125cc motorbike insurance

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What insurance do I need for a 125cc bike?

There are three levels of 125cc motorbike insurance to choose from:

Third party

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    The most basic type of 125cc bike insurance available.

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    The minimum legal insurance you need to be able to ride or park your bike on UK public roads.

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    Covers damage to another person’s property and any injuries you cause them.

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    Doesn’t cover you or your bike.

Third party, fire and theft

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    Offers the same cover as third party.

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    Also provides additional cover if your bike is stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive

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    Offers the same cover as third party, fire and theft.

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    Also covers accidental damage to your bike.

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    In most cases, it will also cover the cost of a replacement bike if yours is written off in an accident.

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    Might also provide personal accident cover, but not always. Check the terms and conditions with your provider.

What’s not covered by 125cc motorbike insurance?

Standard insurance for 125cc bikes typically won’t cover:

Other passengers

Even if you have a full motorbike licence, you might find a standard 125cc motorbike insurance policy won’t cover passengers that ride with you.

To ensure they’re also protected, you’ll need to take out extra pillion cover. Just be aware that it’s illegal to take passengers if you only have a provisional licence.

Modifications

Any modifications to your bike made after manufacture must be declared to your insurance company. If the changes aren’t listed under your provider’s ‘acceptable standard modifications’, you may need additional cover.

It's worth knowing that, as with any vehicle, modifications may affect your bike insurance price. Major changes might also need to be declared to the DVLA.

Tyre damage

Generally speaking, a standard 125cc motorbike insurance policy won’t cover punctures, burst tyres and general tyre wear. Check your policy details carefully.

Track days

It’s not compulsory to have track day insurance, although it’s highly recommended. It probably won’t be covered by your standard 125cc bike insurance policy, though, so you’ll likely need specialist motorbike track day insurance.

Remember, too, that there are usually age and licence type restrictions for participating in track days.

What extra cover can I get for a 125cc motorbike?

Optional extras for 125cc motorbike insurance vary between providers, with some included as standard and others available for an extra cost. Common add-ons include:

Breakdown cover

Adding this means you’ll be able to call for roadside assistance if your bike breaks down.

Breakdown cover

Legal expenses insurance

If you’re involved in a road accident and need to make a claim, this could help cover the legal costs. The same is true if a driver makes a claim against you.

Legal expenses insurance

NCD protection

This typically allows you to make one or two claims before the number of no claims bonus years reduces. Having NCD protection doesn’t always mean your premium won’t increase after an accident, though.

No-claims discount protection

Personal accident cover

You could receive a lump-sum payout if you’re injured in an accident that puts you into financial difficulty. Check that the level of cover offered is suitable for you, as it can vary between providers.

Personal accident cover

Helmet and leathers cover

This can insure your essential, expensive gear if it’s damaged in an accident and you need to repair or replace any of it.

Helmet and leathers cover

How much is insurance for a 125cc motorbike?

You could get 125cc bike insurance for less than £7451

Young riders could get bike insurance for less than £1,1612

Here are some of the factors that can affect your bike insurance premium:

  • Your age – younger riders will pay more than the average, as they’re considered a higher risk to insure.

  • Where you live – the amount of crime in your area can affect your premiums.

  • The mileage you do – the more you ride, the more statistically likely you are to have an accident, which may be reflected in your 125cc bike insurance price.

  • Your job – some jobs are considered riskier than others. You’ll pay more for your 125cc motorbike insurance if you’re considered a higher risk.

  • Your voluntary excess – this is the payment you make towards a claim on your insurance on top of the compulsory excess. A higher voluntary excess could lower your bike insurance price – just make sure you could afford it if you had to make a claim.

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How can I get cheaper 125cc motorbike insurance?

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of cheap 125cc motorbike insurance:

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Pass your test

By passing your test, you’ll no longer be classed as a learner. This could give you access to cheaper premiums and a greater choice of insurance providers.

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Improve your riding skills

Taking an advanced riding course after your test could help to improve your riding skills and safety awareness on the road. Tell your insurance provider before you sign up for further training, as you might be eligible for a cheaper premium.

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Avoid modifications

Tweaks or changes that could enhance your bike’s performance or increase its value could bump up your price. Check with your provider before going ahead with any modifications. And remember to be honest if you’ve already made any.

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Keep your bike secure

Storing your bike in a secure garage and fitting Thatcham-approved security devices could get you a cheaper premium. Check with your insurance provider as you may be eligible for a discount.

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Pay annually

Paying upfront in one go could work out cheaper than monthly repayments that typically come with added interest.

