Motorbike insurance
COMPARE CHEAP MOTORBIKE INSURANCE QUOTES
- Protect your beloved two-wheeler with motorbike insurance for less than £619 per year[1]
- Plus, enjoy a year of fantastic rewards on us*.
[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £618.79 for their bike insurance in September 2024.
What do I need to get a bike insurance quote?
To get a motorbike insurance quote, you’ll need to give us a few details about yourself including your name, address, age and employment status.
We’ll also need details of:
- The make and model of your motorbike – and the registration number, if you know it
- The year it was manufactured (we can compare motorcycle insurance quotes for any bike manufactured from 1970 onwards)
- Any modifications made to your motorcycle after manufacture
- The value of your motorcycle and the date you bought it, if applicable
- How long you’ve had your motorbike licence
- Any claims or convictions in your name
- Any additional riders, including any claims and convictions they may have had
- Any special security devices you carry or have had fitted to your motorbike.
Why compare bike insurance quotes with Compare the Market?
There were around 1.37 million motorcycles registered in the UK in 2024. If yours is one of them, finding affordable insurance will be among your top priorities. Just like car insurance, motorbike insurance is a legal requirement.
Whether you’re buying your first motorcycle or upgrading to your dream machine, comparing motorcycle insurance quotes could help you save money.
Affordable cover
51% of customers were quoted less than £619[1] for their motorcycle insurance.
Compare in minutes
View a range of motorbike quotes in just 6 minutes[2]
We’re impartial
You decide on your policy – we simply help you search more quickly and easily.
[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £618.79 for their bike insurance in September 2024.
[2] Correct as of December 2024.
Join thousands of Trustpilot reviewers who save with Compare the Market
As of January 2nd 2025, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 64,551 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.8 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’. Find out more
What is motorbike insurance and why do I need it?
Having motorbike insurance is a legal requirement if you ride or keep your bike on a public road.
Depending on the level of cover you choose, motorbike insurance could pay out if your bike is damaged or stolen. It could also cover repairs to your motorbike if you’re involved in an accident.
Bike insurance could also cover injuries to you, injuries you might cause other people and damage to their property.
You can add extras like breakdown cover and personal accident cover to your policy for an additional cost.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
What you’ll be covered for depends on the type of motorcycle insurance you choose.
There are three levels of motorcycle insurance cover:
Third party only
Third-party cover is the minimum required by law. It could cover injury and damage you cause to other people and their property. But it won’t cover you or your motorbike.
Third party, fire and theft
This offers the same cover as third-party, with added protection for your motorcycle in case of fire or theft.
Comprehensive insurance
Covers all of the above, as well as repairs to your motorbike after an accident and the cost of replacing it if it’s written off. It could also cover injury to you but check your policy wording to be sure.
What doesn’t motorbike insurance cover?
A standard motorbike insurance policy might not cover:
Other passengers
If you’re planning on riding your bike with a passenger, you’ll need to add pillion cover to your policy.
Sidecar cover
If your bike has a sidecar attached, it will be classed as an accessory, and you may need to take out extra cover.
You can’t compare motorbike insurance with sidecar cover at Compare the Market.
Modifications
You need to tell your insurance provider about any modifications you make to your bike after its manufacture, whether they’re cosmetic or performance-enhancing.
Punctures
While bike insurance doesn’t cover punctures, motorbike breakdown cover with roadside assistance can get you to the nearest garage if you suffer a non-repairable puncture while out on the road. on the road. You can add breakdown cover to your policy when comparing bike insurance quotes at Compare the Market.
Track days
If you want to take to the circuit, you’ll need to get dedicated track day motorbike insurance from a specialist provider. Although it’s not a legal requirement, some track-day organisers will insist you have extra insurance before you can take part.
Compare the Market don’t currently compare track day insurance.
Negligence
For example, if you leave the keys in your bike and it’s stolen.
Riding under the influence
Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal so, as you’d expect, you won’t be covered by your bike insurance.
Wear and tear
Your bike won’t be covered for dents, scratches and rust caused by age and everyday use.
Intentional damage
If you or anyone else on your policy damages your bike on purpose.
How much is motorbike insurance?
According to Compare the Market data, here’s how much customers could typically expect to pay annually and monthly (excluding interest) for their motorbike insurance:
Less than £619/year £51.57/month
for bike insurance[1]
Less than £790/year £65.78/month
for 125cc bike insurance[3]
Less than £536/year £44.63/month
for 50cc bike insurance[4]
Less than £1,173/year £97.73/month
for a young rider[5]
The price you’ll pay for your policy will depend on several factors including:
- Your age – if you’re particularly young or old, you’ll likely find insurance is more expensive as you’re considered a greater risk
- Where you live – if you live in a high-crime area, you can expect to pay more
- Your bike’s make, model and value – if your bike is an expensive, rare or powerful model, your insurance will usually cost more
- Level of cover you choose – don’t always assume that third-party cover is the cheapest
- How you use your bike – social use, commuting or for business purposes
- Any bike modifications you’ve made – some modifications will see the price go up. Others, such as extra security or tracking devices, might reduce it
- Your claims history – previous claims will likely push up the cost of your premium, as you’ll be considered a higher risk by insurance providers
It’s always a good idea to run a motorcycle insurance comparison online to ensure you get the right cover at a price that suits you. Find more on what affects the cost of your motorbike insurance.
