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Fully Comprehensive Motorbike Insurance

Compare comprehensive motorbike insurance quotes

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Written by  Mehdi Punjwani
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Reviewed by  Saarrah Mussa
5 min read
Updated: 25 May 2023

Fully comprehensive motorbike insurance is the highest level of cover available. Read more to understand what it covers and whether it’s right option for you.

What levels of motorbike cover are there?

Motorbike insurance, like other types of auto insurance, comes in three levels:

Third-party cover is the minimum legal requirement for all vehicle insurance policies, including motorcycle insurance. However, fully comprehensive will cover you under many more circumstances.

Photo of several motorcyclists in a field viewing the sunset

Do I need fully comprehensive motorbike insurance?

All driven vehicles in the UK need at least a third-party-only auto insurance policy, including motorbikes, cars, and vans. However, third-party insurance is generally the most expensive available, at the same time as offering the least cover.

Fully comprehensive policies offer the highest level of cover. What’s more, in recent times, they may be the cheapest option for customers.

What does fully comprehensive motorbike insurance cover?

A fully comprehensive motorbike insurance policy covers you for any damage you cause to a third party, their vehicle, or their property, just as you’d find with third-party cover. You’ll also be able to claim if your motorbike is stolen or damaged by fire, as you would with a third-party, fire, and theft policy.

However, fully comprehensive motorbike insurance also covers you and your bike if you cause an accident or if no one was at fault. You’ll be insured for damage done to your own motorbike and yourself, so you won’t need to pay for repair costs.

What extras can I get with fully comprehensive motorbike insurance?

Some extras might be included as standard. However, you may have to pay more for others. You can normally choose from the following:

Legal cover

This insures you for any legal costs you might face after an accident if you weren’t at fault.

Personal accident cover

A personal accident policy pays out if you’re injured or killed in a motorbike incident. However, the amount will depend on the level of cover you take out and the type of injury.

Pillion cover

Pillion cover insures you for riding your motorcycle with a passenger.

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover helps you continue your journey if your motorcycle breaks down while you’re on the road.

European cover

Standard motorcycle insurance won’t cover you for riding in Europe, so you’ll need to take out a specific policy.

Leathers and helmet cover

Leathers and helmets can be expensive, so you’ll be covered to replace them if they get lost, damaged, or stolen.

Key cover

Losing your keys can be a hassle, but a lost keys policy can help you get on your way sooner rather than later.

How much is fully comprehensive cover?

The premiums you’ll pay for fully comprehensive cover are generally higher than for third-party or third-party, fire, and theft. However, prices will also depend on other factors, including:

  • Your age: Insurers generally see inexperienced or young drivers as bigger claim risks. They also tend to charge more for premiums as a result.

  • Your motorcycle: Bigger, more powerful motorcycles are generally seen as harder to drive and more likely to be involved in an incident. Therefore, they cost more to cover.

  • Your driving history: If you have a record of driving convictions or you drive a lot in general, your premiums will be higher. This is because you’re seen as being more likely to be involved in an incident for which you’ll need to claim.

  • Your claims history: Likewise, if you’ve made previous claims on auto insurance, you’ll have to pay more for cover. Conversely, the longer you’ve gone without claiming, the lower your premiums will drop.

  • Your security and storage: Keeping your motorbike locked in a garage or adding security features, such as an immobiliser, can reduce the risk of theft. In turn, this can lower your insurance costs.

  • Your excess fee: Volunteering to pay a higher excess fee can also reduce the cost of cover. 

  • Your payments: If you pay annually rather than monthly, many insurers will offer a discount on premiums.

  • Your location: Some areas experience higher crime rates, which can make it more likely you’ll need to claim for theft or vandalism. You’ll probably need to pay higher premiums if you live in one.

Is fully comprehensive cover cheaper than third-party?

In recent years, there has been a link between higher-risk drivers such as under 25-year-olds, and third-party cover. As more high-risk drivers were taking out third-party cover, which has traditionally been the cheaper option, insurers spotted an increasing number of claims on third-party policies.

As a result, the risk of making a claim was directly associated with third-party policies. So, the premiums for this level of cover have gone up. It’s therefore generally a better idea to look for fully comprehensive policies. This way, you’ll be covered for more and you won’t have to pay as much.

Can I make my fully comprehensive motorbike insurance cheaper?

As with any other type of motorcycle insurance, there are ways to make your fully comprehensive motorbike insurance cheaper. One way to do this, for instance, is to reduce your mileage. If you don’t use your bike as much, you are less at risk of being involved in a road accident.

An alternative way to bring down the cost of your fully comprehensive motorbike insurance is to build a no-claim bonus or purchase safety equipment such as immobilisers. It’s worth noting, though, that each insurer will have their own set of rules, and that the price of your insurance will be calculated based on your personal needs and circumstances.

Are motorbikes more expensive to insure than cars?

The cost of your insurance policy depends on a wide range of factors. However, usually, motorbike cover does cost more to insure than car insurance or van insurance.

This is because motorcycles can be riskier to drive, meaning that you may be more prone to road accidents and injuries. But by comparing a vast array of motorbike insurance options with MoneySuperMarket, you can find the best deal for you and your bike at the right price.

Can I ride another motorcycle on my fully comprehensive motorbike insurance?

First things first, it is always wise to read the small print and double-check your policy’s terms and conditions. But generally, if you have fully comprehensive motorbike insurance, you are likely to be covered if you ride another bike.

If you own two or more motorcycles, or enjoy riding different bikes from time to time, you may want to consider taking out multi-bike insurance.

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket

Comparing motorcycle insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find a cheaper deal on cover. All you need to do is tell us about yourself, the motorcycle you want to insure, and your driving history. We’ll show you a list of quotes tailored to your needs.

You’ll be able to compare them by the overall annual and monthly cost, the level of cover you get, and any add-ons included for free or at an extra cost. Once you’ve found the right policy, click through to the provider to finalise your purchase.

Remember that as with all insurance products, the cheapest available deal might not always be the best. You should aim for a balance between cost and coverage, so you get the right policy at the right price. This way, you won’t be over-insured and paying over the odds or under-insured and without cover when you need it.

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