Motorbike Insurance
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Why Compare Motorbike Insurance Quotes With SimplyQuote?
There are so many different motorcycle insurance providers in the UK – it can be a real hassle to find a policy to meet your motorbiking needs.
SimplyQuote can help you easily find motorcycle insurance quotes from the top insurance providers in the UK.
With the free comparison tool, you will receive quotes within minutes, so you no longer have to spend hours looking for policies online.
We’re completely independent and unbiased, putting your interests first.
Provide us with information on yourself and your bike, and you will get a no-obligation motorbike insurance quotetailored to your needs and budget.
Do I Need Motorbike Insurance?
Yes, motorbike insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you want to ride your:
- Motorbike
- Scooter
- Moped
Just like car insurance, motorbike insurance covers your own vehicle as well as damage to third parties – depending on your insurance policy.
As a minimum, you’ll require third-party only motorbike insurance, according to UK law. If you have a motorbike that’s not being ridden, you must get a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) for it from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
With insurance, you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing you’re protected should you be in an accident or if any damage occurs to your bike.
What Are The Different Levels Of Motorbike Insurance Cover?
There are three standard levels of motorbike insurance cover, which will impact how protected you are and the cost of your premiums.
Comprehensive
This bike insurance policy provides the most cover. Comprehensive insurance provides protection for you, your bike, and anyone (or anything) involved in an accident – no matter whose fault it is.
It may also include motorbike accessories like luggage, cameras, or sat-nav.
Comprehensive cover will protect you if your bike is stolen, or damaged, or you are injured in an accident.
Third-party, fire and theft
This is an intermediate level of cover, protecting third parties involved in an accident caused by you, as well as if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire.
A third party will be protected if their vehicle or property is damaged or if they’re injured because of you and your bike.
Third-party only
This is a legal minimum requirement and the most basic level of bike insurance cover.
Third-party insurance provides cover to other people, their vehicles, or their property. Neither you nor your bike will have any cover with this policy if you’re at fault.
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Which Motorbike Insurance Policy Classes Are Available?
There are four main types of motorcycle insurance policies that provide cover for every type of rider.
Social, domestic and pleasure (SD&P)
This policy is adequate if you only ride your bike occasionally for pleasure or social rides. For example, if you take your bike to go grocery shopping or visit your family on the weekends, this bike insurance policy is ideal.
Note: You won’t be covered if you use your bike for commuting or business purposes.
Social and commuting
Your insurance provider will determine what “commuting” entails, but it’s mostly defined as riding your bike to and from the same place every day, during business hours. This includes places of work or where you study.
This bike insurance policy will cover everything in an SD&P policy, as well as protection if you’re driving to work or school.
Business use
If you use your bike for work (and not just to get to work), such as visiting client offices, you’ll need insurance for business use.
This type of motorcycle insurance covers you for all business-related riding, and may also provide social riding cover (depending on the policy).
Courier
Courier motorbike insurance is specifically for riders who use their bikes for deliveries. It requires Class 3 business motorbike insurance.
Not only you and your bike will be covered, but also the cost of the goods you’re delivering.
What Are Some Additional Motorbike Insurance Policies?
If you’re looking for something more specific than a standard motorbike insurance policy, here are some additional policies to consider:
Short-term insurance
This policy provides temporary cover for a set period, like a day, week, or month. So, if you only take your bike out during the summer months, this is a viable option for you.
It can also protect you if you borrow a friend’s bike, ride a rental, or test-ride a new bike.
Note that when your bike is not insured (like during the winter months), you’ll need to have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for your motorcycle.
Classic bike insurance
Classic motorcycles are generally more valuable than modern bikes and require specialist insurance to protect them from fire, theft or damage.
Usually, any motorbike over 15 years old is considered a classic bike; however, it depends on your insurance provider.
Some insurers offer coverage for modern classic bikes, which are slightly younger, and future classic bikes, which are bikes that have a legitimate expectation of earning classic status.
Learner and young rider insurance
This insurance policy protects those learning to ride a bike, scooter or moped.
16-year-olds can only ride mopeds and scooters up to 50cc. Riders who are 17+ can ride a moped, scooter, or small motorcycle up to 125cc on the road as a learner, with a provisional licence and a compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate (and the right motorbike insurance!).
Trike and quad insurance
Trikes and quads (ATVs) are not included under a standard motorbike insurance policy. Insurance for these vehicles provides protection for accidents relating to owning and riding a trike or quad (even if the ATV isn’t road-legal).
Scooter and moped insurance
Scooters and mopeds up to 50cc are considered small motorcycles and must be properly insured.
If this is the first bike of a new rider under the age of 25, the premiums will be higher as the rider’s chances of causing an accident are high.
Modified bike insurance
Modifying a bike can increase its value and power – as well as the likelihood that it will be stolen or involved in an accident.