[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £618.79 for their bike insurance in September 2024.
[3] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £789.32 for their 125cc bike insurance in September 2024.
[4] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £535.55 for their 50cc bike insurance in September 2024.
[5] 51% of young riders between 16-17 years old could achieve a quote of less than £1,172.70 per year for bike insurance based on Compare the Market data in September 2024.
Correct as of December 2024.
How can I get cheap motorbike insurance?
Here’s how you could help reduce the cost of your bike insurance policy:
| Choose a less powerful bike | A smaller bike with a less powerful engine will typically cost less to repair and insure. |
| Avoid modified bikes | Modifications that enhance performance or increase your bike’s value can bump up the price of your insurance. |
| Limit your mileage |
The fewer miles you do, the less risk there is of you having an accident. If you can keep your annual mileage down, it could earn you a cheaper premium. However, never lie about your mileage and always declare it as accurately as possible. If you don’t, you may have an issue if you later make a claim. |
| Improve your riding skills | Some insurance providers might offer a discount to riders with advanced motorcycle qualifications, like the BikeSafe Certificate or RoSPA’s Enhanced Rider Scheme. |
| Secure your motorbike | Fitting an industry-approved security device and storing your bike in a garage or secure lock-up overnight might help you get a cheaper premium. |
| Pay annually | Paying for your motorbike insurance upfront in one go can be cheaper. You’re often charged interest if you pay monthly. |
| Cut out the extras | There’s no point in paying extra for add-ons you don’t want or need. |
| Build up your no claims discount | For each year you stay claims-free, you’ll receive a discount on your premium the next time you renew. |
| Increase your voluntary excess | Increasing the amount you pay towards a claim (voluntary excess) usually means you’ll pay less for your premium. Just be sure that you’re comfortable with paying the extra if you do have to make a claim. And remember, there will be a compulsory excess to pay too. |
| Shop around | Before you renew, shop around and compare bike insurance quotes to see if you can save money by switching providers. |
What extras can I add to my motorbike insurance policy?
You might want to consider adding these optional extras to your bike insurance:
- Motor legal protection – if you’re involved in an accident that leads to a legal claim, this could cover some or all of your legal costs.
- Helmet and leathers cover – cover if you damage your riding gear in an accident.
- Motorcycle breakdown cover – could get you back on the road if your bike breaks down. If they can’t make a roadside repair, they’ll take your bike to a garage.
- Personal accident cover – if you’re in an accident, this lump sum could cover loss of limbs, permanent disability and accidental death.
- Pillion cover – this could cover your passengers for any injuries received while riding.
- Protected no-claims – this could help you keep some or all of your no-claims discount if you need to make a bike insurance claim.
- Key cover – could cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys.
- EU cover – if you’re planning to ride your bike abroad, you need to make sure you’re covered.
Classes of motorbike use
Insurance providers want to know how you’ll use your bike, so they understand the potential risk involved.
- Social, domestic and pleasure – if you’re only using your bike for leisure and social travel, this will cover you.
- Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting – if you’re also using your bike to ride to a single place of work, that counts as commuting.
- Social, domestic, pleasure, commuting and business use – if you’re using your bike for all of the above, while also using it for business reasons (such as visiting clients or other work-related travel), then you’ll need business use cover.
- Delivery – if you’re using your motorbike or moped for a food delivery job, this will need to be declared and covered appropriately as part of your business use.
Read your policy carefully to make sure you get the right cover for your needs.
Motorbike insurance policies for your type of bike
Here’s a quick look at the main types of motorbike. Different providers have different guidelines on the types of bikes they’ll insure.
50cc bike
A 50cc is the smallest engine size you can get. Cheap to run, with a top speed of 28 mph, a 50cc moped is a good first bike for 16 year olds.
Scooter
Usually available in 50cc or 125cc engine sizes. Faster, top-end scooters may be more expensive to insure if you’re under 25. This is because insurance providers consider young riders a higher risk.
Sports bike
These high-performance bikes can be more expensive to insure. Compare quotes to help you find the cheapest motorbike insurance deal.
Supermoto
Increasingly popular with those who like to ride on and off the road. Costs vary, but lighter-weight models with smaller engines are usually cheaper to insure.
Classic
Classic bikes can be highly valuable, but they also tend to be well cared for and used sparingly, which could reduce the cost of insuring one.
Touring
These bikes tend to cover a lot of distance, so they’re built with comfort and storage in mind, and less emphasis on speed. If you’re planning to take your touring bike abroad, your insurance may be more expensive.
