Compare Motorbike Insurance Quotes
You could pay less than £285* on your motorbike insurance
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*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 saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd's insurance comparison website. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances.
What you'll need to compare motorbike insurance
Your Bike Details
Your registration or bike details including make, model, engine size, value, any modifications, and storage location.
About You
Basic info like name, age, address, occupation, riding history, your license type, and any previous claims.
Usage & Coverage Level
How you use your bike (commuting, social, business), annual mileage, your cover type preference, and any optional extras.
What is motorbike insurance?
Motorbike insurance provides financial protection for both you and your bike while riding on UK roads. It's not just a valuable safety net to cover costs related to accidents, damage, and theft—it's also a legal requirement for all motorbike riders in the United Kingdom.
Whether you ride a high-powered sports bike, a classic model, a scooter, a moped, or even a quad bike, you must have at least third-party insurance coverage before hitting the road. This legal requirement exists to ensure that if you're involved in an accident and found at fault, the costs of compensating others for injuries or damage to their property are covered.
By comparing multiple quotes, you could pay less than £285* for your motorbike insurance with MySupermarket Compare, potentially saving hundreds of pounds on your annual premium.
What levels of coverage are available for motorbike insurance?
Just like with car and van insurance, you'll have three main types of coverage to choose from. Each provides different levels of protection to meet your needs and budget.
Comprehensive insurance
The most complete coverage available, protecting both third parties and your own motorbike. Covers damage to your bike in accidents (even if you're at fault), fire damage, theft, and damage or injuries to third parties. Some policies may include extras like helmet and leathers coverage.
Third party, fire, and theft (TPFT)
Offers more protection than the minimum required by law. Covers damage to third parties while also protecting your bike against fire damage and theft. However, it won't cover damage to your own bike if you're involved in an accident that's your fault.
Third party only (TPO)
The minimum legal requirement for all UK road users. This basic coverage only protects against claims made by third parties for injuries or damage to their property and vehicles. It provides no coverage for your own bike in case of accidents, fire, or theft.
Specialist motorbike insurance options
Different bikes and different riders have unique insurance needs. Our partner provides several specialist insurance options to suit your specific circumstances.
Moped & scooter insurance
Specialized coverage for smaller engine bikes up to 125cc. These policies are often more affordable, reflecting the lower power and typically urban usage patterns of mopeds and scooters.
Electric scooter insurance
Coverage for electric scooters with specialized features like battery protection and charging equipment coverage. Important for the growing number of eco-conscious riders switching to electric options.
Classic motorbike insurance
Tailored policies for vintage and classic bikes, with special considerations for agreed value, limited mileage, and appreciation in value. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of motorcycling history.
Multi-bike insurance
Coverage for multiple motorcycles under a single policy, typically offering discounts compared to insuring each bike separately. Convenient for enthusiasts who own more than one bike.
Temporary bike insurance
Short-term coverage available from 1 day to 3 months. Ideal for borrowing a motorcycle, test rides before purchasing, or covering seasonal riding when you don't need year-round insurance.
Quad bike insurance
Specialized coverage for quad bikes with considerations for both on-road and off-road usage, agricultural use, or recreational riding. Includes protection against theft, which is particularly important for these vehicles.
What's typically excluded from motorbike insurance?
Understanding what isn't covered by your policy is just as important as knowing what is. Most standard motorbike insurance policies exclude the following:
Wear and tear
General deterioration of your bike due to age, usage, or lack of maintenance isn't covered by insurance. Regular servicing is your responsibility as the owner.
Undeclared modifications
Failing to inform your insurer about any modifications to your bike (performance upgrades, cosmetic changes, etc.) could invalidate your policy entirely.
Riding under the influence
Any accidents occurring while you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs won't be covered. This can also result in criminal charges, license suspension, and substantial fines.
Racing and competitions
Standard policies don't cover accidents occurring during races, track days, or competitive events. Specialist track day insurance is available separately if needed.
Riders not named on the policy
Unless you have an "any rider" policy, only those specifically named on your insurance will be covered. Lending your bike to unauthorized riders could void your coverage.
Incorrect usage class
Using your bike for purposes not declared in your policy (like business use when only insured for social use) can invalidate your coverage in the event of a claim.
