Motorbike Insurance

To ride a motorbike on the public roads throughout the UK, it is absolutely a legal requirement to take out motorbike insurance. Mr Insurer has put together some information below to demystify the classes and grades and other factors that affect the cost of motorbike insurance.

What affects motorbike insurance costs 

WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF COVER AVAILABLE IN MOTORBIKE INSURANCE? 

In the field of motorcycle insurance, broadly there are three levels of cover available:

  1. Fully comprehensive 
  2. Third party fire and theft
  3. Third party only

Motorbike insurance works similarly to car insurance in that the level of protection and value of cover decreases across each of the options above. 

Starting at the lowest level of cover, “third party only” meets the minimum UK requirement and it only covers injury and/or damage to third parties involved in the incident. There is no way to claim for yourself or your bike with this insurance. Accordingly, it is the cheapest option. 

The next level up is “third-party, fire and theft” and it contains all the benefits of third party and covers your own bike for fire damage if it is stolen. As standard, it does not cover incident damage to your bike. 

The most expensive type of insurance is “fully comprehensive” which includes all the cover of the first two levels but usually includes damage to your bike and injury to you (including vandalism). Depending on the provider, medical care may be covered and or a courtesy bike provided while your bike is being repaired. 

Mr Insurer urges you not just to select the cheapest, but the one that best suits your biking life. Confused.com, Compare the market and GoCompare all contain useful articles and guides to help you understand the premiums available and how they’re calculated. 

DOES HOW FREQUENTLY I USE MY BIKE AFFECT THE INSURANCE? 

Many people who own motorcycles only use their bikes at weekends and as a hobby, while others use their bike for their daily commute or even to facilitate their job. These are sorted into four “classes”:

  • Social, domestic and pleasure
  • Commuter
  • Class 1 business
  • Delivery or courier

What class you fall into affects your premium through complicated data calculations. This is why Mr Insurer urges to be open and honest about every element of your biking life. With the final option “delivery or courier” there starts being crossover with commercial insurance so if you change your class categorisation from any tier to any tier, you should let your insurer know as your premium may change. 

DOES MOTORBIKE INSURANCE COVER CARRYING PASSENGERS?

Within motorbike policies, this clause is officially called “pillion” cover. Different policies have different terms and conditions and so you will need to check this on each policy provider you research. 

DO THE GRADES OF LICENCES AFFECT THE INSURANCE?

It may seem obvious, but your motorbike licence also has to be of the type that allows you transport passengers. There are different grades of motorbike licences and according to which one you hold; you’ll only be allowed to ride particular types of motorbikes. Your licence will be restricted by three factors – your age, the power of the bike, and your experience. More details are available at GOV.UK.  The insurance you’re offered from providers will take those factors into account too. 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE COST? 

If your bike is locked away in a secure area (for example a driveway or garage) the policy provider will probably quote a cheaper price than if it were parked on the street. 

A minority of provider may let you transfer a “no claims bonus” you hold on a car, to your motorcycle but in Mr Insurer’s experience, the vast majority will not.

Motorbike insurance doesn’t automatically extend to other automotive cycles, so if you use quad bikes or scooters or trikes, you will need to research separate policies for those vehicles. 

As with most insurance it is expensive, complicated and highly competitive! If you spend time comparing what is available across the whole market – using cashback websites and ensuring you are only getting insurance for what specifically you need you will SAVE MONEY. Be careful to do this every time your insurance renewal is due as often prices increase for no reason by staying with your old provider.

Finally always be truthful with your insurance company as even the smallest detail like not having an up to date address will invalidate your insurance.

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