Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance Uk

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Three bikers with motorcycles against a backdrop of urban graffiti and a gritty brick wall.
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In the UK, motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement for all motorcyclists, and failing to have it can result in a £1,000 fine and six points on your license.

You can choose from three main types of motorcycle insurance: comprehensive, third-party, and third-party, fire and theft.

Comprehensive insurance covers you for damage to your motorcycle, as well as any third-party damage or injury. It's the most expensive option, but it offers the most protection.

The cost of motorcycle insurance in the UK can vary depending on factors such as your age, location, and the type of motorcycle you own.

What Is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is a must-have if you're planning to ride your bike on public roads in the UK. It's a legal requirement, just like car insurance is for drivers.

The legal minimum requirement is third party motorbike insurance, which covers damage you might cause to other vehicles and road users. This type of cover won't protect your bike against theft, loss, or damage.

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Motorcycle insurance covers various aspects, including damage to other vehicles and people, as well as your bike itself. Here's a breakdown of the different policy levels:

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

There are several types of motorcycle insurance available in the UK. Let's break them down.

Third party insurance is the minimum legal requirement for motorcyclists. It covers the cost of damage to other people's property and any medical expenses or legal costs arising from an accident.

Third party, fire and theft insurance offers the same level of cover as third party insurance, but it also covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bike if it is stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive insurance is the most complete coverage possible, covering the cost of damage to your motorbike, as well as the property of others and any medical expenses or legal costs arising from an accident.

Some insurers also offer specialist policies for particular types of bikes, such as classic bikes, mopeds/scooters, and quad bikes.

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Here are the main types of motorbike insurance:

  • Third party only: Covers the cost of damage to the property of others and any medical expenses or legal costs arising from an accident.
  • Comprehensive: Covers the cost of damage to your motorbike, as well as the property of others and any medical expenses or legal costs arising from an accident.

You can also add extra cover to your policy, such as legal expenses cover, personal accident cover, or breakdown cover.

Policy Features and Options

You can add various features to your motorcycle insurance policy to suit your needs. These include pillion cover, extra named drivers, cover for lost keys, and breakdown cover, among others.

Some policies may also cover damage to your helmet and protective clothing. If you have a solid 'no claims' history, you can pay more to protect it, which can save you money in the long run.

Claims and convictions will increase the cost of your motorcycle insurance, while a good riding history will reduce it. This means that having a clean driving record is essential for getting cheaper motorbike insurance.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a motorcycle insurance policy:

Comprehensive

Comprehensive motorcycle insurance is the highest level of insurance cover, providing all the features of third party, fire and theft cover, plus protection against damage to your own bike and cover for any injuries you suffer in an accident.

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This type of policy will pay for a replacement bike if yours is written off following an accident.

If you have a solid 'no claims' history, you may want to pay more to protect this record, as it can bring down the cost of cover through a no claims bonus.

A comprehensive policy is a must-have for motorcyclists who use their bike for work or those who want the highest level of protection.

Some policies may offer additional features, such as breakdown cover, which provides roadside assistance if your motorbike breaks down.

Here are some key features of comprehensive motorcycle insurance:

  • Covers damage to your own bike (where you are at fault)
  • Covers injuries you suffer in an accident
  • Pays for a replacement bike if yours is written off following an accident
  • Includes breakdown cover as an optional extra

No Claims Discount Protection

No Claims Discount Protection is a valuable feature to consider when choosing a motorbike insurance policy. You can protect your no claims history by paying an additional premium, which means your previous no claims record won't be affected even if you make a claim.

Most insurers offer this option, so it's worth checking with your provider to see if they offer it. The cost of protecting your no claims history needs to be weighed against the potential savings on your insurance premium at renewal.

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Some insurers let you transfer your car's no-claims bonus to your motorbike policy, but many don't, so be sure to check with your insurer before buying a policy. You can only use your car's no-claims bonus on one vehicle at a time.

You can build up your no-claims bonus if you don't make any claims on your insurance during the course of your policy, but be aware that you could lose it if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured rider or driver.

Here's a quick rundown of how no-claims bonus protection works:

  • Most insurers offer the option to protect your no-claims history by paying an additional premium.
  • The cost of protecting your no-claims history needs to be weighed against the potential savings on your insurance premium at renewal.
  • Some insurers let you transfer your car's no-claims bonus to your motorbike policy, but many don't.
  • You can only use your car's no-claims bonus on one vehicle at a time.
  • You can build up your no-claims bonus if you don't make any claims on your insurance during the course of your policy.
  • You could lose your no-claims bonus if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured rider or driver.

Cost and Pricing

The average price of comprehensive motorbike insurance is £376. This price can vary depending on several factors, including your age, job, and engine size.

As you get older, your insurance premium tends to decrease, as you're considered a more experienced rider. However, your job can also impact your premium, with certain professions being viewed as higher risk.

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The engine size of your motorbike is also a significant factor in determining your insurance costs. More powerful bikes with larger engines are likely to be more expensive to insure due to their capable speeds.

Storing your bike securely when not in use can help reduce your insurance costs. Security features like locks and alarms can also bring down the price of your insurance.

If you've had no claims in the past, you can earn a year's no claims discount (NCD), which can reduce the cost of your insurance. However, if you make a claim, your NCD will be affected.

Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of your motorbike insurance:

  • Your age: younger riders tend to pay more
  • How long you've been riding: more experienced riders pay less
  • Previous insurance claims: recent claims can increase costs
  • Bike value and engine size: more powerful bikes cost more to insure
  • Annual mileage: the more you ride, the more you'll pay
  • Motorbike use: commuting to work or using your bike for work can increase costs
  • Your occupation: certain jobs are considered higher risk
  • Times of day/night when you ride: riding during peak hours or late at night can increase costs

Getting a Quote and Policy

You can compare motorbike insurance quotes in minutes on our site, with personalised offers from up to 41 insurers.

Our site is easy to use and will send you reminders when your policy is due, so you never miss the best time to compare.

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If you need help, our Cardiff-based team is here to support you. You can visit our contact page to get in touch.

We're 100% impartial and independent of any insurer, which means the prices we show you are based entirely on the details you give us.

To get a motorbike insurance quote, you'll need to provide some basic information, just like the 41 motorbike insurance companies we work with.

The best way to find the cheapest motorbike insurance is to compare quotes from different providers. You can do this online, over the phone, or through a broker.

Here are some key things to consider when comparing motorbike insurance quotes:

  • The level of cover provided: Make sure the policy you choose provides the level of cover you need.
  • The price: Compare quotes from different providers to find the cheapest motorbike insurance.
  • The customer service: Choose a company with a good reputation for customer service.

By considering these factors, you can find the right cover levels for your needs at the best possible premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best motorcycle insurance in the UK?

There isn't a single "best" motorcycle insurance provider in the UK, as the best option depends on individual needs and circumstances. Top UK motorcycle insurance providers include BikeSure, GoCompare, and Devitt, offering a range of policies and competitive quotes.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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