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What is motorbike insurance?

With around 1.5 million motorcycles registered in Great Britain, it’s clear that biking is as popular as ever. But before you head out for your next ride, it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance in place.

It helps cover the cost if your bike’s stolen or you cause injury or damage to someone else. It’s there to give you peace of mind, so you’re not left with a hefty bill after an accident. Depending on the level of cover you choose, your insurance can also help with repairs, replacement, personal injury, or even legal costs if there’s a dispute.

No matter what kind of rider you are – whether you’re commuting, hitting the open road, or just going for a weekend spin – having the correct cover keeps you protected, confident and stress-free.

What are my options for motorbike insurance?

There are three main types of motorbike insurance: third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. Each offers a different level of protection, so it’s good to know what you’re getting before choosing a policy.

Third party

This is the most basic type of cover and the minimum you need by law. It usually includes:

Cover for damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles or property.
Protection while you’re legally riding on UK roads.

This level won’t cover repairs to your own bike if it’s damaged or stolen. Injury to others may not include pillion cover (for passengers), though you can usually add it if you’ve got a full motorbike licence.

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT)

A step up from basic cover, this option usually includes:

Everything in third party cover – so you’re protected if you cause damage or injury to others.
Cover if your bike’s stolen, damaged in an attempted theft or caught in a fire.

However, it won’t pay out for repairs or replacement if you’re at fault in an accident. You’d need comprehensive cover for that.

Comprehensive

This is the highest level of protection. It usually includes:

Damage to your own bike, even if an accident was your fault.
Cover for fire, theft and third party damage or injury.
Sometimes extras like personal accident cover and cover for your leathers and helmet.

Despite offering the most protection, comprehensive insurance can sometimes be cheaper than you’d think – so it’s always worth comparing before you decide.

Optional extras for your motorbike insurance

Want a bit of extra peace of mind? Most insurers let you add optional extras to tailor your cover to how and where you ride. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to access all or some of the following:

Personal accident cover: A payout if you’re killed or very seriously injured in an accident.
Excess protect cover: Get some or all of your policy excess back if your bike is damaged.
Helmet and leathers cover: Covers your helmet, jacket, gloves and boots if they’re damaged in an accident.
Legal expenses cover: Helps cover legal costs if you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Replacement vehicle cover: Keeps you riding with a temporary bike if yours is unrideable.

Key protect cover: Covers lost, stolen or broken keys for you and your household.
Breakdown cover: 24-hour roadside assistance in the UK or Europe if your bike breaks down.
Other passengers: If you plan to ride with a passenger, make sure you add pillion cover to your policy.
Sidecar cover: Got a sidecar or other accessories? These usually need extra cover, which can easily be added to your policy.

What type of bikes does motorbike insurance cover?

To give you an idea of what bikes are typically covered, here’s a look at what one leading provider of motorbike insurance usually insures, and how the type of bike can affect the price.

Moped and scooter

Generally cheaper to insure since they’re smaller and less powerful. If you’re under 25 or it’s your first bike, premiums might be higher, as younger riders are seen as higher risk.

Supermoto

Off-road style bikes that can take street tires. Lighter models with smaller engines are usually cheaper to insure.

Classic bikes

Typically over 20 years old. Standard policies usually cover these, but very old or valuable bikes may benefit from specialist classic bike insurance.

Sports bikes

Built for speed, so they often cost more to insure than standard motorbikes.

Off-road bikes

Includes motocross, trial and dirt bikes. These usually need specific cover, which is often available under standard motorbike insurance.

Choppers

Customised bikes with unique features, like kicked-out forks, can be a bit pricier to insure because of modifications.

Cruisers

Large, heavy bikes with big engines. Insurance can be higher, especially if the bike has been customised.

Basically, whether you ride a scooter, a classic, or a high-speed sports bike, there’s usually a policy that fits. Just bear in mind that the type of bike and how it’s used will usually affect the cost.

Classes of motorbike use

When you’re getting your motorbike insured, one of the things you’ll be asked is how you - and any other named riders - actually plan to use it. Insurers call this your ‘class of use’ and it helps them understand the level of risk they’re taking on. Here’s what the different options usually mean:

Social, domestic and pleasure

This one’s for the riders who are out and about purely for fun or everyday errands. Weekend blasts, popping to the shops, meeting friends – it all sits under this heading. What it doesn’t include is anything work-related.

Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting

If you’ll also be using your bike to get to a single, regular workplace, you’ll need this level of cover. It keeps you protected on your normal commute as well as during your leisure rides.

Business use

This is for when you use your bike for work travel beyond a simple commute. If you visit different clients or ride to multiple work locations, you’ll fall into this category. Just bear in mind that it often doesn’t count as delivery or courier work, as this is considered higher risk and usually requires additional cover.

Delivery rider / courier insurance

If you deliver items on your bike – from takeaway food to parcels – you’ll need a policy that reflects it. While a policy that covers delivery or courier work can cost more than a standard one, it doesn’t always. Either way, it’s essential if you do deliveries on your bike that you take out this cover as your insurer won’t pay out on a claim if you don’t.

Choosing the right class of use is really important. Before you decide, have a careful read of your policy details so you’re confident you’ve picked the cover that genuinely matches how you use your bike.

How much does motorbike insurance cost?

The cost of motorbike insurance can vary depending on a few factors. If you’re considered riskier to insure, your policy could be more expensive. Things that usually affect the price include:

Age: Younger riders are often seen as less experienced, so premiums can be higher.
Job: Using your bike for work, like deliveries, can increase the cost.
Engine size: More powerful bikes usually mean a higher premium.
Time you ride: Riding during busy times, like rush hour, can be seen as higher risk.

Security: Keeping your bike in a garage or using extra security measures can help reduce costs.
Driving history: Previous claims or convictions can push premiums up.
Annual mileage: The more time you spend on the road, the higher the risk, which can affect the price.

Basically, insurers look at how likely you are to make a claim. The safer your setup, the friendlier your premium is likely to be.

How to bring down the cost of motorbike insurance

There’s no magic trick to slashing the cost of your motorbike insurance, but there are a few smart ways to help bring the price down. Some things – like your age or riding experience – are out of your hands, but others are well within your control. Here are a few tips that could make a difference:

Build a no claims bonus: Ride safely and responsibly to earn discounts for every claim-free year.
Increase your voluntary excess: Offering to pay a bit more if you make a claim can lower your premium, but make sure it’s still an amount you could afford.
Stay careful on the road: Fewer accidents mean fewer claims – and that helps keep your costs low.
Add a named rider: This can sometimes reduce your premium, but make sure they genuinely use the bike – pretending otherwise (known as ‘fronting’) is illegal.

Pay annually: Paying your premium in one go often works out cheaper than spreading it monthly.
Cut your mileage: The less you ride, the lower your risk – and potentially, your premium.
Keep your bike secure: Storing it in a garage or using extra locks and alarms can help bring costs down.
Take a course: Completing a recognised course, like Pass Plus, can show insurers you’re a safer bet.

Answering your questions about motorbike insurance

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