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Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation for many riders, offering the thrill of the open road and the freedom to explore. However, as with any vehicle, it's important to have insurance to protect yourself, your bike, and others on the road. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, understanding motorbike insurance is essential for your peace of mind and financial protection.

Understanding the Basics of Motorbike Insurance

Motorbike insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident, damage, theft, or third-party liability. It's an essential requirement for riding legally on public roads, ensuring that you can cover the costs of potential damages or injuries caused by your bike. Additionally, motorbike insurance policies may offer optional extras like breakdown cover, personal accident cover, and cover for your riding gear. Let's now explore the different types of bike insurance available.

Understanding the Basics of Motorbike Insurance

Different Types of Bike Insurance

When it comes to motorbike insurance, there are different types of cover to choose from, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the main types of bike insurance policies:

  1. Comprehensive Insurance: This type of insurance covers damage to your own motorcycle as well as third-party liabilities. It typically offers a higher level of protection, including cover for accidental damage, fire, theft, and personal accident cover. With comprehensive insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are well-covered in various situations.
  2. Third-Party, Fire, and Theft Insurance: This type of insurance offers protection for third-party liabilities, fire damage, and theft of your motorcycle. It doesn't provide cover for accidental damage to your own bike. Third-party, fire, and theft insurance offers a more affordable level of cover, making it a popular choice for riders with lower-cost motorcycles.
  3. Specialist Insurance: In addition to comprehensive and third-party, fire, and theft insurance, there are specialist insurance policies available for specific types of bikes. These policies cater to classic bikes, adventure bikes, and more, providing tailored cover to suit the unique requirements of these motorcycles.
  4. Optional Extras: Alongside the main types of insurance, you can also consider adding optional extras to your policy. These extras can include breakdown cover, legal protection, leathers cover, pillion cover, and excess protection. Adding these extras to your policy can provide additional peace of mind and protection for your motorcycle and personal belongings.
  5. With an understanding of the different types of bike insurance, let's move on to discussing the importance of motorcycle insurance.

The Importance of Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is not just a legal requirement; it is crucial for protecting yourself and your bike from financial loss. Here are some reasons why motorcycle insurance is important:

  1. Financial Protection: In the event of an accident, motorcycle insurance can cover the cost of repairs or replacement for your bike, as well as any damages caused to other vehicles or property. Without insurance, these expenses would have to be paid out of your own pocket, which can be financially overwhelming.
  2. Legal Compliance: In most countries, having motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement for riding on public roads. Failing to have insurance can result in legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.
  3. Protection Against Theft and Damage: Motorcycle insurance provides protection against theft, fire damage, and accidental damage to your bike. If your bike is stolen or damaged, the insurance company will cover the cost of repairs or replacement, allowing you to get back on the road quickly.
  4. Personal Accident Cover: Motorcycle insurance policies often include personal accident cover, providing financial support in the event of injuries sustained while riding. This cover can help with medical expenses, loss of income, and even long-term disability, offering peace of mind for riders.
  5. Legal Expenses Cover: In the unfortunate event of an accident, motorcycle insurance can cover legal expenses, such as hiring a lawyer or pursuing a legal claim. This can be especially helpful in navigating complex legal processes and ensuring your rights are protected.
  6. Considering the importance of motorcycle insurance, it is essential to explore the available options and choose the right level of cover for your needs. Let's dive into motorbike insurance options in more detail.

Remember: The type of bike you ride significantly impacts your premium. Sports bikes typically cost more to insure than cruisers.

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Exploring Motorbike Insurance Options

Motorbike insurance policies can offer varying levels of cover, optional extras, and additional benefits. By understanding these options, riders can make an informed choice and select the insurance policy that best suits their needs.

Comprehensive Insurance and Its Coverage

Comprehensive insurance offers an extensive level of cover for your motorbike, providing protection for your own motorcycle as well as third-party liabilities. It includes cover for accidental damage, fire, theft, and personal accident cover. The coverage provided by comprehensive insurance includes:

  1. Accidental Damage: Comprehensive insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement for your motorbike in case of accidental damage, regardless of who is at fault. This can include damage from collisions, falls, or other types of accidents.
  2. Fire Damage: In the unfortunate event of your motorcycle being damaged due to fire, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This coverage ensures that you are protected against such unforeseen circumstances.
  3. Theft Protection: Comprehensive insurance provides cover for theft of your motorbike. If your bike is stolen, the insurance company will cover the cost of its replacement, allowing you to get back on the road without a financial burden.
  4. Personal Accident Cover: Comprehensive insurance policies often include personal accident cover, providing financial support in case of injuries sustained while riding. This cover can include medical expenses, loss of income, and even long-term disability, offering peace of mind for riders.
  5. Additional Benefits: Alongside the standard coverage, comprehensive insurance policies may offer additional benefits such as legal expenses cover, leathers insurance, excess protection, and cover for riding gear. These extras can enhance your level of protection and provide comprehensive coverage for your motorbike.

