Motorbike insurance

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Motorbike Insurance

From mopeds to supersport bikes, you can trust your pride and joy with the motoring experts. Product options include our standard bike insurance and our enhanced Bike Insurance Plus, as well as a suite of optional extras to ensure you get the cover that’s right for you. Members are automatically upgraded to Bike Insurance Plus for free! Get a motorbike insurance quote today.

24/7 claims management service

Exclusive member upgrade to Bike Insurance Plus* 

90 days EU cover as standard

Why choose RAC Motorcycle Insurance?

We’ve been rescuing bikers like you for 120 years and so we like to think we’ve learnt a thing or two about bikers needs. Our motorbike insurance can be tailored to suit you, whatever bike you ride, and we work with a panel of approved insurers to get you the best price we can.

Compare bike insurance options from the RAC.

RAC Bike Insurance

RAC Bike Insurance Plus

24/7 claims management service

yes

yes

Minimum of 90 days EU cover

yes

yes

NCD discount available (including NCD up to three years old for returning bikers)

yes

yes

Flexible cover options including multi-bike policies and cover for accessories and modifications

no

yes

Choose from comprehensive; third party, fire and theft; and third party only cover

no

yes

Helmet & Leathers cover included

no

yes

Personal Accident cover included

no

yes


How much is motorbike insurance? 

The price of your motorbike insurance depends on a number of factors. However, if you’re deemed as riskier to insure, then your policy could be more expensive. This is impacted by things like: 

  1. Your age: being a young driver can mean you're less experienced and make you riskier to insure.

  2. Your job: if you use your bike for your job – for example a delivery driver – your motorbike insurance could be more expensive. 

  3. Engine size: having a more powerful engine can increase the cost of your motorbike insurance policy.

  4. Time you usually ride: if you ride during peak times when the roads are busier, like rush hour, you are at higher risk of being in an accident. 

  5. Security: keeping your bike safely stored in a garage overnight and having other security measures could help reduce the price of your policy. 

  6. Driving history: if you’ve had any previous claims or convictions, this can have an effect on the price of your motorbike insurance.

  7. Annual mileage: having high annual mileage means you’re on the road for longer, which can bump up the price of your bike insurance. 

What does motorbike insurance cover?

RAC motorbike insurance covers most types of bikes, including everything in the list below. The price you pay will depend on which type of bike you're insuring.
 

Moped and Scooter
Insurance for mopeds and scooters is usually quite cheap, as they aren’t as powerful or expensive as standard motorbikes. But if you’re under 25 and it’s your first bike, you may have to pay a little more as insurers will consider you a high-risk age group.
Supermoto
Supermoto bikes are usually off-road style bikes designed for racing, designed to take sports tires or street tyres, instead of off-road tyres. It’s usually cheaper to insure lighter weight models with smaller engines.
Classic
A motorbike is usually considered ‘classic’ if it’s made over 20 years ago. You can insure a classic bike under standard RAC Motorbike Insurance. But if it’s particularly old or valuable, think about getting RAC Classic Motorbike Insurance, which is specifically designed for vintage bikes. 
Sports Bike
Because they’re designed for high speeds, insurance for sports bikes is often a bit more expensive than for other motorbikes.
Off-road
You usually need a different kind of insurance for off-road bikes. But RAC Motorbike Insurance covers off-road bikes like motocross bikes, trial bikes and dirt-bikes.
Chopper
Choppers are usually a customised bike, without rear suspension and with kicked-out forks. Because they’re customised, insuring them can cost a little more.
Cruiser
As large, heavy motorbikes with big engines, insurance for cruisers can also be expensive – especially if they’ve been customised.
Quadbike
As quadbikes are designed for on- and off-road riding, you’ll usually need insurance that covers both situations.
Trike
As trikes have three wheels, they’re usually classed as a custom-built or modified bike, which can mean they’re a little more expensive to insure.

How to get cheaper motorbike insurance?