Important: Always check your individual policy documents for specific exclusions, as these can vary between insurers. If you're unsure about any aspect of your coverage, contact your insurer directly for clarification.
Factors affecting motorbike insurance costs
Motorbike insurance premiums can vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these can help you identify opportunities to potentially reduce your costs.
Engine size & power
Higher-powered bikes with larger engines typically cost more to insure, as they're statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and more expensive to repair.
Age & experience
Younger and less experienced riders typically face higher premiums due to their higher statistical risk. Additional qualifications like advanced riding certificates can help offset this.
Location
Where you live and store your bike affects your premium. Urban areas with higher crime and accident rates typically result in higher insurance costs than rural locations.
Security measures
Enhanced security like ground anchors, approved locks, alarms, immobilizers, and secure overnight storage can reduce the theft risk and lower your premiums.
Occupation
Your job can affect your premium if it involves frequent travel, unsociable hours, or high-pressure environments that statistically correlate with increased accident risk.
Modifications
Performance-enhancing modifications typically increase premiums, while security modifications might reduce them. Always declare all modifications to your insurer.
Annual mileage
Higher mileage means more time on the road and greater exposure to risk. Accurately estimating your annual mileage can prevent overpaying.
Claims history
Previous claims and motoring convictions significantly impact your premium. Building a no-claims discount over time can substantially reduce your costs.
Coverage level
While comprehensive cover offers more protection, it's not always the most expensive option. Compare all levels as third-party policies can sometimes cost more.
How to save on your motorbike insurance
Finding affordable motorbike insurance doesn't have to be challenging. Here are proven strategies that could help reduce your premium:
Improve security
Install approved security devices such as alarmed disc locks, chain locks, ground anchors, and tracker systems. Store your bike in a secure garage or shed when possible, and consider security marking. Many insurers offer significant discounts for these measures, sometimes reducing premiums by 5-15%.
Build a no-claims discount
Each claim-free year adds to your no-claims bonus, potentially reducing your premium by up to 75% after five years. Consider whether small claims are worth losing your discount over. You can also pay extra to protect your no-claims bonus, allowing you to make claims without losing your discount.
Pay annually
While monthly payments help spread the cost, they typically include interest charges of 10-30% APR. Paying your premium in one annual lump sum can save you a significant amount over the year. If possible, budget for this expense to avoid the additional financing costs.
Choose your bike carefully
If you're new to motorcycling or looking to change bikes, consider how your choice affects insurance costs. Smaller engines (particularly 125cc and under) and less powerful models typically cost significantly less to insure. Standard models usually have lower premiums than rare or modified bikes.
Take advanced riding courses
Advanced riding qualifications like the Enhanced Rider Scheme or courses from RoSPA or IAM RoadSmart demonstrate your commitment to safety. Many insurers offer discounts of 5-15% for riders with these qualifications, plus they improve your skills and confidence on the road.
Compare multiple quotes
The most effective way to save is to compare quotes from multiple providers. Each insurer calculates risk differently and may view your circumstances more favorably. Using our comparison service gives you access to 25+ providers instantly, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds with just a few minutes of your time.
Available upgrades & optional extras
Customize your motorbike insurance with these valuable add-ons to enhance your protection:
Breakdown cover
Never be left stranded if your bike breaks down. This add-on provides roadside assistance, getting you and your bike to safety and helping with repairs or transportation to a garage. Most providers offer different levels from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive European coverage.
Pillion cover
If you regularly carry passengers, this essential coverage ensures they're protected in case of an accident. Only full license holders (not provisional) can carry passengers, and you must have this specific coverage to be legally protected when riding with a pillion passenger.
Replacement keys
Covers the cost of replacing expensive electronic keys and locks if yours are lost or stolen. With modern bike keys often costing hundreds of pounds to replace due to their sophisticated security features, this relatively inexpensive add-on can save you from a significant unexpected expense.
Helmet & leathers cover
Protects your expensive riding gear including helmets, jackets, gloves, boots and leathers if damaged in an accident. Quality motorcycle gear can cost thousands of pounds, yet standard policies don't usually cover these items. This add-on typically provides up to £1,500 of protection for your essential safety equipment.
