Third party only
This covers you for injury or damage you cause to another person or their vehicle. It's the minimum level of cover you need to legally drive on UK roads.
What is quad bike insurance?
Quad bike insurance, also known as all-terrain vehicle ATV insurance and buggy insurance, covers you for incidents relating to owning and riding quad bikes, which are not generally covered by standard car or motorbike insurance policies.
It’s a legal requirement if you want to take your quad bike on the roads and offers valuable protection even if you only plan to use your quad bike off-road.
What does it cover?
The level of cover provided depends on the type of policy you choose. As with car insurance, there are three main levels:
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Third party, fire, and theft
This level of ATV insurance includes third-party cover plus repair or replacement costs if your quad bike is stolen, damaged, or destroyed by fire.
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Fully comprehensive
Fully comprehensive quad bike insurance includes everything covered by third-party, fire, and theft, as well as accidental damage and vandalism.
Quad bike insurance policies can also offer the following optional extras:
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Breakdown cover
for when your quad bike breaks down and needs to be picked up for repairs
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Personal accident cover
which provides compensation if you get injured riding a quad bike
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Helmet and leather
for when your gear or equipment is damaged, for example in an accident
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Overseas usage
for when you take your quad bike away with you
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Legal and personal liability
which will help with the legal costs if you cause damage to someone else or their property
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Track day cover
which pays out if you damage your quad bile while riding it on a private track
How much does quad bike insurance cost?
The cost of quad bike insurance depends on a variety of factors, including:
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Age
Premiums tend to be higher for older drivers
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Storage
Keeping your quad in a garage overnight lowers the risk of theft or damage
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Usage
More use usually means a higher risk of damage to your quad to insurers
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Make & Model
As with cars, the type of quad you own will affect the price of your insurance
Do I need quad bike insurance?
Yes, if you want to ride your quad bike on the road.
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Road legal quad bikes
As with cars, a road legal quad bike is legally required to have at least third-party insurance. So-called Green Lanes – unmetalled roads and byways – are also considered roads, so you must register your quad bike with the DVLA and have tax, MOT, and insurance to ride those too.
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Off-road
Third party cover for completely off-road quad bikes is not a legal requirement. However, many quad bike owners choose off-road policies that include fire and theft as standard, especially those who use their quads for commercial or agricultural purposes.
Types of Quad Bikes
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Sit-astride ATVs
These classic motorbike-style quads have a straddle seat and are steered using a handlebar. Larger versions can sometimes be used to transport a pillion passenger behind the driver.
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Side-by-side ATVs
These buggy-style vehicles have steering wheels like a car and are fitted with roll-cage frames. They can be used to transport one or more passengers, depending on the seating available.
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Road legal (“type-approved”)
Designed to be driven legally on public roads, on-road quad bikes have mirrors and lights to comply with European road safety standards. They can be either sit-astride or side-by-side quad bikes.
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Quadricycles (L6e and L7e)
These four-wheeled microcars come in two categories: light (L6e) and heavy (L7e).
Category L6e: These are light quad bikes, or quadricycles, that have an unladen weight of 350kg, and can reach a maximum speed of 45km/h.
Category L7e: These quad bikes have an unladen weight of 400kg and a maximum of 15kw of net power.
Our expert says…
Quad bikes, also known as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are a target for thieves as they can fetch good money on the second-hand market, so even if you only use your quad bike off road it’s a good idea to look at specialist insurance, along with other security measures such as a Thatcham-approved lock. If you do take your quad bike on the road - even for a short time - insurance is a must.
Sarah Tooze Car & Van Insurance Expert
What do I need to ride a quad bike legally?
If you plan on driving your quad bike on UK roads, you must:
Have a full car driving licence (or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997)
Register the quad bike with the DVLA
Pay tax on the quad bike
Own a valid MOT certificate for the quad bike (if it’s more than three years old)
Insure the quad bike, at least third party · Have the quad bike “type approved” to confirm it’s safe for road use
You may be exempt from paying road tax if your road-legal quad bike is intended for agricultural or horticultural use. However, it must still be insured and registered with the DVLA as a light agricultural vehicle.
For off-road use, you won’t need any of the above, but you should remember that you always need permission form the owner to ride a quad bike on private land. You’ll also need insurance if you use byways, while riding footpaths and bridleways, or across public areas such as parks and playing fields, could lead to a criminal prosecution.
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Motorbike insurance guides and expert tips
Do you need to wear a helmet on quads?
There is no legal requirement for quad bike drivers or passengers to wear a helmet in England, Scotland, or Wales. However, helmets are required by law in Northern Ireland, where you can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a helmet while riding a quad bike.
And wherever you’re based, protective gear – including a helmet, clothing that covers your arms and legs, goggles, and strong footwear – is always a good idea.
Do you need to pay tax on quads?
You only need to pay road tax if you’re driving your quad bike on public roads or byways. Off road only quad bikes do not need to be taxed.
What license do I need to ride a quad bike?
To ride a quad bike on the road, you’ll need either a full car licence (or a category B1 licence if issued before January 1997).
Are quad bikes road legal?
Only quad bikes that meet European road safety standards can be ridden on the road. If you’re unsure whether your ATV is road-legal, the best way to check is by contacting the manufacturer.
Can I carry passengers on my quad bike?
As a general rule, you can carry passengers on your quad bike if it’s designed to carry more than one person – for example, if it has the two or more seats.
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025 by