The cost of your motorbike insurance depends on a number of factors and many of these can’t be changed. For example, the age of the policy holder. But if you’re looking to get cheaper bike insurance, you could reduce the cost by:
 

  Having a no claims discount by driving safely and responsibly

  Driving carefully to minimise risk of an accident

  Add a named driver to your bike insurance to help reduce the cost of your policy (but make sure you aren’t ‘fronting’, which is a criminal offence). 

  Paying annually instead of monthly can often reduce the price of bike insurance 

  Increase the amount of voluntary excess you pay if you need to make a claim **

  Reduce your mileage

  Storing your bike in a garage or safe space overnight 

  Passing a recognised motoring qualification, such as Pass Plus. 


**For example, if you set your excess at £150 instead of £50, the cost of your policy should reduce but you should make sure you would be able to pay this amount in event of making a claim.

It’s important to answer all questions honestly and accurately when getting a quote for insurance. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance and lead to criminal convictions. 

Optional extras – tailor your cover to suit your needs

  • Personal Accident Cover – Give yourself and your family peace of mind should you experience an accident on your motorbike with cover of up to £25,000 in the event of: accidental death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total disability. Included with Bike Insurance Plus

  • Excess Protect Cover – Claim up to £600 of your policy excess back in the event of: accidental damage, fire, theft or vandalism

  • Helmet & Leathers Cover – up to £1,000 cover for your helmet, protective clothing, leathers, gloves and boots following an accident regardless of who was to blame for the accident. This covers you on any bike you are riding, providing you are permitted to do so. Included with Bike Insurance Plus

  • Legal Expenses Cover – Protect yourself after an accident that wasn’t your fault, with up to £100,000 of legal costs to help you seek recovery of uninsured losses

  • Replacement Vehicle Cover – Provides a replacement bike for up to 14 days in the event of your vehicle being unrideable following: theft, attempted theft, fire, vandalism and accidental damage

  • Key Protect Cover – All keys belonging to immediate family living in the household are protected against loss, theft and breakage to a maximum of £1,500

  • RAC Breakdown Cover (UK and European options available) – 24 hour assistance in the event of a bike breakdown

Full terms and conditions of these products can be found in the Policy Wording.


Alternatively, call us for a quote on 0330 159 1156.

Monday–Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm & Bank Holidays 10:00am – 2:00pm. Closed Sundays. 

Cover to suit you

RAC Motorbike Insurance is flexible, so you can include extras that aren’t covered under standard insurance for motorcycles.

Other passengers

If you want to ride your bike with another passenger, remember to add pillion cover when you get your motorcycle insurance.

Sidecar cover

If you have a sidecar attached to your bike, it’s usually considered an accessory that needs extra cover. With RAC Motorbike Cover you can add sidecars and other accessories easily.

Modifications

Our motorcycle insurance has flexibility for modifications, too. If your bike has been modified, remember to mention this when you get your cover.

What isn’t covered in your motorbike insurance? 

There are some things you’ll need specialist cover for. 
 
Track days: 
Standard motorbike insurance doesn’t cover races, so if you’re taking to the circuit for a track day, you’ll probably need to get dedicated motorbike insurance for racing. Track day motorbike insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but some race courses will demand it.
 
Breakdowns
If your motorbike breaks down, it isn’t usually covered under motorbike insurance. So make sure you get motorbike breakdown cover so you won’t be stranded if your bike needs a repair out on the road.

Classic Motorbike Insurance

Specialist cover for vintage motorbikes over 20 years old. All classic motorbikes insured for an agreed value.

Find out more   

Planning to ride in the EU?

If you’re an RAC Insurance customer, just follow the link below to find out what you need to do and when.

Find out more  


Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How old do I have to be to ride a motorbike, moped or scooter?

From the age of 16, assuming you have both a provisional licence and a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training Certificate), you can ride a vehicle up to 50cc, which will be speed limited to 28mph.

