Know what is required where you ride
Many places require at least a basic level of cover, usually for damage or injury you cause to others. Check the legal minimum with the official authorities in your country. Riding without required cover can mean fines and serious personal liability.
Common types of cover
- Third-party (liability): pays for harm you cause to other people or their property. It does not usually cover your own bike.
- Theft and fire: covers the bike if it is stolen or burned, often with conditions about locks and storage.
- Comprehensive or full cover: adds damage to your own bike, often with an excess you pay on each claim.
- Extras: breakdown assistance, gear cover, legal help and cover for riding abroad are sold separately or as add-ons.
What affects the price
- Your age, riding experience and claims history.
- The bike: its value, engine size, power and how attractive it is to thieves.
- Where it is kept: a locked garage is usually cheaper to insure than the street.
- How you use it: commuting, leisure only, or track days, which many policies exclude.
- The excess you choose: a higher excess usually lowers the premium.
What to check in the policy
- Who can ride the bike, and whether a passenger is covered.
- Exclusions: track days, racing, unlicensed riding and unapproved modifications are common ones.
- Security requirements, such as a certain type of lock or an alarm.
- The excess, the limits on payouts and how the bike is valued after a total loss.
- Whether your helmet and gear are covered, and whether cover applies abroad.
Before you buy
Compare several quotes using the same details, read the policy wording and keep a copy with your other documents. Tell the insurer about modifications and any change in how you use the bike, because not doing so can affect a claim.
See also the documents checklist for what to carry on every ride.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the terms with your insurer and the rules with the official authorities in your country.