The modifications covered by the policy will vary between motorbike insurance providers, so it is best to always check what’s covered.
For example, a custom-made chopper may require specialist cover.
If you modify an insured motorcycle, you need to inform your insurance provider otherwise you may void your policy.
Some modifications, like immobilisers and anti-theft devices, may lower your motorbike insurance premium.
Multi-bike insurance
If you ride more than one bike or own a motorbike and a moped, you can insure them all under a single policy. This is cheaper than insuring each bike individually.
Most motorbike insurance policies will cover different types and models of bikes (e.g. classic, superbikes, scooters, and sports) under a single policy. It’s not only more affordable, but it will also be much easier when it is time to renew your policy or pay your premium.
Pay as you go
If you only ride your bike occasionally – like a spontaneous bike ride one sunny weekend – then you may only need a policy that allows you to pay as you go.
It differs from short-term cover as you’re only covered for when you actually ride your bike.
When not using your bike, you need to have a SORN.
Off-road
This add-on is useful if you have a dirt bike or often go off-road riding, like motocross.
Cruiser
Cruiser bikes are usually built for comfort and distance and go at slower speeds. If you wish to go touring with your bike, this is a good policy to consider.
What Is Typically Excluded From Motorbike Insurance?
Each policy is unique so make sure to carefully review your policy documents to see what is not covered. Usually, the following is excluded:
- Wear and tear: Usual wear and tear like scrapes and nicks from everyday riding.
- Intentional damage: If the bike is purposefully damaged.
- Negligence: Like leaving your keys in your bike while running errands.
- Riding under the influence: Driving high or drunk is illegal too.
- Risky riding: Racing or undertaking risky activities.
- Replacing modified parts: You may insure your modified bike, but specific modified parts may not be covered.
- Punctures: It may be covered under breakdown cover, but does not come standard with motorbike insurance.
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What Are The Motorbike Insurance Add-Ons?
Riders who want to increase their cover can consider the following add-ons:
Breakdown cover
Most standard policies do not cover repairs or breakdowns. Breakdown cover provides roadside assistance, motorcycle recovery, and onward travel.
There are two types of breakdown insurance:
- Personal: Protects you as a driver or passenger on any motorbike, scooter, or moped.
- Vehicle: Protects the bike whether you’re riding it or not when the breakdown occurs.
You pay this type of cover in two manners:
- Traditional: Pay your premium monthly or annually as you would with normal bike or car insurance.
- Insurance claim: Pay for repairs and then submit a claim to your insurance company.
Breakdown insurance provides an increased level of extra cover with additional options like key replacement, misfuelling and European breakdown cover.
Helmet and leathers cover
Protective riding gear can be expensive, and some standard motorcycle insurance policies don’t include gear.
Helmet and leathers cover protects accessories like leather riding clothes, non-leather motorcycle clothing like Kevlar, riding boots, your helmet, and gloves.
Most policies typically provide between £750 and £1,500 for damage but do not cover theft.
However, theft may be covered by a home insurance policy if the gear is stolen from your house.
Pillion cover
You need to meet some legal requirements if you wish to carry passengers on your bike:
- You must have pillion cover
- Your bike must have a passenger seat
- It must have footrests for the passenger
- You must have the correct licence for the class of bike you’re riding
Pillion cover will protect you if your passenger claims for personal injury and medical expenses, but it won’t cover the passenger’s belongings or damage to the bike.
Personal liability cover
This add-on provides financial assistance to the rider, passenger, and families of the rider and passenger if they are seriously or fatally injured. If you’re the rider at fault and there’s no third party involved, then personal liability cover will help.
No-claims discount protection
A no-claims discount, also called a no-claims bonus, is a reduction of your premium for driving safely and not making any insurance claims. Each year you don’t file a claim (up to a maximum of 9 years) your bonus will increase.
And, should you make a mistake and need to make a claim, your no-claims discount protection will ensure you don’t lose your bonus.
Sidecar cover
Sidecars are usually not included in standard motorbike insurance policies. If you have a sidecar, you’ll want to get it insured separately.
Personal accident cover
With personal accident cover, you’ll be covered for any injuries as a result of an accident, or if you become permanently disabled and can no longer work.
Legal protection cover
Legal expenses cover protects you financially against the cost of legal action taken against you due to an accident caused by the other party but they’re uninsured.
It includes personal injury cover to assist with the legal costs of pursuing a personal injury claim if you’re injured in an accident.
There are two payment options for this cover:
- Before the event: You pay monthly premiums against potential future claims.
- After the event: You pay everything out of pocket and then claim a refund.
If an uninsured rider or motorist is at fault for the accident, you can make a claim to the Motor Insurer’s Bureau. If that fails, this add-on will provide cover and assist you in taking the claim further, such as paying for a solicitor.
