What is one-day motorbike insurance?

This guide is for informational purposes only. We do not currently offer one-day motorbike insurance at MoneySuperMarket.

Key takeaways

• One-day motorbike insurance is a temporary insurance policy that can be helpful if you only need cover for a short period such as for a test ride or borrowing a motorcycle

• By law, all motorbikes in the UK must be insured unless they are registered as off the road (SORN)

• Some insurers have age restrictions so check the terms and conditions carefully

What is one-day motorbike insurance?

One-day motorbike insurance is a type of temporary cover that can be useful if you only want to insure your motorbike for a short period.

There are several reasons why you might need one-day motorbike insurance. Perhaps you're borrowing a friend's bike for a quick ride or you're lending your own bike to someone else.

In these situations, having short term cover in place is crucial for both the bike owner and the person borrowing it. It also means that if they have an accident on your bike your no-claims bonus won’t be affected.

If you’ve bought a new motorcycle, one-day motorbike insurance allows you to legally and safely ride your new purchase home while giving you the time to shop around for the right annual motorbike insurance policy.

Do I need one-day motorbike insurance?

Yes, it’s a legal requirement to have motorbike insurance, even for just a single day of riding.

If you’re stopped by the police without at least third-party motorbike insurance, you could receive a £300 fine, as well as at least six penalty points on your licence. You also risk:

• Disqualification from riding

• The police seizing your motorbike, moped, or scooter and destroying it

Without insurance you won’t be protected should you be involved in an accident or have your bike stolen so taking out cover can also give you peace of mind.

Did you know?

More than 9,000 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds were stolen in London in the last year, according to the Metropolitan Police.

When might I use one-day motorbike insurance?

There are specific scenarios where one-day motorbike insurance proves to be particularly beneficial.

Emergency use

If your regular motorcycle is in the shop for repairs, and you need to ride another bike, one-day insurance can provide you with the necessary legal cover.

Test riding insurance

Even if you're just test riding a potential new bike, insurance is a must. One-day insurance allows you to be covered during the test ride without committing to a long-term policy.

Collecting a new motorbike

Picking up a new motorbike is another instance where one-day insurance comes in handy, especially when you're still in the process of finding the right annual policy.

Do I need one-day motorbike insurance if my bike is off the road?

No, you don’t need motorbike insurance if your motorcycle is permanently off the road and you have made a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA.

However, you might want to consider cover to protect your motorbike from being stolen or damaged in a fire.

What does one-day motorbike insurance cover?

Like car insurance, there are three cover types to choose from:

• Third-party only cover: This is the legal minimum and covers damages to third parties but not you or your own motorbike bike

• Third-party, fire, and theft cover: This adds protection for your motorbike should it be stolen or damaged in a fire

• Comprehensive cover: This is the most extensive level of cover and includes damages to your bike in accidents, regardless of fault

What policy add-ons can I get with one-day motorbike insurance?

You can usually get the following add-ons with one-day insurance, if they’re not already included as standard:

Am I eligible for one-day motorbike insurance?

Eligibility can depend on your age as insurance providers often have minimum and maximum age restrictions for short-term policies.

If you're under 21 years old, you may find it difficult or very expensive to buy short-term or one-day motorbike insurance. But there are specialist insurance providers who offer cover for young riders so shop around.

You’ll also need a valid UK motorbike licence and it helps to have a good driving history with minimal or no points.

What should I look for when choosing one-day motorbike insurance?

If you do buy temporary motorbike insurance, make sure you check the terms and conditions of your policy, as it may automatically renew when your cover comes to an end.

This may mean you end up paying for cover you don’t need, especially if you have already set up a new annual motorbike insurance policy.

Understanding excess in insurance claims

It's also important to understand the concept of 'excess' in insurance claims. Knowing how much you would need to pay if your bike is damaged or if you cause injury or property damage is crucial when choosing a policy.

How much does one-day motorbike insurance cost?

The cost of one-day motorbike insurance will usually vary depending on factors like your:

If you have time to search for annual cover before you collect your new motorbike, this could work out more cost effective than taking out one-day cover.

How can I compare annual motorbike insurance?

When it comes to finding the right insurance for your motorbike, comparing your options is key.

Although MoneySuperMarket does not offer one-day motorbike insurance you can get annual motorbike insurance quotes to see how this compares to short-term motorbike insurance and help you to find a policy that matches your individual needs.