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What is classic motorbike insurance?
Classic motorbike insurance covers you to ride your classic motorcycle on UK roads, and offers financial protection in a range of scenarios should it become lost, damaged or stolen. It’s similar to standard motorcycle insurance, but applies specifically to bikes over a certain age with an agreed value and often includes salvage retention rights.
Motorbike policies are underwritten by specialist underwriters and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The key differences are that classic motorcycles and mopeds are often looked after more carefully by owners, and driven far less, which are both beneficial to the overall risk factor of the bike.
Do I need classic motorcycle insurance?
You’ll need at least third-party insurance on your classic motorcycle to be road-legal in the UK unless you’ve had your motorcycle declared off-road with a Statutory Off-Road Notice. However, motorcycle insurance offers useful protection - you can benefit from a wide range of cover for things like:
Damage resulting from an accident
Theft
Vandalism
Fire
Explosions
Pillion cover and more
Why compare motorbike insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
When you compare motorbike insurance with MoneySuperMarket, you’ll see deals from across the market offered by the biggest insurance providers out there:
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Save money
You’ll be able to compare deals by the overall cost, the cover you’ll get, and the excess involved in claiming, so you know you’re getting the best price and discounts available
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Get tailored quotes
With add-ons from pillion cover to helmet and leathers, you’ll be able to search for a classic motorbike insurance quote online that offers everything you need
Types of classic motorbike insurance cover
Like with any motor insurance, you’ll be able to take out three different levels of cover for your classic motorbike:
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Third-party only
The minimum level of cover available, third-party motorcycle insurance will cover you for damage caused to a third-party, their vehicle or their property. It won’t offer you any protection if your classic bike is damaged or stolen
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Third-party, fire and theft
Third-party, fire and theft policies include third-party protection as above, as well as adding cover for your bike if it’s stolen, or damaged by fire
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Fully comprehensive
A fully comprehensive motorbike insurance policy includes all of the above but adds a range of extra protection for your classic motorcycle should you be involved in an accident
What policy extras can I include?
The following cover might be included in some fully comprehensive classic motorcycle insurance policies up to an agreed value, but if not, they’ll likely be available as option extras:
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Accessories
Accessories cover, sometimes known as helmet and leathers cover, insures you against the cost of replacing your items if they’re lost, damaged or stolen
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Breakdown cover
Breakdown cover policies pay for the cost of calling out roadside assistance if your classic motorcycle breaks down
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Motor legal protection
Motor legal protection policies cover you for the cost of legal expenses if you’re involved in a car insurance claim
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Riding abroad
Also known as European or international motorcycle insurance, this covers you for riding your classic motorbike abroad - just be sure the policy includes the locations you’ll be travelling to
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Additional drivers
Additional driver cover insures other people to ride your motorcycle, usually with the same level of cover as the policy holder
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Pillion cover
Pillion cover insures you to ride with passengers on your motorcycle, in case they’re injured while on the road
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Modifications
Cover for modified motorcycles, classic or otherwise, might be required if you’ve have your bike modified - just be aware of how it might affect your premiums
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Events, shows, and track days
You will also need extra policies to cover you for taking your classic motorcycle to events, shows and track days
How much is insurance for older motorbikes?
Insuring an older or classic motorcycle is often cheaper than with a standard model as insurers see them as a lower overall risk - however, insurers also take into account the following factors:
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Your age
Young and inexperienced riders, just as with car insurance and young drivers, generally face higher premiums
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Your location
Areas of the country with higher crime or accident rates present a greater risk to insurers, so cover is often more expensive
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Your job
Insurers see certain occupations as a greater risk than others, and this can affect your premiums - especially if you use your bike for commuting or work
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Your mileage
While it’s not typical of classic motorbike owners to always be on the road, generally speaking the more you drive the greater the claim risk
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Your bike
Larger and more powerful classic bikes are more likely to be in an accident - so they’re usually pricier to insurer
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Your driving and claims history
If you have a history of driving convictions or motor insurance claims, insurers will consider you to be a high risk driver
How to choose the best classic motorcycle cover for you?