Comprehensive insurance is an excellent option for riders looking for comprehensive cover and peace of mind. However, it's important to consider your individual needs and compare different insurance policies to find the best fit for you.

Benefits of Third-party, Fire, and Theft Insurance

Third-party, fire, and theft insurance offers an alternative level of cover for riders, providing protection for third-party liabilities, fire damage, and theft of your motorbike. While it doesn't include cover for accidental damage to your own bike, third-party, fire, and theft insurance comes with its own benefits. Here are some of the advantages of opting for this type of insurance policy:

Exploring Motorbike Insurance Options
  1. Third-Party Liabilities: Third-party, fire, and theft insurance cover your legal liabilities for any damages caused to third parties, including their vehicles or property. This ensures that you are financially protected if you are found responsible for an accident.
  2. Fire Damage: In the event of your motorbike being damaged due to fire, third-party, fire, and theft insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This type of coverage provides peace of mind, especially in areas with higher fire risk.
  3. Theft Protection: If your motorbike is stolen, third-party, fire, and theft insurance will cover the cost of its replacement. This protection ensures that you are not left out of pocket in the unfortunate event of theft.
  4. Affordable Level of Cover: Third-party, fire, and theft insurance policies are often more affordable compared to comprehensive insurance. This makes it a popular choice for riders looking for a balance between cost and cover.

While third-party, fire, and theft insurance may not provide the same level of cover as comprehensive insurance, it can be a cost-effective option for riders with lower-cost motorcycles or those who want basic protection against fire damage and theft.

Did you know: Some insurers offer 'laid-up' cover for motorbikes not used during winter months, which can be cheaper than year-round insurance.

There are four main different types of motorbike use

  1. Social, domestic and pleasure - Also known as SDP and SD&P. As the name suggests, you are allowed to use your motorcycle for social, domestic and pleasure while you are insured under SDP cover.
  2. Social including commuting - Also known as SDPC and SDP inc. C and sometimes also known as scooter-commuter. You are allowed to use your motorcycle to commute to work and from work.
  3. Business use class 1 - if you use our motorbike for business purposes such as traveling to meetings by using your bike then you are required to insure your bike under class 1 business use.
  4. Delivery, courier and dispatch - if you are a courier or a delivery driver, delivering things like small packages, fast food then you are required to have this cover.

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Which factors may have an impact on the premium of my motorbike insurance?

When it comes to bike insurance, several factors come into play when determining the cost of your premium. Insurers consider these factors to assess the level of risk associated with insuring your motorcycle. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and potentially lower your insurance premium.

The Role of Motorbike Model in Insurance Cost

The type and model of your motorbike play a significant role in determining the cost of your insurance premium. Generally, high-powered bikes, such as sports bikes or bikes with powerful engines, tend to have higher insurance costs due to their greater risk profile. This is because these bikes are associated with higher speeds and an increased likelihood of accidents. On the other hand, smaller, less powerful bikes typically have lower insurance premiums. Additionally, classic motorcycles may require specialist insurance policies to ensure comprehensive cover for these unique and often valuable bikes. Consider the type and model of your motorbike when obtaining insurance quotes, as it can significantly impact your premium cost.

Age and Experience of the Rider

Another crucial factor that affects the cost of bike insurance is the age and experience of the rider. Young riders and those with less experience on the road tend to face higher insurance premiums, as they are considered higher risk by insurers. On the other hand, riders with years of experience, a clean riding history, and no claims bonus eligibility may benefit from lower insurance premiums. Insurers take into account the number of years of riding experience, any claims made in the past, and the claims history of the policyholder when calculating insurance premiums. It's worth considering these factors when obtaining insurance quotes, as they can have a significant impact on your premium cost.

Age and Experience of the Rider

Impact of Location on Insurance Premium

The location where you live and primarily ride your motorbike also plays a role in determining your insurance premium. Insurance providers consider local crime rates, accident statistics, and population density when assessing the risk of insuring your bike. Urban areas with higher theft and accident rates may lead to higher insurance premiums, as the risk of claims is greater. On the other hand, rural locations with lower risk profiles may result in comparatively lower insurance costs. It's essential to keep this in mind when getting insurance quotes, as your premium may vary based on your location.

