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95% of Reviewers recommend The Bike Insurer (based on reviews on www.reviews.co.uk as of 04/07/2023)
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Helping riders save money on motorbike insurance for 17 years!

How comparison works

How Comparison works - Step 1
1

You tell us details about yourself and what you’re looking to insure

How Comparison works - Step 2
2

We provide instant quotes from a panel of top UK insurers

How Comparison works - Step 3
3

You choose the policy you want, buy it, and job done!

What is motorbike insurance?

Motorbike insurance can help protect you if your vehicle is stolen, damaged or involved in an accident with other road users. Depending on the type of policy you chose, you could receive cover for accident repairs to your bike and your liabilities to the public. Optional extensions available to most policies can also help provide cover for injuries you sustain in an accident, or even legal protection should there be a dispute.

Since 2006, our price comparison services have helped hundreds of thousands of UK riders obtain motorbike insurance. If you’re looking to get out on the road, we can help you find the right level of coverage at an affordable price.

Whether you’re protecting a sports bike, a courier vehicle or looking for temporary insurance, our comprehensive panel of insurers can provide quotations to help you find the best deal possible.

Insurance description

How much is motorbike insurance?

According to data from The Bike Insurer, 51% of customers using their price comparison services paid £222.94 or less for their motorbike insurance between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2023.

However, the cost of your motorcycle insurance will depend on several factors relating to your driving history, the vehicle to be insured and your personal circumstances.

50% of bikers paid less than £190 in April 2023 when they compared with The Bike Insurer †

Compare quotes from 37 insurers

Factors that may affect the cost of motorbike insurance

Annual Mileage

Keeping your annual mileage down could help you earn a cheaper premium quote. Typically, the less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to be in an accident. Work out an average for how far you ride in a year, considering periods when you may be more active, like the Spring or Summer and get quotes based on this amount of mileage.

Bear in mind that if you overestimate your mileage, you may pay more for your motorbike insurance, but that if you underestimate it might be easy to accidentally stray over your mileage limit and this could cause problems if you need to make an insurance claim.

Engine Size

Smaller motorbikes with less powerful engines might cost less to insure. Larger bikes with more powerful engines typically demand a higher premium as replacements and repairs may be more costly for insurers and accidents could be more likely to happen with faster, powerful bikes.

Security

Where do you store your bike, and how do you protect it? You may get cheaper motorbike insurance if your bike has properly fitted security devices like alarms or GPS trackers. Storing your vehicle in a secure lock-up or garage overnight may also help lower your premiums than if you keep your bike parked on an accessible drive.

Job

Does your job require you to be on your motorbike regularly? Couriers or delivery drivers may have higher insurance premiums due to the amount of time they have to spend on their bikes.

Claims History

A history of insurance claims may signal that you are riskier to insure. It’s possible to receive a “no-claims discount” on your insurance premium for each consecutive year (up to a maximum set by your insurer) that you are insured and stay claim-free.

Age

The younger you are, the less experience you’re likely to have on the roads. Younger riders usually face higher insurance premiums.

The different types of motorbike insurance

In the UK, there are three different types of standard motorcycle insurance: Comprehensive, Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) and Third-party only (TPO). When choosing a coverage level, make sure to check the insurer's reputation, as well as any exclusions, to understand what you’ll be paying for.

1

Third-party only (TPO)

TPO is the UK’s minimum legal requirement of insurance you must hold for your vehicle. It covers you for damage or injury to another person or their property if you cause an accident. However, you and your vehicle will not be covered. A third party-only policy does not cover damage caused by theft or fire.

2

Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT)

In addition to Third-party only cover, as listed above, a TPFT policy will also cover you if your bike is stolen or damaged by fire.

3

Comprehensive

Comprehensive motorbike insurance provides everything included under Third-party fire and theft and will also cover you if your bike is damaged or destroyed in an accident.

Why compare motorcycle insurance with The Bike Insurer?

