Can I use standard motorbike insurance for my off-road bike?

If you’re just looking for insurance that makes your bike legal on public roads, then yes, you can use standard motorbike insurance. But if you’re looking for any kind of protection for your bike on the track, standard insurance won’t do the job as it will usually only cover you for ordinary road use.

What should I look for when choosing off-road insurance?

When buying off-road motorbike insurance, whether from a specialist or as an add-on to a standard policy, there are some features you should look out for and consider whether you need them or not:

• accidental damage cover – the key feature, covering your bike for damage it suffers off-road
• legal assistance cover – to pay for any legal expenses and compensation in case someone sues you for damages
• personal injury cover – this provides a pay-out if you’re seriously hurt in an accident
• in transit cover – if your bike gets to the track in a van or trailer, some policies will cover for damage along the way – check the wording if this is important for you
• breakdown cover – off-road bikes can take a beating, so this is helpful in case you break down and get stranded on the ride home  

If you want to take part in trials and competitions, you will need to check this is covered too, as it can often be excluded from mainstream policies – even those designed for off road.

What can I do to lower the cost of motorbike insurance?

• look for ‘limited mileage cover’ - off-road bikes don’t tend to rack up as many miles as their regular road-cruising cousins. Look around for insurance that takes your mileage into consideration
• invest in some security - storing your bike in a secure garage or drive and fitting an immobiliser, alarm or lock  could knock a few pounds off your premium. They will also deter thieves, which saves you the grief of claiming after a theft and protects your no-claims bonus too
• upgrade your riding - being an experienced rider can mean more favourable premiums with some providers. While you can’t buy experience, you can pay for accredited training courses. Find out more about reducing motorbike insurance by taking training courses.