Tip: Joining a recognised motorcycle club can sometimes lead to insurance discounts.

Does Bike Insurance Cover Theft?

Theft protection is an essential consideration for motorcycle owners. Having your bike stolen can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Therefore, it's crucial to understand whether your bike insurance covers theft. In the next sections, we will explore theft coverage in motorcycle insurance, how to enhance theft protection for your bike, and additional cover options for your motorbike.

Understanding Theft Coverage in Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance policies typically include theft coverage for your bike. If your motorcycle is stolen, your insurance company will cover the cost of its replacement, subject to the policy terms and conditions. The level of theft coverage provided may vary depending on the type of insurance policy you have. Comprehensive motorcycle insurance offers more comprehensive theft protection, including cover for the theft of your motorbike. While third-party, fire, and theft insurance policies may also offer theft coverage, it's important to check the policy documents to understand the extent of coverage provided by your insurance.

Additional Cover Options for Your Bike

In addition to the standard cover provided by motorbike insurance, there are several optional extras available that can further enhance your protection. These additional cover options cater to specific needs and can be tailored to your individual requirements. In the following sections, we will explore the benefit of personal accident cover, breakdown cover, and cover for your riding gear, such as your helmet and leathers.

The Benefit of Personal Accident Cover

The Benefit of Personal Accident Cover

It offers peace of mind, knowing that you and your pillion are covered in case of accidents. Personal accident cover can provide financial support for medical expenses, loss of income, and even long-term disability resulting from an accident. By adding this optional extra to your motorbike insurance policy, you can ensure comprehensive protection for unforeseen events on the road, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Exploring Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover ensures that assistance is provided if your motorcycle breaks down, either at home or on the road. This cover offers peace of mind, especially when traveling long distances or in unfamiliar places. Some insurers may even offer European breakdown cover, allowing you to have protection while riding abroad. Including breakdown cover as an optional extra in your motorbike insurance policy can enhance your level of protection and provide reassurance for all your journeys.

Importance of Cover for Helmet and Leathers

Cover for your helmet and leathers is an important additional consideration for riders. Insuring your riding gear provides protection for your valuable equipment in case of damage, theft, or loss. Motorcycle helmets and leathers can be expensive to replace, and having insurance cover for your riding gear ensures that you are financially protected. Including cover for your helmet and leathers as an optional extra in your motorbike insurance policy guarantees comprehensive protection for your motorcycle gear.

Remember: If you've modified your bike, always declare these changes to your insurer to ensure you're fully covered.

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Choosing the Right Insurance Provider for Your Motorbike

Selecting the right insurance provider for your motorbike is essential to ensure that you receive the best level of cover, service, and value for money. With numerous insurance providers available, it's important to consider certain factors when making your decision. In the following sections, we will discuss what makes an insurance provider stand out and how to obtain a quote for motorcycle insurance.

What Makes an Insurance Provider Stand Out?

There are several factors that can distinguish an insurance provider in the market. Key qualities to look for when choosing an insurance provider for your motorbike include:

  1. Bike insurance prices: Often, the insurer you ultimately select is decided by the cost of the policy. Finding a great deal on bike insurance is easy, just click the Get Quotes button above and compare prices from over 20 different bike insurers.
  2. Customer service ratings: Check out your potential new insurer's customer service ratings on websites like Trust Pilot or Google Reviews.
  3. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Regulation: Ensure that your chosen insurance provider is regulated by the FCA, which signifies their compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  4. Range of Optional Extras: Look for an insurance provider that offers a wide range of optional extras, allowing you to tailor your policy to your specific requirements.

By considering these factors, you can choose an insurance provider that stands out in terms of policy options, customer service, and overall value for money.

How to Make a Claim on Your Insurance

In the event of an accident, theft, or damage to your motorbike, it's important to know how to file an insurance claim. Understanding the process of making a claim can help ensure a smooth experience and quick resolution. In the following sections, we will provide a step-by-step guide to filing an insurance claim, as well as reasons why your claim might be denied. Let's start by understanding the process of filing a claim on your motorbike insurance policy.

ow to Make a Claim on Your Insurance

Step-by-step Guide to Filing a Claim

Filing an insurance claim for your motorbike requires following a step-by-step process. While the specifics may vary depending on your insurance provider, here is a general guide to filing a claim on your motorbike insurance policy:

  1. Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documentation, including your policy documents, accident or theft reports, and any other supporting evidence.
  2. Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to notify them of the event, whether it's an accident, theft, or damage to your motorbike.
  3. Provide Information: Provide your insurance company with all necessary details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any third parties involved.
  4. Submit Documentation: Submit all required documents, including accident or theft reports, police reports, and any photographic evidence.
  5. Cooperate with the Insurance Company: Work closely with your insurance company, providing any additional information, supporting documents, or evidence they may require to process your claim effectively.

