What is motorcycle trade insurance?

Whether you buy and sell used bikes, run a repair workshop, build customs or transport motorcycles between dealerships, you’re classed as a motor-trader. Standard bike insurance only covers personal riding; it doesn’t protect you when you’re moving customer machines or running a business. Motorcycle-trade insurance lets you:

  • Legally ride or transport customer-owned and stock bikes on public roads.
  • Protect tools, diagnostic equipment and parts in your workshop or van.
  • Cover customer bikes against theft or damage while in your custody.

What’s covered

Below is a snapshot of the protection most insurance providers include as standard. You can tailor the limits or add extra layers if your workshop handles higher-value machines.

Road-risk cover (TPO)

– legal minimum; covers injury or damage you cause to others while riding a customer or stock bike.

Road-risk cover (TPFT)

– TPO plus fire-and-theft cover for the bike you’re riding.

Road-risk cover (Comprehensive)

– TPFT benefits plus accidental or malicious damage to the bike itself.

Customer-bike protection

– Theft or damage while machines are in your care, custody or control, including demo rides.

Public-liability insurance

– Covers injury or property damage claims from customers or third parties.

Employer’s-liability insurance

– Required if you employ staff or apprentices; covers workplace-injury claims.

Tools & equipment cover

– Protects workshop tools, dyno rigs and diagnostic laptops.

Stock & parts cover

– Fire, theft or accidental damage to bikes and parts held for sale.

Premises cover

– Buildings, contents and fixtures at your showroom or workshop.

Business-interruption cover

– Replaces lost income if you can’t trade after an insured event.

Goods-in-transit cover

– Bikes and parts while being moved between sites or delivered to customers.

Optional add-ons

Need extra peace of mind? These bolt-ons expand your core policy, letting you customise cover for courtesy bikes, personal gear or legal expenses.

What isn’t covered

Every policy carries some non-negotiable gaps. Make sure you’re aware of the main ones before you ride away thinking you’re covered for “anything, anywhere”.

Racing, timed track sessions or stunt riding.
Wear & tear or mechanical failure of customer bikes.
Bikes not listed on the MID or worth over £60 k unless declared.
Riders under 23 or with unspent IN10 convictions unless named.
Tools left in an unlocked van or workshop overnight.

Who needs it?

If your income relies on buying, selling, servicing or transporting motorcycles—even part-time—you fall under the UK definition of a motor-trader and need the cover listed here.

  • Franchised and independent bike dealerships
  • Mobile motorcycle mechanics
  • Custom-bike builders & restorers
  • Motorcycle breakers / salvagers
  • Tyre-fitters & MOT stations
  • Performance-tuning workshops
  • Motorcycle collection & delivery services

If you earn money buying, selling, moving or repairing other people’s bikes, you’re classed as a motor trader. A motorcycle-trade policy is the legal green light that lets you ride customer machines and keeps your business protected when things go wrong.

Get Motorcycle Trade Insurance2 Quotes Today

GET QUOTES

Get a quote in 3 simple steps

Getting protected is quick. Here’s how our comparison process works from start to finish:

1

Tell us about your trade

– one 60-second online form.
2

Compare live prices

from 30+ FCA-authorised insurance providers.
3

Select a deal & buy direct

from the provider; documents emailed instantly.

Costs – factors that move the premium

Premiums for motorcycle traders can vary wildly, but five rating factors move the needle more than any others:

  • Postcode risk: urban theft hot-spots can add 25%.
  • Bike value limit: working on machines over £20 k triggers higher rates.
  • Rider age & convictions: under-25s or motoring convictions can increase the base premium.
  • Security: Thatcham approved alarms and ground anchors can save up to 10%.
  • No-claims bonus: each claim-free year knocks increases your no claims bonus

Save money on motorcycle trade insurance

Before you accept the first quote, try these tried-and-tested ways to trim the premium without sacrificing critical cover.

1

Fit a Tracker

Install S5 tracker and CCTV inside the workshop.
2

Install a Key Safe

Store keys in a secured, alarmed cabinet overnight.
3

Restrict to Named Riders

Limit cover to named riders instead of any-rider.
4

Pay Premium Upfront

Choose an annual payment to avoid finance APR.
5

Shop Around for Quotes

Compare prices every renewal; rates shift monthly.

Motorcycle Trade Insurance FAQ

Do I need a policy if I only sell a few bikes a month?

Yes. The moment you ride or transport a customer bike for profit you need at least third-party road-risk cover.

Can I add demonstrator bikes for test rides?

Absolutely – list each bike on the Motor Insurance Database and ensure demonstrator cover is selected.

Is helmet & leathers cover included?

Only on comprehensive levels or when you add the optional personal-gear extension.

How fast can I get documents?

Usually Instantly by email once you choose a provider and pay – you can trade the same day.

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