Motorbike insurance: Cover for the bike and the miles ahead.
Sports bikes, cruisers, scooters and classics, from specialist bike brokers. Start with the reg.
- All bike types
- Riding gear and helmet cover
- No obligation
What motorbike insurance can cover
Bike cover varies more than car cover. Modifications, riding gear, pillion use and where it's kept all change the quote.
- Sports and super-sports
- Cruisers and tourers
- Scooters and 125s
- Classic bikes
- Modified bikes
- Helmet and leathers
- Pillion cover
How it works
- Start with the reg. We look up the bike from the plate, so there's less to type.
- We match you with specialists. Your details go to UK brokers who arrange this kind of cover every day.
- They call you with quotes. Compare what comes back, ask questions, and only go ahead if it's right.
Is motorbike insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes. Any motorbike, moped or scooter ridden on a public road must be insured for at least third-party liability under the Road Traffic Act. A registered bike that is not insured must be declared off the road with a SORN. Riding without insurance is a criminal offence.
You also need the right licence for the bike. Learners usually need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding on the road. Check the licence rules on GOV.UK for your age and the bike you want to ride.
What are the levels of motorbike insurance cover?
There are three. Third party only covers damage or injury you cause to others. Third party, fire and theft adds cover if the bike is stolen or catches fire. Comprehensive also covers damage to your own bike, even if the accident was your fault.
| Level | Other people and their property | Your bike: fire and theft | Your bike: accident damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third party only | Yes | No | No |
| Third party, fire and theft | Yes | Yes | No |
| Comprehensive | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What does motorbike insurance usually cover, and what does it leave out?
Depending on the level, policies cover third-party liability, fire, theft and accident damage. Helmet and leathers cover, pillion cover, breakdown and legal expenses vary between insurers, so compare them. Theft without proper security, wear and tear, and racing or track days are commonly excluded.
- Often optional: helmet and riding gear, breakdown, legal expenses, accessories.
- Check carefully: pillion passengers, riding other bikes, and cover abroad.
- Commonly excluded: track days, wear and tear, and theft where security conditions weren't met.
What affects the price of motorbike insurance?
The bike's make, model, engine size, value and any modifications all count. So do your age, riding experience, licence type, claims and convictions, where the bike is kept overnight and the security fitted. Mileage, how you use the bike and your excess play a part too.
How can I bring down the cost of motorbike insurance?
Security makes a real difference to bike cover. Keep the bike in a garage if you can, and use approved locks, chains, alarms or trackers. Declare accurate mileage and modifications, build your no-claims bonus, and consider a higher voluntary excess you could afford to pay.
- Garage the bike overnight if you can.
- Use approved ground anchors, disc locks, alarms or trackers.
- Give a realistic annual mileage.
- Consider recognised advanced rider training, as some insurers take it into account.
What do I need to get a motorbike insurance quote?
Have the bike's registration, your licence details, and an idea of your mileage and where the bike is kept overnight. The broker will also ask about modifications, security, claims, convictions and whether you carry a pillion.
Motorbike insurance questions
What happens after I submit?
Your details go to specialist brokers who deal with motorbike insurance every day. One of them will call you to run through your options and quotes.
Is there any obligation?
None. You can take a quote, ask for changes, or walk away. Nothing is bought until you say so.
Who are the brokers?
UK-based insurance brokers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Kompare Limited (FCA reference 794660) is an appointed representative of Rainbow Connected Limited (FRN 749881).
How long does it take?
The form takes about two minutes. Brokers usually call back during working hours.
What if I don't know the reg?
Tap "Don't know your reg?" under the plate and tell us the make, model and year instead.
Is my riding gear covered?
Some policies include helmet and leathers, some don't. Ask the broker; it's one of the things worth comparing.
Can I carry a pillion on my policy?
Only if your licence allows it and the policy includes pillion cover. Learner riders on a CBT certificate can't carry passengers.
Do I need to declare modifications to my bike?
Yes. Exhausts, remaps, custom paint and other changes should be declared, or a claim could be affected.
Am I covered for track days?
Usually not on a standard road policy. Track days need specialist cover.
Can I insure a bike that's off the road for winter?
Some insurers offer laid-up cover for theft and fire while the bike is stored. If it's declared SORN, it can't be ridden on the road.
Do I need a different policy for a scooter or moped?
Not a different type of policy, but tell the broker exactly what you ride so it's quoted correctly.
Written and checked by the Kompare team · Last updated October 2026
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