Motorbike Insurance

What is motorbike insurance?

Motorbike insurance is a legal requirement for all riders in the UK, ensuring that you’re financially protected if you’re involved in an accident, your bike is damaged, or you cause damage to someone else’s vehicle.

It’s designed for anyone who rides on public roads, whether you own a scooter, a classic bike, or a high-performance motorcycle. You can also add additional bike insurance options such as helmet and leathers cover or breakdown protection to tailor your policy to your needs.

Which types of motorbikes can you insure?

We’ve got you covered, no matter what you ride. From zippy mopeds to high-powered custom bikes, Devitt offers insurance for a wide range of motorbikes. Different engine sizes and bike types might need different policies, so here are five of the most popular categories we cover:

• Mopeds and scooters
• 125cc motorbikes
• Classic motorbikes
• Custom motorbikes
• Superbike and sports bikes

Whatever you ride, our tailored cover options will keep both you and your bike protected on the road.

What classes of use does motorbike insurance have?

Motorcycle insurance is tailored to how you use your bike. Here are the main classes of use:

• Social use: For leisure riding, excluding commuting or work-related travel.
• Work travel: Covers commuting to and from a single place of work or study.
• Business use: Offers cover if you use your motorbike for business-related trips beyond commuting, such as visiting clients or traveling between different work locations.

Is my motorbike insured?

Not sure if your motorbike is currently insured? Don’t worry! If you’ve just bought bike insurance, your cover starts on the inception date you selected (check your paperwork for this).

You can also look up your motorbike on the Motor Insurance Database (MID)—the UK’s official list of insured vehicles. Just remember, it can take a few days to update, especially over weekends or bank holidays, so it’s not instant. If you’ve got your insurance documents, you’re good to go!

What’s the process for getting my motorbike insured?

Insuring your motorbike doesn’t have to be a hard work. You can get a motorcycle insurance quote online in minutes, or if you prefer, give us a call for more complex situations, like insuring multiple bikes or modified motorcycles. Here’s what you’ll need at hand:

• Your name, date of birth, and address
• Your motorbike licence details
• No Claim Discount (NCD) info
• Riding history and any claims or convictions
• Bike details (make, model, modifications)

Once you’ve got these ready, we’ll compare quotes from top UK insurers to find the best deal for you. Your quote is valid for 30 days, so there’s no rush to buy. And don’t worry—we’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority so you can trust to find the best and cheapest motorbike insurance for you. We’re also here 24/7 if you need to make a claim.

The importance of motorbike insurance

Motorbike insurance isn’t just about staying legal—it’s about protecting your bike, especially when repairs and parts can be costly. If your motorbike is damaged, insurance can cover the cost of specialist parts, which are often rare or expensive for certain models, including custom or classic bikes.

Many bikes require expert mechanics for repairs, and insurance ensures you’re covered for these specialist services. Without it, you could be left facing hefty bills, especially if your bike has unique or rare components.

Will you insure new riders?

We offer motorbike insurance for new riders, whether you’ve just passed your test or are building your confidence on the road. Our advice? Start with a bike that matches your skill level and focus on gaining experience. As you build up your No Claims Bonus, you’ll see your insurance costs drop. We’re here to help you get started, so get in touch and we’ll find the best cover for you.

What does Devitt’s motorbike insurance cover?

At Devitt, we offer three main types of motorcycle insurance in the UK:

• Comprehensive: This covers everything—your bike, third-party damages, and theft. It’s the most expensive, but for a reason: you’re fully protected.
• Third party, fire, and theft: Protects others’ property and covers your bike if it’s stolen or damaged by fire. It’s a solid middle ground for protection without the full cost of comprehensive cover.
• Third party only: The most basic (and cheapest) option, covering just damage to others.

Each policy comes at different price points depending on how much protection you want.

Do you offer optional extras for motorbike insurance?

We offer plenty of add-ons to customise your cover, including legal expenses, personal accident cover, helmet and leathers cover, and four levels of RAC motorcycle breakdown cover. You can even add pillion cover if you need it. Nothing is automatically included, so you choose what works for you. Plus, we offer discounts when you bundle multiple extras—check out our discounted packages for more savings.

