UK Motorcycle License Categories
Your motorcycle license type directly affects your insurance options and costs. Understanding the categories helps you choose appropriate coverage.
AM License (Moped)
Allows riding mopeds up to 50cc with maximum speed of 28mph (45km/h).
- • Minimum age: 16
- • CBT required
- • L-plates must be displayed
- • No passengers allowed
Insurance tip: Cheapest category to insure, ideal for young riders starting out.
A1 License (Light Motorcycle)
Motorcycles up to 125cc with maximum power of 11kW (14.6bhp).
- • Minimum age: 17
- • CBT + theory + practical test
- • No L-plates after passing
- • Passengers allowed
Insurance tip: Full license holders get lower premiums than CBT-only riders.
A2 License (Restricted)
Motorcycles up to 35kW (46.6bhp) with power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg.
- • Minimum age: 19
- • CBT + theory + practical test
- • Can ride restricted powerful bikes
- • Progressive access to A license
Insurance tip: Restricted powerful bikes can be expensive to insure despite power limitations.
A License (Unrestricted)
Any motorcycle with no power or size restrictions.
- • Minimum age: 24 (direct access)
- • Age 21 (progressive from A2)
- • CBT + theory + practical test
- • Access to all motorcycles
Insurance tip: Premium depends heavily on bike choice - start sensibly even with unrestricted license.
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Cover
Like car insurance, motorcycle insurance comes in three main levels of cover. Choosing the right level depends on your bike's value and your budget.
Third Party Only
Minimum legal requirement. Covers damage to other people and property, but not your own bike.
Best for: Old bikes with low value, tight budgets
Third Party, Fire & Theft
Includes third party cover plus protection against fire and theft of your motorcycle.
Best for: Moderate value bikes, theft-prone areas
Comprehensive
Full protection including damage to your own bike, personal injury, and additional benefits.
Best for: New or valuable bikes, maximum protection
Surprising Fact
Comprehensive cover is sometimes cheaper than third party, fire and theft because insurers view comprehensive customers as lower risk.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost for New Riders?
New riders often ask "how much is motorcycle insurance?" Here are typical annual costs based on age, bike type, and experience level in 2025:
| Rider Profile | Bike | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 17-year-old (CBT only) | 50cc moped | £400–£800 |
| 18-year-old (CBT only) | 125cc (Honda CB125R) | £800–£1,500 |
| 20-year-old (A1 license) | 125cc (Yamaha YBR125) | £600–£1,200 |
| 21-year-old (A2 license) | 300-400cc (Kawasaki Ninja 400) | £1,000–£2,000 |
| 25-year-old (A license, 1yr NCB) | 600cc sports (Yamaha R6) | £1,500–£3,000 |
| 30-year-old (A license, 3yr NCB) | 125cc commuter | £200–£400 |
Key Insight
A 20-year-old on a 125cc typically pays £600–£1,200/year, but this drops significantly with a full A1 license vs CBT-only, secure storage, and a no-claims record. Choosing the right bike is the single biggest factor in your premium.
Factors Affecting New Rider Insurance Costs
New riders typically face higher insurance costs due to lack of experience. Understanding these factors can help you find ways to reduce premiums.
High-Risk Factors
- • Age under 25
- • No previous insurance history
- • CBT-only qualification
- • High-performance motorcycle
- • Urban or high-crime location
- • Limited security measures
- • High annual mileage
Risk-Reducing Factors
- • Full motorcycle license
- • Additional training courses
- • Lower-powered starter bike
- • Secure overnight storage
- • Security devices fitted
- • Low annual mileage
- • Rural or safe location
Money-Saving Tips for New Riders
Choose Your First Bike Wisely
Insurance-Friendly Starter Bikes
- • Honda CB125R - Low insurance group
- • Yamaha YBR125 - Reliable and cheap to insure
- • Suzuki GSX-S125 - Modern but affordable
- • Kawasaki Ninja 125 - Sporty but sensible
- • KTM Duke 125 - Good balance of style and cost
Bikes to Avoid as New Rider
- • Any superbike or sports bike
- • High-powered naked bikes
- • Rare or expensive motorcycles
- • Bikes popular with thieves
- • Very old bikes with parts issues
Security and Storage
- Secure storage: Garage, locked compound, or secure parking significantly reduces premiums
- Security devices: Disc locks, chain locks, alarms, and immobilizers all help
- Tracking devices: GPS trackers can provide significant discounts
- Multiple locks: Using different types of security devices maximizes protection
Additional Training and Qualifications
Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS)
Advanced training course that can reduce insurance premiums by up to 15%.
Recognized by most major insurers
Pass Plus for Motorcycles
Advanced course covering motorway riding, night riding, and adverse conditions.
Can lead to significant insurance discounts
IAM RoadSmart
Advanced riding course leading to the Advanced Motorcycle Test.
Highly respected qualification with excellent insurance discounts
Policy Options and Add-Ons
Essential Policy Features for New Riders
Legal Expenses Cover
Covers legal costs if you need to claim compensation or defend against prosecution.
Personal Accident Cover
Compensation if you're injured in a motorcycle accident, regardless of fault.
Breakdown Cover
Recovery service if your motorcycle breaks down or is involved in an accident.
Helmet and Leathers Cover
Replacement of safety equipment damaged in an accident, even if not your fault.
Building Your No Claims Bonus
Your no claims bonus is one of the most powerful tools for reducing motorcycle insurance costs. Here's how to build and protect it.
Year 1: Establish Your Record
Focus on safe riding and avoiding any claims. Even minor claims can significantly impact your future premiums.
Years 2-5: Build Your Bonus
Each claim-free year typically provides a 20-30% discount. After 5 years, you could save 60-70% on premiums.
Protecting Your Bonus
Consider no claims bonus protection once you have 4-5 years. This allows some claims without losing your discount.
Small Claims Consideration
Sometimes it's worth paying for small repairs yourself rather than claiming, as the long-term premium increase can exceed the repair cost.
Common New Rider Mistakes
Choosing the Wrong Bike
Selecting a high-performance or expensive bike as your first motorcycle can result in unaffordable insurance premiums.
Inadequate Security
Not investing in proper security measures can lead to higher premiums and increased risk of theft.
Incorrect Information
Providing inaccurate information about experience, storage, or usage can invalidate your policy when you need to claim.
Skipping Additional Training
Not taking advanced courses means missing out on both safety improvements and significant insurance discounts.
First Year Expectations
Understanding what to expect in your first year helps set realistic expectations and budget appropriately.
About the Author: Andrew Myers, FCA-registered insurance adviser with 15 years' experience analyzing UK life insurance policies. Data sourced from Legal & General, ABI, and ONS 2024-2025 reports.