While it might not be the most thrilling aspect of adventure riding, you will need to arrange adequate motorbike insurance to be legal on the road and protect your adventures.
After all, you could be covering long distances, travelling across borders, riding on challenging terrain, and spending extended time away from home. These all come with a level of risk that can be mitigated through suitable insurance cover.
But how do you source suitable cover? A significant part of it comes down to informing your insurer of the details of your bike and your trips.
In this guide, we help you to understand more about what you should tell your broker or insurer when you’re looking for motorbike insurance if you’re an adventure bike rider. We look at what to check before you travel, and how to help to make sure your policy reflects the riding you’re planning.
Is insurance for adventure riding specialist cover?
Adventure motorcycle insurance isn’t typically a seperate type of specialist cover. At Devitt we use a standard motorbike insurance, but with the details of your adventure riding declared accurately, to help you to ensure you’re protected for how you use your bike.
This means sharing details to help ensure the key aspects of adventure riding are included, such as intended mileage, the countries you plan to ride in, and any modifications to your bike.
What should you tell your insurance for adventure motorbike cover?
A standard motorbike policy may cover adventure riding, therefore it’s important to make sure your insurer knows how you’ll be using your bike. This is because some standard policies may come with limitations on how the bike is used.
In particular, it’s worth discussing the following with your insurer:
Your intended mileage
Whether you’re using your bike for occasional weekend trips or planning long-distance touring, either may affect your level of risk. Higher annual mileage or extended journeys may increase the likelihood of wear, breakdowns, or claims, so insurers may use this to price your policy.
Where you plan to ride
If you’ll be riding abroad, off-road, or in remote areas, this may impact your cover. Some policies may exclude certain countries or types of terrain (like unpaved roads or trails), so being clear and honest about your riding plans to help keep you protected wherever you go.
Any modifications
Adventure bikes are often customised with upgrades like panniers, crash bars, upgraded suspension, or navigation systems. These may increase the value of your bike and may affect its performance or risk level, so they need to be declared to avoid invalidating your policy.
How the bike is stored
Where and how you keep your bike when it’s not in use, such as in a locked garage, on a driveway, or on the street, may influence theft risk. Insurers may also want to know if you use additional security measures like alarms, immobilisers, or chains.
What does motorbike insurance for adventure riders typically include?
A motorbike insurance policy for adventure biking is no different from a typical motorbike policy. You can choose the level of cover you’re after from Third party only, Third party Fire and Theft or Comprehensive cover.
At Devitt we include 90 days cover in the EU* as standard and a 10% discount on purchases at SportsBikeShop** – so you can buy kit for your adventure!
*Up to 90 days EU cover is included in all our motorcycle policies. Please see your policy documents full details.
**One use per customer. Promotion valid until 31/03/2027 and must be used within six months from date of issue. Full terms and conditions can be found here 10% discount code for Sportsbikeshop with Devitt.
These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses and any endorsements.
Optional extras are also available with your policy. We can include:
- RAC roadside breakdown cover for breakdowns more than ¼ of a mile from your home address
- Legal expenses cover: Up to £100,000 of cover for legal costs following a non-fault accident
- Personal accident cover with helmet and leathers: Protection in the event of bodily harm, and cover for your riding gear if it’s damaged in an accident
These extras can be added individually or as part of a discounted package. You can find out more on our discounted extras page. Always check your policy documentation to confirm exactly what’s included and what the limits are.
Tips to help reduce the cost of motorcycle insurance
While you can’t control everything that impacts your premium, there are a few steps you can take that may help to lower the cost.
Install approved security devices
Using recognised security measures, such as trackers, immobilisers, or ground anchors, may help reduce the risk of theft. Some insurers take these into account when calculating premiums.
Store your bike securely
Where your bike is kept when not in use may make a difference. Storing it in a locked garage is generally seen as lower risk than leaving it on the street, particularly overnight.
Consider a higher voluntary excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess may reduce your premium. However, it’s important to make sure this is an amount you’d feel comfortable paying if you needed to make a claim. Remember, this is in addition to any compulsory excess.
Complete an advanced riding course
Further training may help demonstrate a higher level of riding ability and awareness. In some cases, insurers may view this positively.
Keep mileage estimates realistic and accurate
Your estimated annual mileage is one of the factors insurers typically consider. Providing a realistic figure may help to ensure your cover remains appropriate and helps you to avoid issues later on.
Maintain a clean riding history
A record free from claims, convictions, or penalty points may help present you as a lower-risk rider over time, which may be reflected in your premium.
What are the benefits of motorbike insurance for adventure riders
Adventure riding typically takes you further from home and into situations that may often come with a greater level of risk. Cover that reflects how you ride, may help to offer peace of mind should something unexpected happen, such as:
- You have a mechanical breakdown with limited access to garages or parts
- You have an accident in remote or mountainous areas, far from recovery services
- You experience theft while travelling in unfamiliar areas
- You’re involved in a weather-related incident, such as storms, flooding, or rapidly changing road conditions
- You run into delays or complications at border crossings
Why suitable cover matters for adventure riding
If you haven’t advised your insurer about how you use your bike when you took out your policy, you may find yourself in a vulnerable position if something goes wrong.
Being upfront with your insurer about your riding, will help you to arrange a policy that covers what you’re looking for. So should you breakdown in a remote area, experience motorbike theft while travelling, or have an incident off-road, your policy will aim to offer peace of mind if the worst happens.
Explore motorbike insurance from Devitt
When you’re off the beaten track, riding through new terrain, or simply starting to plan your next trip, having adequate insurance in place can offer you reassurance that you have protection from a wide range of potential situations.
Here at Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders for over 90 years, so we’re well-placed to help you to find a motorbike policy that’s suited to your requirements.
Don’t forget our motorcycle policies typically include up to 90 days of EU cover as standard, with optional extras available such as RAC breakdown cover, legal expenses, and personal accident protection with helmet and leathers (at additional cost) allowing you to obtain a policy that’s what you’re looking for.
You can explore our range of motorbike insurance options, find out more about adventure motorcycle insurance, or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
FP750-2026a 15/05/2026
Disclaimer: the sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.