Our motorbike policy features

We’ve been motorbike insurance specialists for over 80 years, so we truly understand what riders need to stay protected on the road. Whether you’re looking for cheap motorbike insurance or comprehensive cover, we offer great value, tailored policies, and a service you can rely on. Since 1936, we’ve been committed to keeping riders covered with top-notch customer service and expert knowledge.

Here are a few reasons to insure with us:

• Over 80 years of expertise
• Tailored policies for every rider
• Discounts on bundled extras
• Reliable claims service and customer support

How much does motorbike insurance cost?

Motorbike insurance costs can vary based on a variety of factors, including your bike, your personal details, and the cover you need. Policies are tailored specifically to you—whether you’re insuring a moped or a high-performance bike—so the price will depend on your requirements. Optional extras can also impact the final cost. At Devitt, we’ll help you find cheap motorbike insurance that still gives you the cover you need.

Factors affecting the cost of motorbike insurance

Here are the key factors that can impact your premium:

• Rarity of the model: Rare bikes often cost more to repair, which increases insurance costs.
• Age of the rider: Younger or less experienced riders tend to pay higher premiums.
• Where the bike is stored: Bikes kept in secure locations may have lower premiums.
• Miles used: The more you ride, the higher the risk, which can raise costs.
• Minimum excess for classic motorbikes: Classic bikes often come with a minimum excess amount, specific to their value and rarity.
• Previous driving history: A clean driving record can help lower your premium, while past claims or convictions may raise it

How can I get the cheapest motorbike insurance?

Which motorbikes are cheapest to insure?

Generally, bikes with lower value and smaller, less powerful engines are cheaper to insure. High-value or high-performance bikes cost more because they’re pricier to replace and more likely to attract thieves or be involved in accidents. If you’re after cheap motorbike insurance, look for a bike with a low to medium engine size. Keep in mind factors like where you live, your riding experience, and security measures also influence your premium. Check out our guide for more information on the cheapest motorbikes to insure.

When does motorcycle insurance go down?

Your motorbike insurance premiums can go down over time as you build up a No Claims Discount—this maxes out after nine years of claim-free riding. Other factors that may lower your premium include getting older (premiums tend to be higher for younger riders), moving to a lower-risk area, or switching to a less powerful bike. Keep in mind that high-performance bikes or living in busy cities can still affect your costs.

What’s the best security to use on my bike to lower my insurance?

Adding extra security to your bike can help reduce your motorcycle insurance premium and keep thieves at bay. While no device can stop a determined thief, layering your security gives you the best protection. For better peace of mind (and potential discounts), consider using security devices such as a chain and ground anchor, disc lock, alarm, immobiliser, or a tracker for increased chances of recovery.

What’s the best way to store my motorbike overnight?

How you store your bike overnight can have a big impact on your motorbike insurance premium. The safest option is a locked garage, which offers the best protection. If a garage isn’t available, storing your bike out of sight, like in a locked shed or behind a gate, can still help. If you must leave your bike outside, using a cover is the minimum step to deter thieves and potentially lower your premium.

Does advanced motorcycle training give me an insurance discount?

Yes, completing advanced motorcycle training can get you a discount on your motorbike insurance. Courses like RoSPA, IAM’s RideCheck, and the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) are recognised by insurers, offering discounts between 5% and 15%. On top of that, brokers like Devitt may offer additional discounts for extra training. It’s a great way to boost your skills and save on your premium!

How do I know what motorbike value to put into the insurance form?

When entering your motorbike’s value on the insurance form, consider its current market value, not what you originally paid. Bikes depreciate over time, so check factors like demand, condition, and mileage. In the event of a claim, insurers will base payouts on the bike’s market value. If you own a classic motorbike, agreed value policies may apply. Keeping your bike’s value realistic ensures you don’t pay more than necessary for your insurance.

I just want the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy, can you offer this?

Yes, we offer third party only, third party, fire and theft, and comprehensive cover. Third party only is often the cheapest, but it doesn’t cover theft or damage to your bike. If you’re unsure about which level of cover is right for you, give us a call—we’ll be happy to help you find cheap bike insurance that fits your needs.

Is motorbike insurance cheaper with a full licence?

Yes, having a full motorbike licence can help lower your motorbike insurance premium. Insurers see riders with full licences as lower risk because they’ve completed more training and have more experience on the road. While it won’t guarantee the cheapest cover, it’s a step toward reducing your overall insurance costs, especially when combined with a clean riding record and No Claims Discount.