European travel cover
Most policies include some cover if you take the occasional motorbike trip abroad. However, it may be limited to only certain countries or a set amount of days.
If you often take motorcycle trips to neighbouring European countries, adding this travel cover is a good option.
Lost or stolen keys
This cover will pay for the cost of replacing lost or stolen motorbike keys.
Wrong fuel
If you fill up your bike with the wrong type of fuel, you can claim the cost of repairs. In some instances, you may also reclaim some of the fuel cost.
How Much Does Motorbike Insurance Cost?
The cost of motorcycle insurance depends on the following factors:
- Your age: The older you are, the more experience you have, and the lower your premiums will be.
- Where you live: You’ll get cheaper motorbike insurance if you live in a less urban area or an area that’s considered safe.
- Where you park your bike: The safer the area where you park your bike, the lower your premium.
- How you use your motorbike: Social, commuting, business, courier – these uses will all be considered.
- Your mileage: The more you ride your bike, the more you’ll pay for insurance.
- The type of motorbike: The make and model of your bike will influence your insurance premium.
- Claims and riding history: It will determine how safe of a rider you are.
- Level of cover: Comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party insurance all have different premiums.
- Other riders and add-ons: Adding additional riders or cover will increase the cost of your insurance.
- Excess: The higher your voluntary excess is, the lower your premium will be.
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How To Get Cheap Motorbike Insurance
If you want to get the cheapest motorcycle insurance from UK insurance providers, here’s what you need to do:
Compare bike insurance quotes
To get affordable insurance, you need to compare cheap motorbike insurance quotes from the top UK insurance providers. This will help you find a policy tailored to your needs and your budget.
Take an approved motorcycle training course
In addition to compulsory basic training, you can gain additional experience by taking an approved advanced training course. This will make you a better – and safer – rider.
The cost of these courses can be quite expensive, so you’ll need to weigh the benefits of lower premiums against the cost of the course.
Build up your no-claims history
The longer you ride without making a claim, the less you’ll pay.
Improve motorbike security
Park your bike in a garage or behind a locked gate, and install security devices like an immobiliser to bring down your insurance costs.
Increase voluntary excess
The more you’re willing to pay towards a claim, the less you’ll pay each month.
Remember that you’ll only pay the excess when you make a claim, and the excess will be waived if the accident isn’t your fault.
Safer drivers will be willing to pay a higher excess (since their odds of making a claim are lower) and enjoy lower premiums.
Limit annual mileage
The less you ride your bike, the more money you’ll save, simply because you’re considered less risky to your insurer.
Just make sure you are honest with your insurer about your annual mileage – if they suspect you’re lying, your policy will be invalid.
Avoid modifications
A bike with lots of modifications will cost more to insure since it will be more difficult to repair or replace. Modifications that enhance your bike’s performance may also make it more tempting to thieves, increasing the risk to your insurance provider.
Reduce insurance add-ons
Avoid getting unnecessary insurance add-ons, like pillion cover, if you don’t plan on taking passengers.
Pay annually
By paying your annual insurance upfront, you’ll avoid the interest on monthly instalments, bringing down the total cost of your insurance over the course of the year.
*51% of consumers who received a quote for Motorbike Insurance through this service provided by Seopa Ltd. in July 2024 were quoted less than £249.01. The price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
How to Compare Motorbike Insurance Quotes with SimplyQuote?
We’ll just need some basic information from you before we can provide you with motorbike insurance quotes:
- Your name, surname, address and where your bike is stored
- Your bike’s make, model, age and value
- How you use your motorbike
- Your annual mileage
- If there are any additional riders
- Claims history
Once we have this information, you can quickly start comparing quotes.
*51% of consumers who received a quote for Motorbike Insurance through this service provided by Seopa Ltd. in February 2024 were quoted less than £238.63. The price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most motorcycle insurance providers will allow you to add riders to your policy; however, it will increase your premium. The cost increase will depend on the experience and riding history of the rider you wish to add.
The rider will be covered by the same level as your policy, meaning if you have comprehensive motorbike insurance, they’ll also get comprehensive cover.
Yes, you can, if you have multi-bike insurance. If you have more than one bike you wish to insure, this is the most affordable option. Taking out individual motorcycle insurance cover on each bike can quickly become expensive.
No, there are not a lot of motorbike insurance companies that will allow you to do this.
Standard policies will allow you to ride abroad but with some limitations. These include the countries you’re allowed to ride in as well as for how long. It will make more sense to get European travel cover or comprehensive travel insurance, depending on where you wish to ride.
Yes, similar to how there are insurance groups for cars, there are also motorbike insurance groups. There are 17 – 22 groups, depending on the insurance company. Bikes in lower groups are more affordable to insure.
It will depend on your insurance policy. Some insurers will provide you with a replacement motorcycle, while others will only pay out the cost of your bike.