Is comprehensive always dearer than third party?

No. For some riders comprehensive works out cheaper than third party only, so it is worth getting quotes for each level.

Does comprehensive cover me riding other bikes?

Not automatically. Some comprehensive policies include limited third party cover on other machines, but you need to check your certificate before riding anything else.

What is the minimum cover I need by law?

You must hold at least third party insurance to ride on public roads in the UK. A bike that is kept off the road and declared off road with a SORN does not need to be insured.

Motorbike

Motorbike insurance cover types explained

The three levels of motorbike insurance explained: third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive, and what each one covers.

There are three levels of motorbike cover: third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. At least third party cover is required by law to ride on UK roads.

The three levels of cover

Every UK rider must hold at least third party insurance to ride legally. The level you choose affects both what you can claim for and how much you pay.

Third party only covers injury to other people and damage to their property or vehicle, but not your own bike.
Third party, fire and theft adds protection if your bike is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive covers all of the above plus damage to your own bike, even when an accident is your fault.

Third party only

This is the minimum the law requires. If you cause an accident, it pays for injury to others and damage to their property, but you pay to repair or replace your own bike.

Third party, fire and theft

Motorbikes can be a target for thieves, so this level adds cover if your bike is stolen or damaged by fire, on top of the third party cover above.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive cover includes everything above and also pays for damage to your own bike after an accident, subject to your excess. Some policies include extras such as helmet and leathers cover, though these are often optional.

Which level to choose

Comprehensive is not always the most expensive option, so it is worth getting quotes for all three. The right choice depends on your bike's value, where you keep it and how often you ride. The official rules on vehicle insurance are on gov.uk.

Getting quotes

With Kompare, you fill in a short form about you and your bike, and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you about motorbike insurance quotes. Read how we work for more.