From age 17 you can ride motorbikes up to 125cc (A1 category) with the same certification and documentation.

To ride a vehicle above 125cc, you need to be aged 19 or over, and have 2 years’ experience on an A1 licence to ride medium-sized motorbikes (category A2 – typically up to 500cc).

You need to be aged 21 with 2 years’ experience at A2 level, or be aged 24+ to take the large motorbike (category A) direct access test.

Q. What information do I need to get a quote?

To obtain a motorbike insurance quote from the RAC, you’ll need:

  • details of the motorbike you intend to insure
  • your personal details
  • your driving history (including any claims and convictions).

You’ll also need to select the type of bike insurance cover you require, be it Comprehensive, Third Party, Fire and Theft or Third Party Only. You can also choose further cover from our great range of optional extras.

Q. What type of motorcycle insurance do I need?

The type of motorbike insurance you need will depend on many factors, including your budget, the extent of protection you require, how you intend to use your motorbike and what type of bike you own.

There are three levels of motorbike insurance – Third Party only; Third party, Fire and Theft (TPFT); and Comprehensive.

Third Party cover is the most basic level of motorbike insurance cover, and the minimum required by law. It covers damage to a third party’s vehicle, their property or themselves as well as any passengers they or you may be carrying. It does not cover you or your motorbike for damage or loss of any kind.

Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) cover offers the same level of motorbike insurance cover as Third Party Only, with the addition of cover for your own vehicle in the event of fire or theft.

Comprehensive cover is the most complete level of motorbike insurance cover. It adds cover for you and your motorbike in the event of an accident which is your fault, in addition to all the cover provided by TPFT.

We also provide a range of extra cover options, for example, breakdown and legal expenses, to protect you from additional losses not covered by a standard motorbike insurance policy.

Q. How can I get cheap motorbike insurance?

A general rule is that the smaller and less powerful the motorbike, the cheaper the cover will be. However, an insurance policy is calculated using many factors, including your age, annual mileage, claims history, and where you store your bike at night.

It’s possible to help reduce your premium by using approved security devices, storing your motorbike in a secure location, or by riding a less powerful motorbike.

Q. Can I take my motorbike to Europe?
RAC Motorbike Insurance policies cover you for at least 90 days within the EU (this will be detailed in your policy schedule). If you want to take a longer holiday, you’ll need to contact us and we can inform you of your options for getting cover for your road trip.
Q. Can I ride a motorbike under my car insurance?
You require separate insurance for your car and your bike. Your car insurance will not cover you for riding a motorbike.
Q. Can I insure a motorbike and a car together?
We don’t currently offer dual insurance policies for a car and bike. You can however cover both your bike and car with our individual car insurance and motorbike insurance policies.
Q. Can I insure more than one motorbike?
RAC Motorbike Insurance does offer multi-bike policies – please call 0330 159 1156 for further details.
Q. Does motorcycle insurance cover my pillion passenger?
You can choose to add cover for pillion passengers (passengers who sit behind the rider of the motorbike) on your motorbike insurance when you apply for insurance. Selecting this option may increase your premium slightly.
Q. Can I insure a quad bike, trike or dirt bike?
We don’t currently offer motorbike insurance cover for quad bikes, but we cover both trikes and dirt bikes, provided they are not used off-road. Call us on 0330 159 1156 for more information or to get a quote.
Q. Can I get breakdown cover for my motorcycle?
Yes! The RAC offer both UK and European breakdown cover as an optional extra, which can be added to your policy for an additional cost. Choose from single trip European breakdown cover or annual European breakdown cover.
Q. I’m doing a motorbike tour of Europe – will you cover me?
You are normally covered for up to 90 days but please check your schedule for details. If you intend on a longer trip you can give us a call and we’ll do our best to provide you with the motorbike insurance cover you need.
Q. Will you cover my leathers, boots, helmet and accessories?
Yes, if you choose to add our Helmet and Leathers cover to your motorbike policy. This will provide you with up to £1,000 cover for these items. This optional extra can be added to our standard product, or is available as part of our RAC Motorbike Insurance Plus product – see the table above for further details.
Q. Am I insured to use my motorbike to travel to work?

