Pillion cover: insurance for motorbike passengers
Carrying a passenger on your motorbike comes with additional responsibilities, and pillion cover makes sure both you and your passengers are financially protected in case of an accident.
Key takeaways
Pillion cover is for riders carrying passengers, providing vital protection by covering medical expenses and potential liability for damage caused to others
Standard motorbike insurance might not provide passenger protection in accidents
Remember to consider your riding habits when searching for cover so you get adequate levels for medical expenses and liability
Always compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal
Carrying a passenger on your motorbike comes with additional responsibilities, and pillion cover makes sure both you and your passengers are financially protected in case of an accident. Without it you could face severe consequences, leaving you potentially vulnerable financially and legally speaking.

What is pillion cover?
Pillion cover is a specific type of motorbike insurance designed to protect passengers. It is essential cover for many riders as standard insurance usually doesn’t offer this protection. It generally includes medical expenses coverage and liability protection, which can help with costs related to injuries and shield the rider from potential legal claims.
Do I need pillion cover?
Pillion cover is a must if you regularly ride with someone on the back of your motorbike, as it provides invaluable cover for medical expenses and other losses you might face in an accident. It also offers peace of mind for the passenger that they’ll be covered for injury costs.
Even if you only make the one-off trip with a friend, you should consider the risks of not having cover in the event of an accident. It’s worth having a policy in place to cover all eventualities, as riding pillion can mean taking corners and manoeuvering your bike will be more difficult, and braking can also be more difficult.
Is pillion cover a legal requirement?
Pillion cover is not technically a legal requirement in the UK but it is highly recommended.
However, there are some other laws related to riding pillion in the UK:
You’ll only be able to carry passengers on a full motorbike or moped licence, not on a provisional licence
You’ll only be allowed one passenger at a time
Your bike must have a designated pillion seat with rear footrests that the passenger must be able to reach
The passenger must always be facing forward
Both rider and passenger must wear helmets that meet safety standards
How do I get pillion cover?
Finding the best deal on pillion cover is easier when you compare quotes online with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us a little about yourself, your motorbike and your riding habits and history, and we’ll search for policies that meet your exact requirements.
You’ll be able to sort by overall cost and view exactly what each policy covers, and once you’ve found the perfect deal, just click through to the provider’s website to wrap things up.