Insurance description

In 2021, there were over 1.3 million motorcycles on UK roads.[1]

If you’re one of these riders, you’ll need a bike insurance policy which is right for you. The Bike Insurer can provide you with a choice of competitive quotes from our panel of reputable insurers, no matter which type of cover you choose.

Our online quote platform is easy to use but if you’d prefer a price comparison quote over the telephone, we can help with that too! We’ve partnered with one of the insurance companies on our panel to provide our price comparison quotation service over the phone; just call the number at the top of this page!

Our aim is to help you find the right insurance at the best price as quickly as possible so you can get out on your motorbike, which after all is what biking is all about!

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Unbiased

We always put our customers first. When showing you quotations, we will never favour any individual insurer. Instead, we aim to present you with quotes to suit your bike, personal circumstances and driving history and then list them for you to compare, cheapest first based on the standard premium price with no policy add-ons (you can always select these later).

Great rating

According to Reviews.io The Bike Insurer has a rating of 4.7 and 95% of reviewers recommend us, which we think speaks for itself.[2]

Quotes in minutes

Once you provide details about yourself and the bike you want to insure, we can deliver motorcycle insurance quotes in seconds from our panel of top UK insurance providers.

Insurance description

The insurance companies on The Bike Insurer's panel can also offer some motorbike add-ons, like personal accident cover, legal expenses, pillion cover and more should you need to tailor the policy to your unique requirements.

How to get cheaper motorbike insurance

There are a few methods you can try to reduce the cost of your premium:

Compare quotes

You can shop for some the best quotes using The Bike Insurer.

Sticking with the same provider year in year out may mean losing out on cheaper deals, so we think you should see what else is out there. You may find cheaper quotes from other providers!

Pay annually

Paying for your motorbike insurance every month means you’ll usually be charged interest. You can typically save money by paying for your insurance all in one go.

Build your no-claims history

Achieving consecutive years of insured, claim-free riding will help you build up a no-claims history.

Insurers can grant you a No-Claims Discount (or “NCD”) based on this which can help reduce your insurance premium. It’s an effective way of paying less for your insurance.

Reduce your annual mileage

Keeping your annual mileage low can help reassure insurers that you’re less likely to be involved in an accident.

Increase your voluntary excess

You’ll typically pay less for your motorbike insurance premium if you increase the amount you pay towards a claim (voluntary excess).

However, you must ensure that you have the funds to pay for the voluntary amount and the compulsory excess in case you need to make a claim.

Avoid modified and unusual motorbikes

Performance-enhancing modifications will make your bike more expensive to replace or repair. Due to their increased likelihood of attracting thieves, your premiums may cost more than the equivalent ‘standard’ bike.

Improve security

To reduce the chance of your bike being stolen, improve your security. Use properly fitted and recognised alarms, GPS trackers and an immobiliser to secure your bike.

Storing your bike (when and how)

Insurers will want to know where you keep your vehicle when it’s not in use. If you keep your bike exposed on the pavement in front of your home, insurers may consider you a higher risk and quote a higher premium for your motorcycle insurance.

But if you keep your motorbike inside a secure garage or an overnight lock-up, you could receive cheaper quotes.

Choosing the right bike

Consider investing in a smaller scooter if you only use your motorbike for very short journeys.

Replacement parts and repairs for smaller bikes with less powerful engines are usually cheaper. These bikes cost less to insure and may be more economical for finding the most affordable policies.

Cut down on extras

While some add-ons may be necessary, avoiding those you don’t need can significantly reduce your premium. If you have a spare set of riding kit, then in the event yours are damaged, you may not need a helmet and leathers cover. Read your quotes carefully and check your policy documents before buying a policy to ensure that it really provides the cover you need and that you’re not over, or under, insuring.