There are a few different ways to lower the price of your insurance premiums:
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Choose fully comprehensive cover
As with any motor insurance, fully comprehensive cover not only offers the most protection, but is also the cheapest of all options
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Improve security
Adding an immobiliser or tracking system and keeping your bike in a locked garage will reduce the likelihood of theft as well as potentially reducing premiums. Insurers may even request some of these measures before offering cover
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Lower your mileage
The fewer miles you ride, the lower the risk of being involved in an accident. Try to be as accurate as possible when estimating your mileage - you’ll be charged extra if you overestimate, but underestimating could leave you without valid cover
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Consider seasonal use
If you only use your bike during the summer months when the weather is better, it could be worth declaring your bike as off the road and getting a statutory off-road notification (SORN). This will mean you only need to insure your bike for the months of the year that you will use it
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Avoid making any modifications
Modified bikes are more costly and more difficult to repair, so insurers will usually charge more for cover unless the modifications are security-related
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Pay annually
If you pay in one lump sum, you won’t be charged interest on monthly instalments
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Get your tailored motorcycle insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket
Comparing motorcycle insurance quotes for your classic bike with MoneySuperMarket is the easiest way to find cover - here’s all you need to do:
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Give us a few details
We’ll need to know about you and the bike(s) you want to cover, and the type of policy you want to take out
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We’ll show you our best quotes
Our comparison tool searches the market for the best classic motorcycle insurance policies
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Sign up with your provider
Once you’ve found the policy you want to take out, click through to the provider to finalise your purchase and you’ll be covered
Motorbike insurance guides and expert tips
What information do I need to get a quote?
It’s quick and easy to get an insurance quote for your classic motorcycle - you’ll just need the following information:
Details about your classic bike, including its make, model, registration number, when it was manufactured, its value, and the date you bought it
Any modifications made to the bike, including non-approved parts
Any security measures you’ve taken
Information about you, including how long you’ve held your licence, any driving convictions you might have, and whether you’ve got a no-claims bonus
If there are any other drivers you want to add to your policy, you’ll also need the same information about them
Can I insure a sidecar for my classic motorcycle?
You should be able to insure a sidecar for your classic motorcycle, but it will depend on the insurer and the cover it provides. For example, some insurers may see your sidecar as an accessory, while others will see it as an integral part of the bike itself - so premiums will differ accordingly.
Remember to always be honest and accurate about all details you give to your insurer - in this case, the sidecar’s value, make, and model. This way you’ll know your insurer has all the relevant information and your classic motorcycle and sidecar are fully covered.
Can I insure a classic scooter or moped?
There are insurers that will allow you to cover your classic scooters or mopeds, such as a vintage Lambretta or Vespa. Generally, to take out classic scooter or moped cover, your vehicle will need to be at least 20 years old.
One of the main differences between a motorbike and a scooter relates to the type of driving licence you have. In fact, scooters that meet specific criteria may only require an AM licence entitlement to be ridden. In this case, it’s worth noting that not all insurance providers will provide cover for riders who don’t own a full motorbike licence, meaning your options may be limited.
Do I need to get an MOT to insure my classic motorcycle?
You won’t need to get an MOT for your classic motorcycle if it was built or registered for the first time over 40 years ago. However, most insurers will require that you keep your bike in a safe and roadworthy condition to ensure your cover stays valid.
Do I need to tax my classic motorcycle?
Just as with MOTs, if your motorcycle was made over 40 years ago you can apply for historic vehicle tax exemption - unless you use your classic bike for business reasons, like hire and reward. Keep in mind you’ll still need to do your taxes even if you don’t pay vehicle excise duty (VED).
Can I ride a vintage motorbike on my car licence?
You can ride a moped up to 50cc if you pass your driving test before February 1 2001, without requiring L plates or having to go through the compulsory basic training (CBT). You won’t be able to ride anything more powerful than this without a valid CBT certificate - so you won’t be able to ride a vintage motorcycle on your car licence unless it’s a moped.
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025 by