Legal expenses cover
Covers legal costs associated with claiming compensation after an accident that wasn't your fault. This can include pursuing claims for personal injury, loss of earnings, or recovery of policy excess. It also provides legal defense if you're at fault and someone claims against you.
Protected no claims discount
Preserves your valuable no-claims discount even if you need to make a claim. After building up years of claim-free riding, this protection ensures that your discount (and lower premiums) remains intact, typically allowing for 1-2 claims within a set period without affecting your NCD.
European travel cover
Extends your comprehensive coverage while riding in Europe. Standard policies may only offer minimal third-party protection abroad, which might not cover theft or damage to your own bike. This add-on ensures you have the same level of protection across Europe as you do in the UK.
Classes of motorbike use
The way you use your motorbike significantly impacts your insurance premium. Be sure to select the correct class of use when getting quotes, as incorrect information could invalidate your policy.
1Social, domestic & pleasure (SDP)
Covers everyday riding for leisure purposes, including visiting friends and family, shopping trips, and recreational riding. This is typically the most basic and affordable class of use.
Important: SDP does not cover commuting to work or any business use. If you ride to and from a workplace, you'll need commuting cover at minimum.
2Commuting
Includes everything in SDP plus riding to and from a single regular place of work. This coverage extends to riding to a train station or other transport hub as part of your commute.
Note: If you travel to multiple work locations or client sites, you'll need business use cover instead of standard commuting coverage.
3Business use
Covers riding for work purposes beyond simple commuting, such as traveling between multiple work sites, client visits, or business meetings. It does not include commercial delivery services.
Tip: Business use coverage generally costs more than commuting or SDP due to the increased mileage and exposure to peak traffic conditions.
4Commercial/courier use
Specialized coverage for delivery riders who transport food, parcels, or other goods as part of their job. This includes food delivery workers, courier services, and dispatch riders.
Important: Standard business use policies do not cover delivery work. Using your bike for deliveries without specific courier insurance could invalidate your policy entirely.
Honesty is the best policy
While it might be tempting to select a lower class of use to reduce your premium, providing incorrect information could lead to denied claims and a voided policy when you need it most. Always declare exactly how you use your motorbike to ensure you're properly covered.
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Motorbike Insurance FAQs
Why is motorbike insurance typically more expensive than car insurance?
Motorbike insurance can be more expensive due to factors like higher accident risk statistics for some rider demographics, the potential for serious injury, higher theft rates for certain models, and the specialized nature of repairs and parts.
How does engine size (cc) affect motorbike insurance premiums?
Generally, larger engine sizes (higher cc) result in higher premiums. Insurers view more powerful bikes as having a greater risk of high-speed accidents and potentially higher repair costs.
How can I find the most affordable motorbike insurance?
Compare quotes widely using services like ours. Build a no-claims discount. Improve security (approved locks, immobilisers, secure storage). Consider advanced rider training (like IAM RoadSmart). Choose a bike in a lower insurance group. Pay annually if possible. Opt for a higher voluntary excess if affordable.
What's the difference between comprehensive and third-party motorbike insurance?
Third Party Only (TPO) is the legal minimum, covering damage/injury you cause to others. Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) adds cover for your bike if stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive covers TPO, TPFT, and damage to your own bike, even in an accident that was your fault.
Does standard motorbike insurance cover riding gear like helmets and leathers?
Usually no. Standard policies typically only cover the motorcycle itself. Cover for helmets, leathers, and other riding gear often needs to be added as an optional extra, typically with a separate coverage limit.
What is pillion cover and do I need it?
Pillion cover protects you against liability claims if a passenger you are carrying is injured in an accident. If you ever carry passengers (pillion riders), you MUST have this cover; standard policies often exclude it. Only riders with a full license can legally carry passengers.
Are modifications declared when getting motorbike insurance?
Yes, absolutely. You must declare ALL modifications, including performance upgrades (exhausts, engine tuning), cosmetic changes (custom paint, handlebars), and functional additions. Failure to declare modifications can invalidate your insurance.
Does my motorbike insurance cover me to ride abroad (e.g., in Europe)?
Standard UK policies usually provide the minimum legal third-party cover required in EU countries. However, this often doesn't cover damage, fire, or theft of your own bike abroad. You typically need to add specific European travel cover (often as an add-on) for comprehensive protection overseas.
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