Take a motorbike training course

Improving your riding skills can show providers that you are less of a risk on the road. Gaining additional qualifications, like the Enhanced Rider Scheme or BikeSafe Certificate, could make you eligible for lower motorbike insurance premiums.

See how much you can save

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Insurance description

How motorbike insurance comparison works

How you use your bike

We'll ask you how you use your bike. Do you use it for business use, social use or commuting?

Details about you and your motorcycle

You'll need to provide us with personal details, like your name, address, employment status, licence type and riding experience.

We'll need information about the bike you want to insure, such as its make, model and age.

Your annual mileage

Provide us with an estimate of your annual mileage. Try to be as accurate as possible so that you don't end up paying more than you need to for lots of mileage that you're not going to do. But don't underestimate either to try and get a cheaper quote. If you exceed your declared mileage and then need to make a claim on your insurance, you may find that your insurer will not provide the protection you need.

Additional riders

You must tell us if you plan to add additional riders to your motorbike insurance policy, including any past claims or convictions they may have had.

Your bike's value

Your best estimate as to how much your bike is currently worth. This is an important factor for determining the cost of your premium.

What is not usually included in motorbike insurance policies?

It’s important to read the policy documents of your motorbike insurance policy to see what’s covered and what’s not covered and to help, we’ve provided examples of exclusions below which may be typical of standard policies:

Negligence

Your motorbike insurance providers will not usually cover an incident where you have acted negligently.

For example, a scenario where your bike is stolen because you left your bike unattended with keys in the ignition.

Modifications

Any performance-enhancing or cosmetic modifications made to your bike after manufacturing must be declared. Don’t assume that changes to your bike will automatically be covered under your existing policy terms. Check with your insurer to ensure coverage will be maintained, or whether changes are needed before making alterations to your bike.

Intentional damage

Motorcycle insurance providers are unlikely to cover your vehicle if it sustains damage inflicted on purpose by you.

Other passengers

If a passenger sustains an injury whilst riding pillion with you, and your insurance policy does not include pillion cover, then the insurer is unlikely to contribute towards the cost of any care or rehabilitation they might need. Always select the required cover for the type of riding you are likely to do.

Track days

Specialist providers can equip you with track-day motorbike insurance if you take your vehicle to a race circuit, but such coverage is not normally to be found in most standard insurance policies.

Riding under the influence

Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is illegal and making a claim on your policy under such circumstances will likely not be met by the insurance company.

Punctures

Adding roadside assistance and motorbike breakdown cover to your insurance policy can help you and your vehicle reach the nearest garage quickly.

Wear and tear

If you use your bike daily, cosmetic damage like dents, scrapes and scratches are highly likely. Wear and tear is not covered under standard motorbike insurance policies.

Sidecar cover

Sidecars are classed as accessories; if your bike has one, you may need extra cover to protect it.

Racing or other high-risk activities

Standard bike insurance policies will not cover you for damage or injury sustained during racing or other high-risk activities. However, you may find a specialist insurer who does. Make sure to buy the right policy for how you intend to use the motorcycle.

Motorbike insurance upgrades and extras

Optional extras can be great if you want to supplement your policy. Be mindful that you will need to pay more for them:

Legal protection

If you are involved in an accident that leads to a legal claim, legal protection add-ons could cover all or some of your legal costs.

Helmet and leathers cover

Helmet and leathers cover insures your protective clothing if damaged in an accident: it could cover items like your gloves, helmet and other protective gear.

Insurance description

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Insurance description

Motorcycle breakdown cover

If you break down and need assistance, motorcycle breakdown cover can help. Your motorbike insurance provider could send a mechanic directly to your location to fix your bike if a tow truck isn't required. However, take care when buying such ad-ons as these, as some policies provide more cover than others.

Personal accident cover

If following a motorbike accident, you suffer a serious injury, permanent disability or accidental death a personal accident cover may provide crucial compensation.

Key cover

Key cover will replace your keys if they are stolen or lost.