Following these steps and cooperating with your insurance company will help ensure a smooth claims process if you experience an accident, theft, or damage to your motorbike. However, it's important to be aware of why an insurance claim might be denied.

Why Might an Insurance Claim Be Denied?

While insurance claims are intended to provide financial protection, there are situations where claims might be denied. Here are some common reasons for insurance claim denial:

  1. Failure to Disclose Information: If you fail to provide accurate and complete information on your insurance application, your claim may be denied. It is crucial to be honest and transparent when applying for insurance to avoid any potential issues.
  2. Misrepresentation or Fraud: If an insurance company determines that you have misrepresented information or committed insurance fraud, your claim will likely be denied. It is essential to provide truthful and accurate information throughout the insurance process.
  3. Policy Exclusions: Insurance policies often have specific exclusions, and if your claim falls under one of these exclusions, it may be denied. It's crucial to review your policy documents carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
  4. Coverage Lapses: If your insurance policy lapses or is not active at the time of the event, your claim will likely be denied. It's essential to maintain an active insurance policy to ensure continuous coverage.
  5. Failure to Meet Requirements: If you fail to meet the requirements outlined in your insurance policy, such as reporting an accident within a certain timeframe, your claim may be denied. Complying with policy requirements is crucial to the claims process.

Understanding these reasons can help you avoid potential claim denial and ensure a smooth claims experience.

How do the different grades of motorbike licenses work?

  • AM License is required for mopeds, small three-wheelers, and small quadbikes. To obtain this license, you must be at least 16 years old and pass the CBT, theory test, and practical test.
  • To acquire the Q License, you need an AM License. The Q License allows you to ride two and three-wheeler mopeds with a maximum speed of 25km/h. The minimum age requirement for the Q License is also 16.
  • For the A1 License, which permits riding light motorbikes up to 11kW and 125cc, as well as motor tricycles up to 15kW, you must be at least 17 years old. Similar to the AM License, it entails passing the CBT, theory test, and practical test.
  • The A2 License grants permission to ride motorbikes with a power output of up to 35kW. To obtain this license, you need to be at least 19 years old. There are two ways to achieve the A2 License: direct access or progressive access. Direct access requires passing both the theory and practical tests. For progressive access, you must have held an A1 bike license for two years before taking an additional test.
  • Finally, the A License allows riders to operate unrestricted motorbikes. There are two options for obtaining this license: direct access or progressive access. For direct access, you need to be at least 24 years old (or 21 years old for progressive access). It involves passing the CBT, theory test, and practical test. If opting for progressive access, you must have held an A1 bike license for two years and pass an additional test.

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What is not covered by motorbike insurance?

Standard motorcycle insurance may not provide coverage for various situations. These situations encompass carrying passengers without pillion cover, requiring additional coverage for sidecar attachments, and undisclosed modifications. Exclusions also apply to punctures, circuit track days, negligence such as leaving keys in the bike, and riding while under the influence. Additionally, general wear and tear, intentional damage, and legal liabilities resulting from these activities are not included in the policy. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of your policy's coverage, it is essential to verify the specifics with your insurance provider.

Motorbike Insurance Frequently asked questions

When working out the cost of premiums, motorbike insurance companies will take into account different factors to make the calculation:

  • Usage
  • History of riding
  • Your location
  • Age of rider
  • Amount of voluntary excess
  • Annual mileage
  • Place where you keep your motorbike.
  • Model of motorbike
  • Level of security

You can find out more in our beginners’ guide to bike insurance.

Insurance premiums for motorbikes are calculated based on various factors, including the type of bike, your riding history, years of experience, claims bonus, and the cost of your insurance package. Insurers use these factors, along with statistical data and risk assessment, to determine your premium cost. While insurance premium calculators can provide an estimate, the final premium is determined by the insurance company based on their risk assessment. It's important to provide accurate and up-to-date information when obtaining insurance quotes to ensure an accurate premium calculation. By understanding the factors that influence premium cost, riders can make informed decisions and potentially lower their insurance premiums.

