Key Facts About Motorcycle Insurance
Legal Requirement
You must have at least third-party motorcycle insurance to ride on UK roads
Insurance Groups
Bikes are rated 1-17 based on performance, value, and repair costs
Main Types
Third-party only, Third-party Fire & Theft, and Comprehensive cover
Price Factors
Engine size, bike value, age, experience, location, claims history, and security measures
Excess
You'll pay a compulsory and/or voluntary excess when making a claim
Why choose UtterlyCovered for motorcycle insurance?
Range of UK providers
We help you compare options from a range of UK providers.
Value-first ranking
See policies ranked by total value, not just price, helping you choose smarter.
Transparent guidance
Clear explanations with no jargon, so you understand exactly what you're buying.
Human support
Real people available if you have questions—no pushy sales, just helpful advice.
Fast results
Get matched with suitable policies in minutes, not hours—no lengthy forms required.
FCA regulated
Authorised and regulated by the FCA (ref. 534183) for your complete peace of mind.
Dedicated experts
A small, passionate team of insurance specialists who genuinely care about finding you the right cover.
How UtterlyCovered compares for you
Our team helps you compare motorcycle insurance options and explains the cover in plain English.
1. You share your details
Tell us about your bike, riding history, and coverage needs—takes just minutes.
2. We review suitable options
Our team considers suitable motorcycle insurance options from a range of UK providers.
3. We explain key differences
We explain important differences in cover, exclusions and excesses.
4. Compare cover and price
Review cover, excesses and price alongside each other.
5. Clear comparisons
View shortlisted options side-by-side with plain-English summaries—no confusing jargon.
6. You decide
Choose the policy that suits your needs when you are ready.
Types of motorcycle insurance explained
Third-Party Only (TPO)
The minimum legal requirement. Covers damage or injury you cause to others, but not your own bike.
Best for: Older, low-value bikes where replacement cost is minimal.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT)
Includes TPO plus cover for your bike if it's stolen or damaged by fire.
Best for: Mid-value bikes needing theft and fire protection without full comprehensive cost.
Comprehensive
Most PopularFull protection: covers your bike for accidental damage, theft, fire, vandalism, plus third-party liability.
Best for: New or valuable bikes, or when peace of mind matters most.
Who is motorcycle insurance for?
- Anyone riding on UK roads: By law, you must have at least third-party cover for any motorcycle, scooter, or moped used on public roads.
- New riders: Learner legal bikes and CBT holders need insurance too. Premiums may be higher initially but drop as you gain experience.
- Experienced bikers: Build no-claims bonus and access better rates, especially with advanced qualifications like IAM or RoSPA.
- Classic bike owners: Specialist policies for vintage or classic motorcycles with agreed values and limited mileage.
- High-performance riders: Superbikes and sports bikes attract higher premiums due to increased risk and repair costs.
What affects the price of motorcycle insurance?
Engine size & power
Larger, more powerful bikes typically cost more to insure due to higher speeds and accident risk.
Bike value & age
New or expensive bikes cost more to repair or replace, increasing premiums.
Rider age & experience
Younger or less experienced riders face higher premiums due to statistically higher accident rates.
Location & storage
High-crime areas or street parking increase theft risk. Garages or security devices can reduce costs.
Claims history
Previous claims or accidents increase risk assessment. No-claims bonus significantly reduces premiums.
Modifications
Any changes from factory spec must be declared and typically increase premiums.
Annual mileage
Higher mileage means more time on the road and increased accident likelihood.
Add-ons and extras
| Add-on | What it covers | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown cover | Roadside assistance, recovery, and onward travel if your bike breaks down | Yes for regular riders or long distances |
| Helmet & leathers cover | Replaces damaged riding gear after an accident | Useful if you have expensive gear |
| Legal expenses | Covers legal costs if you need to claim compensation after a non-fault accident | Worthwhile for peace of mind |
| Protected no-claims | Preserves your no-claims bonus even after certain claims | Good if you have max bonus and want to protect it |
| Personal injury cover | Lump sum if you're seriously injured in an accident | Consider if you don't have other injury protection |
Claims: what to expect
Making a motorcycle insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Here's a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Stay safe first
Ensure everyone's safety. Call 999 if there are injuries or the road is blocked.
Exchange details
Get names, contact info, registration numbers, and insurance details from all parties.
Document everything
Take photos of damage, the scene, and get witness details. Note time and conditions.
Call your insurer
Report within 24 hours, even if not claiming immediately or not at fault.
Assessment & payout
Insurer reviews claim, arranges repairs or writes off bike, then settles per your policy.
Common exclusions
- Riding without a valid licence: Your policy is void if you don't have the correct licence for your bike.
- Undeclared modifications: Any changes from factory spec must be disclosed or claims may be rejected.
- Riding under the influence: Alcohol or drugs invalidate your cover and can lead to prosecution.
- Using bike for business: Social, domestic, pleasure (SDP) policies don't cover courier work or business use.
- Wear and tear: Mechanical breakdowns, servicing, and gradual deterioration aren't covered.
- Racing or track days: Competitive events or track use require specialist cover.
Motorcycle insurance at a glance: pros & cons
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Only | Meets the legal minimum cover requirement | No cover for your own bike damage, theft, or fire |
| Third-Party, Fire & Theft | Adds theft & fire protection, still affordable | No cover for accidental damage to your bike |
| Comprehensive | Full protection, peace of mind, may include extras | Higher premiums, especially for young/new riders |
Coverage levels and typical features
| Feature | TPO | TPFT | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party damage & injury | |||
| Fire damage to your bike | — | ||
| Theft of your bike | — | ||
| Accidental damage to your bike | — | — | |
| Vandalism cover | — | — | |
| Windscreen/visor cover | — | — |
How UtterlyCovered compares motorcycle insurance options
We go beyond simple price comparison. We evaluate each policy based on:
- Total value score: Combining price, cover quality, excess levels, and customer reviews
- Cover comprehensiveness: What's included as standard vs what costs extra
- Exclusions analysis: Flagging policies with excessive or unusual exclusions
- Claims reputation: How insurers handle claims based on independent data
- Financial strength: Provider stability and claims-paying ability
This means you see the best overall options first, not just the cheapest or those paying the highest commission.
Helpful motorcycle insurance guides
Frequently asked questions
Compliance & important notes
Disclaimer: UtterlyCovered is a comparison platform. We do not underwrite policies or handle claims directly. Always read policy documents carefully before purchasing. Information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.
Authoritative external resource: Official UK guidance on motorcycle insurance (GOV.UK)
*51% of consumers who received a quote for Motorbike Insurance through this service in June 2025 were quoted less than £255.01. The price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
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