Pillion cover

Pillion coverage insures you to carry a passenger on the back of your motorbike, even if you only occasionally ride with others. Many comprehensive insurance policies will include pillion cover as standard, so check the policy documentation before you buy. If it's not included, it's usually available as an ad-on.

Protected no claims

If you've built up years of no claims, you can pay extra to protect your no-claims bonus and help ensure you don't lose your discount.

European travel cover

Riding through Europe? Some comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies may only offer TPO cover if travelling through EU countries.

Take out European travel cover if you want the same protection your UK policy offers.

International cover

Are you taking your motorbike abroad? Compare international bike insurance policies to find on-road, off-road, short, long and multi-trip policies that best suit your plans.

Motorbike insurance for your specific type of bike

With so many different types of motorbike available, how do insurance providers measure their respective risks and costs? Each provider will have different information about the types of bikes they’re willing to insure.

Moped and scooter

Mopeds have smaller engines and are, therefore, only capable of relatively low speeds. Mopeds are cheaper than most other bikes. All this makes them cheaper to insure than other, more powerful motorbikes.

Mopeds are the preferred choice for most learners. However, because of this, premiums for riders under 25 may be more expensive. Younger riders using a moped or scooter as their first bike will likely have less on-road experience, especially because under-25’s are considered high-risk riders.

Sportsbike

High-performance sports bikes can be more expensive to insure due to larger engines and their increased likelihood of attracting thieves.

Motocross

Motorbike insurance for lighter motocross bikes with small engines is typically cheaper. They can be used for both on-road and off-road riding, although typical motorcycle insurance policies will not cover off-road or trails riding, so you should ensure you obtain specialist insurance that provides the cover you need.

Classic bikes

While the cost of insuring a classic or historic bike may be higher than standard motorbike insurance policies, they are typically well-looked after and used only occasionally. These factors can lead to a reduction in premiums.

Trikes

Trikes have three wheels and are considered non-standard, modified or custom-built bikes.

Modified bikes

Modifications will make your bike more expensive to replace or repair. You should disclose any changes and modifications made to your bike after it was manufactured to make sure your insurer will cover them.

What motorbike insurance policy do I need?

Are you looking for specific coverage? If you need more than standard motorbike insurance, there are many other policy types that might be more appropriate for your circumstances:.

Multi-bike insurance

Multi-bike insurance allows you to insure all bikes in your household under the same policy. You may even receive a discount on your premiums. We can't offer multi-bike insurance through our online quote service at the moment, but our partners at BikeSure would be happy to talk to you about it. Give them a call on 0330 022 5477

Motorbike courier insurance

Motorbike courier insurance covers you for the carriage of goods for delivery purposes. Whether you deliver parcels or food, motorbike courier insurance helps protects you and your vehicle in the event of an accident.

See how much you can save

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What are the main motorbike use classes?

One of the first steps to comparing quotes is to explain how you intend to use your bike. There are four main options:

50% of bikers paid less than £190 in April 2023 when they compared with The Bike Insurer

FAQs

What is CBT?

CBT stands for ‘Compulsory Basic Training’, a course that all new motorcycle riders must take before they are allowed to ride on UK roads. The CBT is designed to teach riders the basics of motorcycle safety, handling, and road awareness.

Once a rider completes the CBT course, they can ride a motorcycle or scooter with a maximum engine size of 125cc, with L plates displayed, for up to two years.

After this period, riders must either renew their CBT or pass their full motorcycle test to continue riding on the roads.

What happens if my bike is written off?

If your motorbike is written off, the process that follows will depend on several factors, including the severity of the damage and your motorbike insurance policy. Although each case is unique, here are a few typical steps:

1. Damage Assessment: If your motorbike is involved in an accident, an assessor from your insurance company will examine the damage to determine whether it can be repaired or is a write-off. If the repair cost exceeds the bike’s value, it will likely be written off.

