Motorbike

Motorbike insurance explained

What motorbike insurance is, the three main levels of cover, optional personal accident cover and the legal requirement to insure a bike on UK roads.

Motorbike insurance covers motorcycles, scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles. It is designed to protect you against financial loss if your bike is damaged or stolen, and against liability for injury or damage caused while you are riding.

The main levels of motorbike cover

Motorbike insurance generally comes in three levels, with personal accident cover often available as well.

1. Third party

This covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles or their property in an accident that is your fault. It does not cover damage to your own bike.

2. Third party, fire and theft

This gives the same cover as third party, and also covers your bike if it is stolen or damaged by fire.

3. Comprehensive

This covers damage to your own bike as well as third party liability, fire and theft.

4. Personal accident

This covers the rider if they are injured or killed in an accident. It is often offered as an optional extra.

Choosing the right cover

The level and type of cover depend on the policy you choose and your needs as a rider. Things that usually affect cover and price include the bike's engine size and value, where it is kept overnight, your riding experience and the security you use, such as locks, chains or trackers. You may also want to check whether your helmet and riding gear are covered.

It is worth comparing what different policies include, not just the price.

Is motorbike insurance a legal requirement?

Yes. In the UK, you must have at least third party insurance to ride a motorbike or scooter on public roads, under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If your bike is kept off the road and not insured, it needs to be declared off the road with a SORN; see GOV.UK for details.

At Kompare, you fill in a short form about you and your bike, and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you to talk through quotes. Find out more on our motorbike insurance page.