicle’s engine capacity, so as less powerful vehicles, mopeds and motor scooters enjoy lower insurance premiums than higher end machines.
Yes, you can. When taking out a quote, you will have to choose one of three use options for how you use your motorbike: social domestic and pleasure, commuting (riding to work) or business use.
If you use your bike for business purposes, choose that option. You’ll need to tell your insurer how your bike will be used before you can be approved for a policy. Some forms of use might be excluded or require extra cover (such as cover for tools or stock in transit). And if you’re using the bike to deliver food or parcels, you may need specialist cover.
Insurance for classic and vintage motorcycles will be based on agreed value rather than market value, and can cover modifications. Whether your vintage machine is an everyday rider, or spends more time laid up, have a search for a specialist insurance policy that suits your needs.
You might find a specialist policy that:
Insures the bike while it’s being carried on a trailer.
Is tailored to your frequency of use, with laid-up or limited use cover. This type of policy can cut costs by recognising that your vintage motorbike is only for occasional riding.
Grants salvage rights in the event of a write-off, so you can restore it at your own pace.
Offers you full choice of your own repairer.
Covers the cost of air freight for spare parts.
Insures classic or vintage bikes while being used at rallies, as displays or in other special events.
While premiums may be pushed upwards due to a relatively high agreed value compared to many standard motorcycles, vintage motorbike insurance premiums can also be pushed downwards by insurers recognising that classic bikes tend to be involved in fewer accidents, and are often not used on a daily basis.
To carry a passenger your insurance must include pillion cover. This is not often included as standard on motorbike insurance, however most insurers will be able to offer it as an optional extra. To secure pillion cover you must have a full motorcycle licence.
If you choose not to get pillion cover but are involved in an incident while carrying a passenger, you could risk voiding your policy altogether.
Yes. This is crucial, as it will impact your premium and could also influence an insurer’s decision on whether or not to offer you cover.
The decision whether to allow you to carry across your car’s no claims bonus to your motorbike policy is at your insurance company’s discretion.
However, this is not unheard of and it’s definitely worth asking.
Some insurers may provide the option to pay for your annual cover in monthly instalments, as opposed to one lump sum. However, note that paying monthly is a form of credit so typically costs extra, which will mean your policy will end up more expensive overall.
First of all, make sure that everyone is safe and call the emergency services if required. Next, exchange details, registration and licence information with all other drivers involved. You should also get the details of any witnesses and take photos of the accident scene if possible. Never admit any liability and contact your motorcycle insurance provider as soon as possible, to inform them of what’s happened.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Liz Edwards has been a consumer writer and editor for more than 20 years. She led award-winning teams at the campaigning publisher Which?, and has covered a range of consumer rights and personal finance topics including pensions, credit, banking and insurance. Liz has appeared frequently in national media such as The Sun, Metro, HuffPost and The Independent. She loves to cut through waffle to give consumers the real lowdown. And she loves puns. See full bio
Liz's expertise
Liz has written 106 Finder guides across topics including:
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