2. Category of write-off: If your bike is written off, it will be assigned a category based on the severity of the damage.

3. Settlement: If you have comprehensive motorcycle insurance, your insurer will pay out a settlement based on the market value of your motorcycle at the time of the accident: this may differ from the amount you paid for it originally. If you have third-party only (TPO) bike insurance, you will not be covered for the cost of repairs or replacement.

Is there an agreed-value payout?

You will only receive an agreed-value payout for your motorbike if you purchase an agreed-value policy. Without this, there will usually be a set limit an insurer will cover you for.

Can I buy it back and rebuild or reuse the parts?

Whether you can buy back your motorbike, rebuild or reuse any components depends on which category an assessor assigns it. Following an accident, your insurance company will assign your vehicle one of four damage categories:

Category A: The bike must be scrapped and cannot be put back on the road. No parts can be reused, recycled or sold.

Category B: The bike can be broken down for parts but not returned to the road.

Category S: The bike has suffered structural damage but can be repaired and returned to the road.

Category N: The bike has suffered non-structural damage and can be repaired and returned to the road.

Can you transfer motorcycle insurance?

If you want to transfer your insurance policy to a new rider, the new owner will need to take out their own bike insurance. However, you might be able to claim back some money for the remainder of your existing motorcycle insurance policy after giving your insurer notice.

Can you insure modified motorbikes?

Some insurers may offer modified bike insurance, but it’s important to note that not all insurers will offer coverage for modifications and those that do may charge much higher premiums.

Informing your insurer of any modifications you've made, even purely cosmetic, is essential. Failure to disclose modifications could result in your policy being invalidated in the event of a claim.

Can I get short-term bike insurance?

Yes, you can obtain short-term or pay-as-you-go motorbike insurance. These policies can be useful for various situations, like borrowing or renting a motorbike or using it for a short time throughout the year.

Short-term policies typically cover 1-28 days, although some insurers may offer longer-term policies.

Is motorbike insurance a legal requirement?

Yes, in the UK, motorbike insurance is a legal requirement if you wish to ride on the public roads. Riding a motorbike on public roads without at least third-party only insurance coverage is illegal.

Can I ride my bike abroad?

Yes, you can ride your motorbike abroad if you have the appropriate documentation and bike insurance coverage.

If you plan to ride your motorbike in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you must ensure that your insurance coverage extends to these areas. You can check with your insurance provider to confirm this.

If your coverage does not extend to the areas you’ll be travelling through, you can take out additional European travel cover to get the same level of protection as your UK policy.

Can I use the no claims I’ve built up on a car for my motorbike insurance?

You may be able to find an insurance provider who will consider the no-claims discount you’ve built up on your car insurance, but not many providers do this. Compare insurance quotes with The Bike Insurer to explore your options.

Does motorbike insurance cover wheel damage or punctures?

Motorbike insurance policies typically do not cover wheel damage or punctures as part of their standard coverage.

However, some insurance companies may offer additional coverage options for these types of damages. Reviewing your policy documents or contacting your insurance provider directly to understand what is covered under your insurance policy is recommended.

Which motorbikes are the cheapest to insure?

Generally, smaller and less powerful motorbikes are cheaper to insure than larger and more powerful ones. Smaller bikes generally have lower top speeds and are less likely to be involved in high-speed accidents, which can lead to more expensive motorcycle insurance claims.

How do licence grades work?

There are many licence categories for motorbikes; each requires different levels of qualification, and some may have age limits.

Licence GradeVehicle TypeRequired QualificationsMinimum Age
AUnrestricted motorbikesProgressive access route (two years experience on A1 motorbike and additional practical test)

Direct access route (CBT, theory and practical test)
21
A1Motor tricycles (up to 15kW)

Light motorbikes (up to 11kW and 125cc)
CBT, theory test and practical test17
A2Motorbike (up to 35kW)Progressive access route (two years experience on A1 motorbike and additional practical test)

Direct access route (theory and practical test)
19
AMSmall quad bikes

Mopeds

Small three-wheelers
CBT, theory test and practical test16
QTwo and three-wheeler mopeds (top speed 25 mph)AM Licence16

Detailed information is available from https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/bike-categories-ages-and-licence-requirements

How do I work out my annual mileage?