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Increase your voluntary excess

Agreeing to a higher voluntary excess could get you a cheaper premium. Just make sure you can afford it if you need to make a claim.

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Don’t overestimate your mileage

The more miles you do, the higher your 125cc bike insurance price is likely to be.

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Shop around

Shopping around and comparing 125cc bike insurance quotes is one of the easiest ways to find a great deal.

Whether you’re wondering how much insurance for a 125cc motorbike is for an 18-year-old or how optional extras affect your price, we make it easy to compare policies.

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Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on a provisional licence?

Yes. It’s perfectly legal to ride a 125cc on a provisional licence, once you’ve completed your compulsory basic training (CBT). But you must have L plates and insurance. And you can’t ride on motorways or carry passengers with a provisional licence.

A CBT certificate is a legal requirement if you ride on a provisional licence. The CBT is a course designed to make sure you can ride safely on the roads on your own. It includes on-site and on-road training and usually takes a full day to complete.

If you don’t have a valid CBT, you could be fined up to £1,000 and get up to six penalty points. You’ll also need to get your full licence within two years of taking your CBT.

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CBT and insurance

You’ll need insurance to drive a motorbike, whether you’re driving as a CBT learner or a fully qualified licence holder. But riding with only a CBT (and no full licence) could affect your 125cc bike insurance price.

Even if you’ve been riding for a long time on a provisional licence, you’ll still be considered a learner. This is likely to push up your insurance premium.

However, you can still earn a no claims discount (NCD) on your provisional licence. Claim-free years do count even without a full licence.

What do I need to get a quote?

To get a 125cc motorbike insurance quote, we’ll need some basic details, including:

  • Your name and address

  • Your bike’s make, model and reg

  • Your marital status

  • What you do for a living

  • Your email address.

We’ll also need a few other details, such as:

  • The year your bike was manufactured

  • Any modifications added after manufacture

  • The value of your motorcycle and the date you bought it, if you’re a new owner

  • How long you’ve had your licence – either full or provisional

  • Any claims or convictions

  • Any additional riders, and details of any claims and convictions they may have had

  • Any special security devices you carry or have had fitted to your motorbike.

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Amy Rootham

What our expert says...

“In 2024, 16,407 road casualties were motorcyclists, according to the Department for Transport. So, while insurance providers may charge a higher premium – or larger compulsory excess – if you’re an inexperienced rider, bike insurance is essential.

“However, there are ways of reducing your 125cc bike insurance price. Keeping your bike secure and mileage low could help reduce the cost of your premium, as could shopping around and comparing quotes.”

Amy Rootham, Insurance expert

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FAQs

What is a 125cc bike?

A 125cc bike is a small motorbike or scooter with a 125cc engine and a top speed of around 70 mph. It’s ideal for getting around a city, while still being capable of handling some longer journeys on bigger roads.

Averaging around 70-100 miles per gallon, 125cc bikes are economical to run. This makes them particularly popular with younger and learner riders.

Can I take a passenger on a 125cc motorbike?

Whether or not you can carry a passenger depends on the type of licence you have. If you’re using a provisional licence, it’s against the law to take a passenger on the back of your 125cc motorbike.

Once you’ve passed your full test and have an A1 licence, you can remove your L plates and carry passengers.

However, you should check your insurance policy, as you may need extra pillion cover. This covers your passenger against personal injury while they’re riding with you.

Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on the motorway?

Yes, unlike a 50cc moped or scooter, you can ride a 125cc motorbike on the motorway. But only once you pass your motorbike test and have at least an A1 licence.

It’s illegal to ride on the motorway with a provisional licence.

Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on a car driving licence?

Yes, you can ride a 125cc on a full UK driving licence. But you’ll need to take your compulsory basic training (CBT) first.

You’ll also have to use L plates. And you won’t be able to carry passengers or ride on the motorway until you pass your motorbike theory and practical test.

If you decide not to take your motorbike test, you’ll need to repeat the CBT every two years to continue riding your 125cc.

Can I insure a bike without a CBT?

While it’s possible to insure a bike without a CBT, you’ll likely only be allowed to ride it under supervision from an instructor.

Without completing your CBT, you won’t be insured to ride unaccompanied.

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Amy Rootham
Reviewed 09 Jun 2026 by Amy Rootham Insurance expert

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.

Methodology

1 51% of our customers were quoted less than £744.43 for their 125cc bike insurance in June 2026.

2 51% of young riders between 16-17 years old could achieve a quote of less than £1,160.07 per year for bike insurance based on Compare the Market data in June 2026.