Best motorbike insurance

Motorbike insurance is a specialist vehicle policy that provides financial protection in the event of theft, damage or accidents. Like car insurance, it comes in three main cover levels: Third Party only (the legal minimum), Third Party Fire and Theft (adds cover if your bike is stolen or fire-damaged) and Comprehensive (the most complete cover, also covering damage to your own bike).

You’re legally required to have at least Third Party insurance on your motorbike in the UK. You can also choose Third Party, Fire and Theft or Comprehensive cover for greater protection. To insure a motorbike, compare quotes from motorcycle insurance companies - our rankings above show which insurers are rated most highly by real customers for cover, service and value.

Some insurers offer multi-vehicle insurance so you can bundle the costs and insure cars and motorbikes together, but the policies will technically be different.

New riders often face higher premiums because they’re statistically higher risk. The best motorbike insurance for new riders balances affordable premiums with solid cover. Taking your full bike licence (rather than riding on a provisional), completing an advanced riding course and choosing a smaller, lower-powered motorcycle can all help reduce your premium. Our rankings show which motorcycle insurance companies receive the best customer ratings, including from newer riders.

Motorbike insurance can be cheaper than car insurance for experienced riders on smaller bikes, but this isn’t always the case. Premiums depend on factors including your age, licence type, the make and model of the bike, where you keep it overnight, your annual mileage and your claims history. New riders on powerful bikes can face premiums comparable to, or higher than, car insurance.

Standard motorbike insurance policies don’t always cover accessories like helmets, leathers and panniers. Some comprehensive policies include limited cover for equipment, and others offer it as an optional add-on. It’s worth checking specifically what equipment is covered before you buy, particularly if you have expensive riding gear.