Yes, it is possible to insure multiple bikes with the same insurance provider. Many insurers offer multibike insurance policies that cater to riders who own multiple motorcycles. This type of policy allows you to cover all your bikes under one policy, simplifying the insurance process and potentially saving you money. Whether you own multiple motorbikes for personal use, collectors' bikes, or bikes for different riding purposes, such as commuting and leisure, multibike insurance provides comprehensive coverage for all your motorcycles. By insuring multiple bikes with the same provider, you can achieve cost savings and streamline your insurance experience.

Whether you can ride another person's bike on your insurance policy depends on your specific insurance coverage. Most comprehensive insurance policies will allow you to drive another person's motorbike, but not all do so check with your insurance provider. Additionally, some third-party, fire and theft policies will also cover you on someone else's bike, but again you should check with your insurer to be certain you have the necessary coverage.

Yes, there is insurance available for young riders who have recently obtained their motorcycle license. As young riders generally face higher insurance premiums due to their perceived higher risk, insurance providers offer specialised policies tailored to their needs. These policies take into account factors such as age, experience, and the type of motorbike being insured. For young riders, it is essential to shop around, compare insurance quotes, and consider additional safety precautions, such as additional training, in order to secure the best insurance policy for their needs.

You can often add another person to your motorbike insurance policy, such as a spouse, family member, or friend, but the specifics may vary depending on your insurance provider. Adding an additional person to your policy typically requires specifying them as an additional rider or main rider, depending on their level of usage of the motorbike. This additional cover may result in adjustments to your insurance premium, as the insurance company will consider factors such as the additional rider's age, riding history, and claims bonus eligibility. It is essential to discuss this with your insurance provider and check the policy documents to ensure that your additional rider is appropriately covered.

Bike modifications, such as aftermarket accessories, tuning, or customisation, can impact your motorbike insurance coverage. While some insurers may provide cover for certain modifications, others may not include them in their standard policies. It's important to check your policy documents or speak with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for bike modifications. Additionally, you may need to inform your insurance company about any modifications made to your motorbike, as failure to disclose changes could result in claim denial or policy cancellation. Understanding the coverage for bike modifications in your motorbike insurance policy can help ensure comprehensive protection for your modified bike.

When it comes to using your motorbike abroad, it's important to check your insurance policy. Different policies have different coverage for riding in other countries. Make sure you have the necessary documents and are aware of the driving laws and regulations in the country you're visiting.

Passenger coverage in your motorbike insurance depends on your policy. Some policies include it, while others may not. To understand what's covered, review your policy and speak with your insurance provider. If passengers aren't covered, you may need additional coverage or liability waivers.

Yes, it is possible to lower your motorcycle insurance premium. One way is by choosing a higher excess, which typically leads to lower premiums. Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record and completing a safety course may make you eligible for discounts. Don't forget to compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal.

CBT is the abbreviation for Compulsory Basic Training; all riders of motorbike and mopeds must have this before setting out on the road. Occasionally, it is not compulsory if you have possessed a valid driving or moped licence for a long time; however, it is best for all riders to have a CBT. For more information, visit Gov.UK website.

Your NCB only applies to a single motorbike; you can transfer it to an alternative bike, for example when trading in your bike and buying a new one, but it will not be valid on an additional motorcycle or another vehicle.

There are some providers who will offer discounts or permit you to replicate your no claims bonus on a second motorbike; it is best to check on various incentives with individual insurers.

Sixteen year olds who want to ride a moped or a scooter on the road must be in possession of a valid provisional licence; it is mandatory to have completed a CBT course, and L-plates must be displayed (known as D plates in Wales). You are forbidden from carrying a passenger or riding on a motorway.

Imported motorbikes are subject to the same criteria as other vehicles and need to have valid insurance cover before taking out onto the road. Parallel imports are usually simple to get insured, whereas grey imports may be more difficult. If you enter your details in our simple, user-friendly process for obtaining a quote, you can obtain a list of insurers who can offer a quote.

When you take out motorbike insurance, you will need to declare how you intend to use your bike. The main options for usage are social, domestic and pleasure; you may need an add-on or different policy for commuting, business use, courier and delivery. Find out more here: insuring a motorbike for work use.

There are some insurance providers who may permit you to use your NCB from your car on your motorbike; however, this is unusual and the reverse of transferring motorbike NCB to car is not permitted.

Page last updated on: 01/07/2024

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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