Motorcycle insurance works similarly to car insurance but has some unique considerations. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Cover
| Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party only | Damage to others, not your bike | £200-£500 |
| Third-party, fire, theft | TPO + fire and theft | £250-£600 |
| Comprehensive | Everything including your bike | £300-£800 |
Since 2019, third-party only and comprehensive differ less than they used to. Get comprehensive quotes before assuming it’s more expensive.
What Affects Your Premium
| Factor | Cheaper | More Expensive |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | Under 125cc | Over 600cc |
| Bike type | Commuter/naked | Sports bike |
| Age | 30+ | Under 25 |
| Experience | 5+ years NCB | New rider |
| Storage | Garage | Street parking |
| Mileage | Under 3,000/year | Over 10,000/year |
| Security | Disc lock, chain, alarm | None |
Security Discounts
| Security Device | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| Sold Secure gold chain | 10-15% |
| Disc lock | 5-10% |
| GPS tracker | 10-20% |
| Alarm | 5-10% |
| Garage parking | 10-20% |
No Claims Bonus
| Years NCB | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 20-30% |
| 2 years | 30-40% |
| 5 years | 50-60% |
| 9+ years | 65-75% |
Unlike car insurance, motorcycle NCB often resets if you take a break from riding. Check your policy.
Optional Add-Ons
| Add-On | Worth It? |
|---|---|
| Helmet and leathers cover | Yes for riders with expensive gear |
| Breakdown cover | Yes for older bikes |
| Personal accident cover | Yes if no other life insurance |
| Legal expenses | Usually yes |
| Track day cover | Only if you do track days |
Storing Your Bike
| Storage | Effect on Premium |
|---|---|
| Garage | Cheapest |
| Shed | Moderate |
| Garden (covered) | Higher |
| Street (uncovered) | Most expensive |
| Secure parking | Moderate |
Tips for Reducing Costs
- Pass your full test — CBT-only riders pay more
- Take additional training — ROSPA or IAM certification helps
- Limit modifications — Aftermarket exhausts and custom parts increase premiums
- Restrict your bike — An A2-compliant bike costs less to insure
- Join a motorcycle group — Some clubs offer discounted insurance
What matters most
Beyond the headline figures above, a few practical choices tend to move premiums more than any single optional extra. Engine displacement is the biggest single lever: moving from a 125cc commuter to a 600cc-plus sports bike can double or triple your quote, simply because the model is associated with higher speed and higher claim costs. Storage follows closely. Riding a bike kept overnight in a locked garage rather than on the street is one of the cheapest ways to lower your risk profile, and most insurers reward it with a double-digit discount.
Your own record counts too. Completing your full motorcycle test rather than relying solely on a CBT provisional certificate, and accruing a few claim-free years of no-claims bonus, both pull quotes down sharply. New riders without any history pay the most, which is why many choose a smaller, A2-restricted machine for the first couple of years while their record builds.
When to review your policy
It is worth reviewing motorcycle cover at every renewal rather than letting it auto-renew. Prices move around, and your situation changes — you may have moved to a lockup garage, added a GPS tracker, clocked fewer miles, or built up several extra years of no-claims bonus. Each of these can lower your premium, but only if your insurer knows about them. Likewise, if you add a pannier set, an aftermarket exhaust, or other modifications, tell the insurer up front; under-declaring can void a claim later.
A common trap is to assume your car no-claims bonus protects your bike cover. They are separate policies, and motorcycle NCB frequently resets if you stop riding for a season or two. Keeping hold of your NCB certificate and checking the exact reset rules in your policy wording avoids an unpleasant surprise when you return to two wheels.
Frequently asked questions
Does my bike need its own policy if it is also on my car insurance? Motorcycles are not covered by a standard car policy. You need a separate motorcycle policy, and if you own several bikes you may be able to insure them together or take advantage of multi-bike discounts from some insurers.
Can I insure a modified bike? Yes, but modifications such as aftermarket exhausts, tuning, and custom parts increase premiums because they raise both theft appeal and repair costs. Declare everything accurately — an undeclared modification can lead to a rejected claim.
Is breakdown cover worth adding? It depends on the age and reliability of the bike. On an older machine, breakdown cover is often worth the modest extra cost because a call-out for a motorcycle is harder to arrange than for a car, particularly on motorways or in rural areas.
Bottom Line
Motorcycle insurance is cheaper than car insurance but varies hugely by bike type, engine size, and storage. A 125cc commuter stored in a garage with a disc lock and chain can cost under £200/year. A sports bike on the street can cost £1,000+. Choose your bike with insurance costs in mind, keep security devices fitted, declare modifications honestly, and review the policy whenever your riding habits or living arrangements change.