You can determine the estimated annual mileage for your motorbike insurance by adding up all the time you spend riding your motorbike per week and multiplying that by 52.

Adjust your estimate based on planned trips or events affecting your annual mileage. For example, if you plan a long-distance trip adding several hundred miles to your annual total, factor that in. Make sure you factor in the weather, as you are more likely to ride more in the summer and less in the winter, unless you are a hard-core commuter!

Remember to update your estimate if your circumstances change throughout the year. For example, if you start a new job that requires you to commute further, your annual mileage may increase.

Can 16-year-olds ride scooters and mopeds?

Yes, at 16, you can ride a scooter or moped with a maximum speed of 45 km/h (or 27mph) and an engine size of 50cc or less. However, you must have the following:

  • ‘L’ plates
  • A completed CBT training course
  • Tax and motorbike insurance
  • A provisional driving licence

Detailed information is available from https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/bike-categories-ages-and-licence-requirements

Can I ride someone else’s bike if I have insurance?

Some Fully Comprehensive policies will cover you to ride other bikes with the minimum Third Party bike insurance, but not all. Be sure you’re insured before you get on someone else’s saddle!

Is my motorbike insured?

You may need to check the status of your motorbike insurance if you purchase a second-hand bike or have forgotten when your policy runs out. Locate your certificate of insurance to find the exact duration of your policy.

If you have not received insurance documents for a second-hand bike, use a motorbike insurance checker like askmid and enter your registration number in the yellow box.

What does excess mean?

‘Excess’ refers to the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before your motorcycle insurance policy kicks in to cover the remaining costs.

For example, if you have an excess of £200 and you make a claim for £1000, you will be responsible for paying the first £200, and your insurance company will pay the remaining £800.

Can I insure a motorbike without a licence in the UK?

No, you cannot insure a motorbike, scooter or moped without a licence in the UK. Motorbike insurance companies require that the policyholder has a valid licence, as riding without a licence on the public highway is illegal and would invalidate the insurance.

Can I insure my sidecar?

Yes, you can insure a sidecar by taking out Sidecar Cover.

Can you test-ride a motorcycle without insurance?

In the UK, having your own insurance to test-ride a motorcycle is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Most reputable companies providing test rides will have ‘Unaccompanied Demonstration Insurance’, which covers risks from customers trying out motorcycles. Ask before you take that test ride and if you’re not covered, maybe try somewhere else.

Can I add someone else to my policy?

Depending on your chosen insurer, you may be able to add other riders to your policy. You will need to inform providers of their ages, driving experience and any other claims or past convictions they may have.

Can I insure a motorcycle I don't own?

Yes, you do not have to be the legal owner of a motorbike to be insured to ride it. However, the owner must have a bike insurance policy they are named on if they still wish to ride it, and your new policy only has to include them if you specifically ask for that.

Can you insure imported motorbikes?

Imported motorbikes can be insured, but there will be fewer insurers available to you to choose from. Insurers may consider bikes manufactured to be sold outside the UK as riskier, so you should compare insurers carefully to find the right one.

Can I carry passengers with my motorbike insurance?

Yes, but they may not be covered for personal injury in an accident without Pillion cover. If you want to ride with other passengers, even if only occasionally, take out Pillion cover to ensure your policy provides the best insurance for you.

Can I insure multiple bikes on one policy?

Yes, this is known as a multi-bike insurance policy. It allows you to insure two or more motorcycles under a single policy rather than having separate policies for each bike and may work out cheaper than having individual policies for each bike.

See how much you can save

Compare quotes from 37 insurers