Susan Difford Insurance Expert

What the experts say…

"Look beyond the cost of the policy and consider the benefits that come with it. For example, some policies may include breakdown cover, legal expenses insurance, or cover for riding abroad."

– Susan Difford, Co-founder of Clean Green Compare

Motorbike Insurance image

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  • Fully comprehensive
  • Third party only
  • Third party, fire and theft
  • Legal fees
  • Breakdown cover

A guide to motorbike insurance

Motorbike insurance, also called ‘motorcycle insurance’, is a necessity when you drive a motorbike. Not only does motorbike insurance make your vehicle road legal but it also covers you for some of the main risks involved, such as collisions with other motorists as well as breakdown assistance and legal fees, depending on the level of cover you take out. Read below for more info on how to get cheap bike insurance or click the green button to compare motorbike insurance quotes now.

In this guide, you’ll find a full explanation of the different types of motorcycle insurance that are available as well as the benefits of getting cover online.

Did you know?

It’s very easy to tailor your motorbike insurance so it includes only the cover you most need

Types of motorbike insurance

Below are the three main types of motorbike insurance you can take out –

Third party only 

This is the lowest level of cover you can get to make your motorbike road legal. It doesn’t provide any cover for your bike but will provide cover for any damage or injury you cause to others.

Third party, fire and theft

Third party, fire and theft will provide cover for damage or injury to other people but also comes with protection for your own bike if it’s damaged as a result of a theft attempt, damaged by fire or stolen. It won’t provide cover for damage caused by collisions however.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive cover provides you with the most protection for your motorcycle. It will cover the costs of damages for both your vehicle and any third parties if you were at fault for an accident. It also covers fire and theft.

Additional cover options

Some additional types of motorbike insurance include –

Breakdown cover

Always a useful type of cover to have. You would be assisted if your bike broke down by the roadside or at home.

No claims bonus protection

You can pay an additional cost to protect the no claims bonus you’ve built up.

European travel

This will cover you for riding your motorcycle in certain European countries. The amount of time you’re covered and the level of cover you have is something you should discuss with your insurance provider.

Did you know?

Getting motorbike insurance quotes online could save you money by helping you to prevent overpaying for a policy

The benefits of getting motorcycle insurance online

Some of the benefits of getting cover online include –

  • Get pressure-free quotes
  • Take your time to choose the ideal policy
  • Instant cover
  • Easily add and remove cover options
  • Flexible payment options

Did you know?

When you take out quotes online, there’s no pressure or hard sell. Simply choose the policy that’s best for you.

Get motorcycle insurance quotes now

If you want to get tailored motorcycle insurance quotes in a quick and easy manner, then you’re in the right place. Simply click the green button below and once you’ve provided the necessary information, you’ll be sent quotes from a range of specialist motorcycle insurance providers.

Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.

Motorcycle Insurance FAQs

Will my motorbike insurance go up if somebody else hits me?

A lot of people are curious as to whether insurance goes up if you’re involved in a collision where you weren’t at fault at all. The answer is no, it does not. Insurance typically goes up when you’re involved in a collision where you were at fault or if you needed to make a claim as a result of other types of negligence on your part i.e. if you left your motorcycle parked in a very unsafe area and it was stolen.

Is insuring a motorcycle cheaper than insuring a car?

Often it can be cheaper to insure a motorcycle when compared to a car. However, the cost of motorcycle insurance will vary a lot depending on the value of the bike you want to insure as well as your driving history and experience. If you want to keep the cost of motorcycle insurance to a minimum then it’s a good idea to limit cover options and shop around for quotes.

What is CBT?

Compulsory Basic Training is a type of basic training that all motorcycle and moped drivers have to undergo in order to be able to legally drive such a vehicle in the UK. If you passed a standard driving test before February 2001 then you don’t have to do CBT in order to ride a moped that’s 50cc although it’s still a good idea to do it, especially since it’s something insurance providers take into account when providing a policy.

What is an excess under motorbike insurance?

Excess is the amount you would need to pay towards a claim. You can increase the amount of voluntary excess you’d pay as a way to save money on your premium.

Can I insure a modified or imported motorcycle?

Yes, in most cases you’ll be able to insure a motorcycle that’s been imported or modified. However, in the case of a modified bike, it’s essential to let your insurance provider know the details of any modifications that have been made. It could affect your ability to claim if you don’t do this.

How old do I have to be to take out a motorbike insurance policy?

This will depend on the power of the motorbike. In the UK, you’re able to ride scooters and mopeds from the age of 16, light motorcycles from the age of 17 and standard motorcycles from the age of 19. To ride motorcycles without any restrictions on size or power, you’ll need to be 21 or 24, depending on which route you want to take to obtain your licence. You will need to be able to provide the correct licence when taking out an insurance policy.

Is it possible insure a scooter or a moped too under a motorcycle insurance policy?

Yes. Most insurance providers will allow you to insure a scooter or moped as well as a standard motorcycle.

What are the best ways to save money on motorcycle insurance?

Some good ways to save money on motorcycle insurance include –
  • Limit cover options
  • Have somewhere safe to keep your bike
  • Use your no claims bonus
  • Get a lot of quotes

How much does motorbike insurance cost?

This will depend on a few key factors. These include –
  • Your age
  • Your motorcycle driving experience
  • The value of your motorbike
  • The level of cover you take out
 

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Motorbike Insurance Providers

Clean Green Compare have partnered with Quotezone.co.uk to help you save money on your Motorbike Insurance. Quotezone.co.uk is a trading style of Seopa Ltd who are a limited company registered in Northern Ireland, Registered number: NI46322. Registered office: Seopa Ltd, Floor 4, Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT2 7GS. Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their registered number is 313860.

You could pay less than £285* *51% of consumers who received a quote for Motorbike Insurance through this service provided by Seopa Ltd. in January 2025 were quoted less than £284.82. The price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances

Susan Difford - Clean Green Compare Personal Lines Insurance Expert
Updated 9 May 2025Reviewed by Susan Difford Personal Lines Insurance Expert
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