How much is motorbike insurance for a new rider?

A new rider with a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) on a 125cc bike typically pays £400-800 per year. After passing your full test, premiums often decrease. Factors like your age, bike type, storage, and location significantly affect costs. A 17-year-old on a 125cc pays much more than a 30-year-old.

Is motorbike insurance cheaper than car insurance?

Often, but not always. Small bikes (125cc) typically cost less to insure than cars. However, powerful sports bikes can be very expensive to insure — sometimes more than cars. Insurers see sports bikes as higher risk due to speed capability and theft rates.

Do I need motorbike insurance if the bike is off the road?

If your bike is SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), you don't legally need insurance. However, fire and theft cover is recommended if it's stored in a garage. Some insurers offer lay-up cover specifically for this. If it's on the road at all, insurance is legally required.

What's the difference between CBT and full licence insurance?

CBT (learner) insurance is available with restrictions: usually 125cc max, no motorways, no passengers. After passing your full test (A1, A2, or full A licence), you can insure larger bikes and restrictions lift. Full licence holders typically pay lower rates than CBT riders.

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Motorbike Insurance UK — How to Get Cheaper Motorcycle Cover

Complete motorbike insurance guide. Understand cover types, ways to reduce premiums, multi-bike options, and what affects your motorcycle insurance cost.

By PocketWise · 21 March 2026 · 5 min read

Insurance information is general guidance only. Insurance products are regulated by the FCA. Policy terms vary between providers — always read the policy document before purchasing.

Whether you’re a new rider on a 125cc or an experienced motorcyclist with a superbike, getting the right insurance at the right price matters. Here’s how.

Types of Motorbike Insurance

Cover Levels

Cover Type	What’s Covered	What’s Not
Third Party (TP)	Damage to others, their property	Your bike, your injuries
Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT)	Above plus fire/theft of your bike	Accidental damage to your bike
Comprehensive	All of the above plus damage to your bike	Wear and tear, mechanical

Which to Choose?

Situation	Recommended Cover
Expensive bike (£5,000+)	Comprehensive
Moderate value (£2,000-5,000)	Comprehensive or TPFT
Cheap/older bike (under £2,000)	TPFT or Third Party
Finance on bike	Comprehensive (usually required)

Note: Unlike cars, Third Party isn’t always cheaper than Comprehensive for bikes. Always compare.

What Affects Your Premium

Major Factors

Factor	High Premium	Low Premium
Bike type	Sports bikes, superbikes	Commuters, tourers, lower cc
Engine size	600cc+ sports	125cc-300cc
Age	Under 25	25-65
Experience	CBT only, new rider	Full licence, years of riding
Location	Urban, high theft areas	Rural, low crime
Storage	Street	Locked garage
Mileage	High (10,000+)	Low (3,000-5,000)
Claims history	Recent claims	Clean record
Licence points	Points on licence	Clean licence

Bike Categories and Typical Premiums

Bike Type	Example	Typical Premium (30-year-old)
125cc commuter	Honda CB125F	£200-400
Mid-range commuter	Yamaha MT-07	£300-500
Sports 600cc	Yamaha R6	£500-1,200
Adventure bike	BMW R1250GS	£400-700
Naked/street	Triumph Street Triple	£350-600
Superbike	Ducati Panigale	£1,000-3,000+
Classic	Triumph Bonneville	£250-450

Premiums are illustrative — yours will vary by all factors above.

Ways to Reduce Your Premium

1. Security

Security Measure	Potential Saving
Sold Secure approved lock	5-15%
Datatag/tracking system	5-15%
Alarmed disc lock	5-10%
Ground anchor (for home)	5-10%
Combined security	15-25%

Many insurers require minimum security for expensive bikes.

2. Storage

Storage Location	Impact
Locked garage	Lowest premiums
Secure compound	Low
Driveway (locked)	Medium
Street	Highest premiums

3. Restrict Your Use

Use Type	Impact
Social, domestic, pleasure	Lowest
Commuting (some)	Slightly higher
Business use	Highest

4. Limit Annual Mileage

Annual Mileage	Premium Impact
Under 3,000	Lowest
3,000-5,000	Low
5,000-8,000	Medium
8,000+	Higher

5. Increase Voluntary Excess

Voluntary Excess	Typical Saving
£100	Baseline
£250	5-10%
£500	10-15%
£1,000	15-20%