If you wish to use your motorbike to travel to and from your usual workplace, you will need to let us know when you apply for your insurance. When asked what/how you will use your bike, you should select “Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SDP) Including Commuting”.

If you will be using your bike to travel to and from client meetings, or to other business sites or places of work, you should select “Class 1: Business Use”.

Q. What is a CBT?
A CBT is a Compulsory Basic Training Certificate. You will need to pass your CBT before being allowed to ride your bike or moped on the road.
Q. Can I use my car insurance no claims discount on my motorbike?
You cannot use your no claims discount from your car insurance on your motorbike. In the same way you cannot use your motorbike insurance no claims for your car.
Q. Will I be covered to ride other bikes?
Some insurers will permit you to ride other bikes on your policy, on a third party only basis, if selected.
Q. I’m worried that I might not be able to continue to make my payments – can you help?

If you think you may be unable to maintain your policy payments, please contact us in the first instance on 0330 159 1156. We have specialists on hand who can discuss your individual circumstances and agree how we can help with your financial situation.

Q. Can I cover multiple bikes on my motorbike insurance?

Yes, with RAC Motorbike Insurance you can get multi-bike cover to insure more than one motorcycle.

More about RAC Motorbike Insurance

Whether you are a new learner just starting out on a 125cc bike, or an experienced veteran riding a cruiser; RAC offers motorbike insurance from a wide range of insurers to provide you with the cover you need for you and your bike.

 

Riding a motorbike is about more than just transportation. It’s about the excitement, the freedom, and the fun that comes from being on two wheels. For many, your bike is your pride and joy – and should anything happen to it, you want the peace of mind that comes with having the right motorbike insurance.

 

Our motorbike insurance can also cover you for any emergency medical treatment, in case of injury during an accident – and as an optional extra, which you can select when getting a quote, we can provide cover for your Helmet and Leathers, should they be damaged following an accident.

All the information you need to retrieve a quote, amend your policy or make a claim

  

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Short term car insurance from 1 hour to 30 days

  

The RAC's Car Breakdown Cover will get you back on the road and give you complete peace of mind. Get outstanding roadside assistance with the RAC.

  

Punctures, battery problems, non-starts and cut-outs are all covered. We'll even come out if you run out of fuel.

  
Motorbike insurance news and advice

Bike insurance is required by law for anyone riding a motorcycle on the road.

  

Why it’s so important for riders to have a strong understanding of road safety.

  

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It stands for Compulsory Basic Training and consists of both practical and theoretical, on and off road elements.

  
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10% multi car discount for up to three additional cars so you can cover your whole family.

  

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Black Box Insurance saves new and young drivers money by rewarding safe driving.

  

Protect yourself from unexpected costs when hiring a car. Daily cover from the equivalent of £3.49††

  

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Provides van drivers with short term cover for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Cover from 1 hour to 30 days.

  

* Policyholders must hold a standalone RAC Breakdown Cover policy at the time of purchase, to qualify for the free upgrade. RAC Bike Insurance must be bought direct from the RAC and this offer is not available on price comparison or cashback sites. This offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time.

†† Based on UK resident buying a single trip policy to cover 10 days car rental in Europe.

RAC Insurance is a trading name of RAC Financial Services Limited. Registered in England and Wales No 5171817. RAC Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 313989 Registered Office: RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall, WS5 4AW. RAC Motorbike Insurance is introduced by RAC Insurance to Europa Group Limited who sell and administer the insurance. Europa Group Limited is registered as a limited company in England and Wales No.3279177. Europa Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 309794. Registered office: Europa House, Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2JX.

RAC Motorbike Insurance and other related insurance products are underwritten by one or more of a panel of insurers whose details can be found here. Details of their authorisations can be found on the Financial Services Register.

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