Off-road
If you’re into off-road riding, like motocross or track racing, then it could be expensive to insure your bike, especially if it’s modified.
Cruiser
Cruisers are large, heavy machines often sporting retro-styling. If you’ve customised your cruiser, this could bump up the cost of your premiums.
Chopper
With a motorcycle that’s been ‘chopped’ or modified from its original design, you might need specialist insurance because your bike has been custom-made.
Quadbike
Quadbikes are non-standard vehicles, which can be insured for both on-road and off-road driving. This means you’ll need a specialist policy for quadbikes.
Trike
What our expert says...
To avoid paying more than you need for your bike insurance, think carefully about how you use your bike and only get the add-ons you really need. Plus, do your best to build up your no-claims discount to help reduce your future motorbike insurance premiums."
- Julie Daniels, Motor insurance expert
Frequently asked questions
Are there motorcycle insurance groups?
Yes, just like cars, motorcycles are classified into different insurance groups based on value and performance. There are between 17 and 22 motorcycle insurance groups, depending on the system the insurance provider uses.
Generally, bikes in the lower insurance groups are cheaper to insure.
Can I add other people to my motorbike insurance policy?
Many insurance providers will allow you to add an additional rider. Depending on their age and driving experience, this may raise or lower the cost of your premiums.
Can I insure more than one bike under the same policy?
If you own more than one motorbike, you could insure them all under one policy.
Multi-bike policies can earn you a discount for using the same provider and it can be easier to manage multiple bikes under one policy.
Compare the Market doesn’t currently compare multi-bike insurance, but we’re a great place to compare single motorbike insurance policies.
Can I insure an imported motorcycle?
You can insure an imported motorbike, but you’ll probably find you have fewer options. Not all motorbike insurance providers are willing to insure imports, because they were made to be sold outside of the UK.
You can still find cover, though, so it’s worth comparing providers.
What happens if my bike is written off?
If your bike is written off, some insurance providers will provide you with a brand-new replacement. However this can increase the cost of your insurance.
When you take out your policy, the value of your bike will be used to calculate your pay-out if your bike is written off.
You might want to consider GAP insurance. GAP insurance can cover the difference between the market value of your bike today and the amount you paid when you bought it.
Compare the Market don’t currently compare GAP insurance.
Does motorbike insurance cover wheel damage or punctures?
Most motorbike insurance policies won’t cover you for punctures or damage to your wheels. However, if you take out breakdown cover, you can at least get roadside recovery to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Can I insure my bike for only part of the year?
Yes, you could insure your bike for only part of the year, but, if you take out an annual policy, cancelling early may mean you won’t earn a no-claims discount. You may also have to pay a cancellation fee which could outweigh any savings.
Another option is to take out short-term bike insurance. Policies can offer cover from as little as a few hours up to a few months.
Just remember that if you take your bike off the road, and no longer want to insure it, you’ll need to declare it SORN.
If you can find a cheap motorbike insurance deal, it might make sense to keep it insured at all times. That way, you’ll have year-round cover if it’s stolen or damaged.
Can I ride my bike abroad?
Some insurance providers include cover for riding abroad, usually within the EU. But be sure to check any limits or exclusions in your policy wording.
A separate motorbike travel insurance policy could provide extra cover.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from my car insurance?
Some insurance providers will let you transfer your no-claims bonus from your car insurance to your motorbike and vice versa. But not all will.
It’s worth comparing providers and finding out more before you agree on a motorcycle insurance policy.
What is CBT?
CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. This is a course you need to take before you’re legally able to ride a motorbike or moped on the road.
It’s only the first level of qualification, so you’ll still need to pass a full motorbike or moped driving test. But it will allow you to legally ride a moped or up to a 125cc motorbike, as long as the power output is no more than 11kW.
Once you’ve completed your CBT (it’s not a test that you pass or fail), you must pass your full test within two years, or you’ll have to complete the CBT again.
Can 16 year olds ride scooters and mopeds?
At the age of 16 you can ride a moped or scooter with an engine size of 50cc or less, with a maximum speed of 45km/h (around 27mph). To legally ride on the road in the UK, you’ll need:
- A provisional driving licence
- To have completed a CBT training course
- ‘L’ plates (L or D in Wales)
- A valid MOT
- Tax and insurance for your scooter or moped.
Can I ride someone else’s bike if I have insurance?
You might be covered to ride someone else’s bike if you have a comprehensive policy, the highest level of cover. But not all insurance providers include this within their cover.
If your policy does cover you to ride someone else’s bike, it will likely only be on a third-party basis. Check your policy to be sure.
How do motorbike licence categories work?
In the UK there are four main motorbike licence categories: AM, A1, A2 and A. The category you qualify for depends on your age, licence qualifications and motorbike type.
For example, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old with a CBT, theory test and practical test to qualify for an AM moped licence. You’ll need to be 24 or over to take a direct access test for a full, unrestricted motorbike licence.
