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Get assistance if your bike breaks down unexpectedly
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Motorcycle breakdown cover can get you back on the road if your bike breaks down. Policies include roadside assistance and recovery, so a mechanic can come out and try to fix your bike right there and then.
If they’re not able to repair the problem, they’ll get you and your motorcycle to a local garage that can.
Covers a named person when they ride or drive any vehicle that meets the policy requirements. Includes motorbikes, cars and vans.
Personal breakdown cover also offers assistance if you’re a passenger on someone else’s bike. It can cover up to four people living at the same address.
Covers the vehicle – or vehicles – specified on the policy. You can usually list up to four vehicles (cars, vans or bikes) registered at the same address on your policy.
So, for example, you could take out motorcycle breakdown cover that also protects your family’s two cars.
It’s nice to know that you’re covered in all sorts of eventualities. But we all have budgets to stick to, and no one wants to pay for cover they won’t use.
When weighing up your cover options, read the terms carefully so you’re clear on exactly what is included and excluded. That way you can make an informed decision about what you need.
It’s also worth checking your car insurance policy to see if you already have any cover for things like misfuelling and lost or stolen keys.
For example, comprehensive bike breakdown cover that includes home start and nationwide recovery will typically be more expensive than a basic roadside assistance policy.
If you have more than one motorcycle, multi-bike breakdown cover could work out cheaper than buying separate policies for each bike.
Bike breakdown cover is typically more expensive for older motorbikes.
The more expensive and powerful your bike is, the more your motorcycle breakdown cover premiums are likely to be.
Bike breakdown cover in the UK varies among providers, but some things are typically not included, such as:
Motorbikes breaking down on private land – your motorcycle breakdown provider might not have permission to access private property, so may not be able to reach you.
Road traffic accidents – your breakdown provider may not be able to reach you while the emergency services are handling the incident. Some breakdown cover also excludes recovery of your motorbike following an accident.
Maintenance issues – it’s your responsibility to keep your bike in good condition. If your motorbike breaks down because of poor maintenance, such as a flat tyre, you might not be covered.
Do you really need any policy add-ons? Streamlining your bike breakdown cover is one way to keep your premiums manageable.
Often, when you combine insurance for more than one vehicle, your insurance provider will offer you a discount.
If you have multiple motorbikes, you’ll often find multi-bike breakdown cover is cheaper than separate policies.
The easiest way to get the best motorbike breakdown cover for your needs is to shop around and compare quotes.
If you have motorcycle breakdown cover for the UK but often travel to Europe, you may be able to add European breakdown to your policy. Or you could buy a separate yearly policy.
European motorcycle breakdown cover usually covers your bike for an unlimited number of trips to Europe each year. But cover will be capped at a certain number of days per trip.
Some bike breakdown cover providers split European cover into different zones, so you only pay for the cover you need. This could mean you pay less for cover in countries closer to home, such as France, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. You can also arrange cover for countries such as Norway and Switzerland.
Check your policy so you know which countries and breakdown scenarios are covered.
If you’re only planning on riding your motorbike in Europe once or twice in a year, it might be cheaper to buy single-trip European bike breakdown cover for each trip.
The same applies if you’re dreaming of a longer, one-off holiday. Just make sure your motorcycle breakdown cover cap isn’t shorter than the length of your trip.
Read more about: travelling abroad with your motorbike.
To get a quote for motorcycle breakdown cover, you need to give us a few details, including:
Including your name and address
This can tell us the age, make and model of your bike
Including any optional extras you’d like to add
See our helpful guides to find the right cover and stay safe while driving
Some motorbike insurance providers offer breakdown cover as part of their policy, while others offer it as an optional extra. If you didn’t take out motorbike breakdown cover when you bought your bike insurance, it’s easy to buy on its own.
Yes, you can. Motorcycle breakdown cover also applies to mopeds and scooters.
If you don’t have motorbike breakdown cover and things go wrong, you’ll need to find a willing friend to collect you. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay for a local garage to pick you up – and motorcycle recovery prices can be high. Plus, you may also have to find alternative transport to continue your journey.
If you break down, the most important thing is to make sure you stay safe.
Find a safe spot to pull over – signal to warn other road users that you have a problem.
Turn on your hazard lights and switch off the engine.
Hop off your bike and use a breakdown warning triangle if you have one and it’s safe to do so.
Ensure you’re visible to other road users. It’s advisable to always wear reflective gear when riding a motorbike – or at least have a high-visibility vest as part of your bike’s breakdown kit.
Get yourself away from the roadside, either on a grass verge or behind a barrier.
Call your breakdown provider and stay near your bike until help arrives.
When you look for breakdown cover, you’ll need to specify how you use your motorcycle. Although it may cost more to cover your bike for business use, it’s important to be honest to avoid invalidating your policy.
Normally, the cost of new motorcycle parts isn’t covered by breakdown cover. If the mechanic who comes to help you at the roadside has a part you need, they’ll often fit it for free, then bill you separately for the part. If you need extensive repairs, breakdown cover will get you to a garage but it typically won’t include the cost of repairs.
It depends on the type of breakdown cover you take out. If you choose to cover yourself with a breakdown policy, you should be covered to ride pillion on any motorbike. If you took out a policy that covers your vehicle, you’ll likely be covered to ride pillion on any bike registered on that policy. Check the terms of your policy or speak to your provider if you’re unsure.
It depends on your provider. Some will let you insure several vehicles under the same breakdown policy, others will only cover one per policy.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
1Based on the % of respondents reporting Compare the Market is their preferred brand in the last 12 months vs. other leading PCWs. Source: Savanta BrandVue Financial Services, National Representative Survey of 12,257 respondents (June 2026)
What our expert says...
“Some breakdown providers offer cover for both your car and motorbike on one joint policy. Depending on your requirements, it can often work out cheaper than buying two individual policies. Compare both separate and joint policies to see which would be a more cost-effective option.”