6. Advanced Riding Qualifications

Qualification	Potential Discount
IAM RoadSmart	Up to 15%
RoSPA Advanced	Up to 15%
Enhanced Rider Scheme	Some discounts
BikeSafe	May help

7. Multi-Bike Policies

If you own more than one bike, insuring them together saves money:

Setup	Benefit
2 bikes	10-20% discount vs separate
3+ bikes	Further discounts
Combined mileage	Often allowed

Insurance for New Riders

CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)

What You Can Ride	Restrictions
Up to 125cc	L plates required
Up to 11kW power	No motorways
	No passengers
	CBT valid 2 years

CBT Insurance Costs

Age	Typical 125cc Premium
17	£800-1,500
18-20	£600-1,000
21-24	£400-700
25+	£300-500

After Full Test (A1, A2, A Licence)

Licence	What You Can Ride	Insurance Impact
A1	Up to 125cc, 11kW	Often cheaper than CBT
A2	Up to 35kW	Moderate premiums
Full A (direct access 24+)	Any bike	Varies by bike
Full A (progressive)	Any bike after 2 years A2	2 years experience helps

Specialist Insurance Types

Laid-Up/SORN Cover

Feature	Details
Cover while not in use	Fire, theft only
Lower cost	No road use element
When needed	Winter storage, off-road periods
Typical cost	£50-150/year

Track Day Insurance

Standard Policy	Track Day Policy
Usually excludes track	Specifically covers track use
Claim would be rejected	Claims honoured
N/A	Single day or season options

Classic Motorcycle Insurance

Feature	Classic Cover
Age qualification	Usually 15-25+ years
Agreed value	Insured for agreed amount
Limited mileage	Often 3,000-5,000 miles
Club discounts	Available through clubs

Multi-Bike Policies

Feature	Details
Multiple bikes on one policy	Discount per bike
Different types covered	Road, track, classic
Combined mileage	Usually allowed
One renewal date	Convenient admin

Pillion and Named Rider Cover

Pillion Passengers

Cover Type	Details
Standard policies	Usually include pillion cover
Passenger injuries	Covered under Third Party
Check policy wording	Confirm before carrying passengers

Named Riders

Scenario	Options
Partner rides occasionally	Add as named rider
Friend borrows bike	May need short-term add
Cost impact	Named rider usually increases premium

Making a Claim

Theft Claims

Step	Action
1	Report to police (get crime reference)
2	Notify insurer immediately
3	Provide proof of ownership
4	Tracker data if equipped
5	Await investigation

Accident Claims

Step	Action
1	Exchange details with other party
2	Take photos of scene/damage
3	Get witness details
4	Report to insurer
5	Don’t admit fault

Write-Off Categories

Category	Meaning
A	Scrap only — can never return to road
B	Can be broken for parts, frame destroyed
S	Structural damage, repairable (formerly Cat C)
N	Non-structural damage, repairable (formerly Cat D)

Comparison Sites for Bikes

Site	Notes
Compare the Market	Major bike panel
Confused.com	Wide range
GoCompare	Good coverage
MCN Compare	Specialist bike focus
The Bike Insurer	Specialist

Direct-Only Insurers to Check

Insurer	Notes
Bennetts	Major bike specialist
Carole Nash	Specialist with club ties
Devitt	Long-established
Bikesure	Dedicated bike insurer

Sample Scenarios

New Rider (17, 125cc)

Factor	Status	Premium Impact
Age	17	Expensive
Bike	Honda CB125F	Cheap to insure
Experience	CBT only	Higher risk
Storage	Street	Poor
Likely premium		£1,000-1,500

To reduce: Garage storage, Sold Secure lock, accurate low mileage.

Experienced Rider (35, MT-07)

Factor	Status	Premium Impact
Age	35	Good
Bike	Yamaha MT-07	Mid-range
Experience	10 years, clean licence	Excellent
Storage	Garage with ground anchor	Excellent
Likely premium		£200-350

Sports Bike (28, R6)

Factor	Status	Premium Impact
Age	28	OK
Bike	Yamaha R6	High risk category
Experience	5 years	Moderate
Storage	Driveway	Medium
Likely premium		£600-1,000

To reduce: Track-only second bike, advanced qualification, improved security.

Key Checklist Before Buying

Item	✓
Compare multiple quotes	☐
Check security requirements	☐
Confirm correct licence type	☐
Accurate mileage estimate	☐
Correct storage location	☐
Declare modifications	☐
Check pillion cover included	☐
Understand excess amounts	☐
Check track day position	☐
Review breakdown options	☐