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Compare cheap scooter insurance from 37 providers
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1 Accurate as of October 2023
How much is scooter insurance?
With any type of motorbike, the engine size will impact how much you pay for insurance.
A scooter, such as a Vespa or Piaggio, normally has an engine between 50cc and 150cc. Scooter insurance is cheaper than cover for more powerful motorbikes.
Comprehensive scooter insurance, which offers the highest level of cover, can often be cheaper than third party or third party fire and theft scooter insurance.
If you are a young motorcyclist or have a history of claims or road accidents, you’ll be seen as a higher risk, and you’ll need to pay more for cover.
What does scooter insurance cover?
The scooter insurance policy type you choose will affect the amount you pay and the level of cover you get. When comparing scooter insurance, you’ll have to decide what level of protection you need:
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Third-party only
Third-party insurance is the minimum cover you are required to have by law. This cover means if you were in an accident, you would be insured for damage against someone else or their property.
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Third-party fire and theft
Third-party, fire and theft policies cover any third-party damage as stated above, but it also covers your bike for repairs or replacement if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
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Comprehensive
Fully comprehensive policies offer the most protection. This covers you and your bike, as well as other people, their vehicles, and their property.
What do I need to legally ride a scooter?
To ride a scooter legally on UK roads, you will need to:
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Be aged 17 or over (19 or over to ride a scooter over 125cc)
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Hold a provisional driving license or full driving licence.
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Complete your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
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Ensure your bike is properly registered with the DVLA.
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Pay road tax - bikes under 150cc will cost £22 for the year.
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Insure your bike – at least third party cover is required
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Apply for Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
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Get an annual MOT once your scooter is three years old.
What add-ons and optional extras can I get with my scooter insurance?
Scooter insurance policies usually have other features – some of which come as standard, and others that may only be available for an extra premium:
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Modification cover
If you’ve made modifications to your scooter
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Pillion cover
If you plan to carry passengers on the back of your scooter
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Personal accident cover
Up to £25,000 in the event of accidental death, loss of sight, loss of limb or permanent total disability
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Legal expenses cover
Up to £100,000 if you’ve involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault
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Helmet & leathers cover
Normally up to £1,000 cover
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Key cover
For lost or stolen keys
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Wrong fuel cover
If you accidentally put diesel in a petrol scooter or vice versa
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Breakdown cover
Assistance if your scooter breaks down while you’re on the road.
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European cover
If you plan to travel abroad with your scooter
Vespa and Piaggio scooters
Vespa and Piaggio are some of the most popular scooters in the UK. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co in Italy, to a range of vintage-looking and trendy scooters today, with new models still being designed and manufactured.
There are many models of Vespa scooters or Piaggio scooters to choose from, with many riders attracted by classic Vespa models, whether they are looking at Vespa 50cc models or Vespa 125cc.
In the past, Vespas ran on either petrol or diesel, but you can also buy electric Vespas now.
How can I get cheaper scooter insurance?
As with most types of insurance, it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. MoneySuperMarket allows you to compare scooter insurance quotes from leading providers and find the best coverage for you. If you ride a moped, you can also compare moped insurance quotes. Here are some tips to help you get cheaper scooter insurance
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Choose the right bike
Smaller and less powerful bikes are safer to ride therefore, insuring these bikes is generally cheaper.
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Decrease your mileage
The less you are out on the road, the less risk there is. By doing fewer miles over the year, you may save money.
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Secure your bike
Insurers will favour those who make every effort to secure their bike from theft by using alarms, immobilisers, and anchors.
What do I need to get scooter insurance?
When you apply for a quote for scooter insurance, you’ll need to provide the following information
Details of your scooter
Registration number, make and model, any modifications, estimated value, annual mileage, security devices, where the scooter will be kept overnightDetails about you
Name, age and address; the date you completed your CBT; additional named drivers; your jobInformation about your driving/riding history
No claims discount, any motoring convictions, previous accidents
Our expert says…
Your child's e-scooter could add hundreds of pounds to your car insurance
With the cost of getting a 17 to 20-year-old on the road for the first year exceeding £7,600, it’s easy to see why many people think e-scooters are a more affordable option for young people commuting.
But youngsters who are caught driving an e-scooter on a public road could face up to six penalty points and a £300 fine. And if the rider is under the age of 17, these costs and penalty points could be passed onto the parent.
That could add hundreds of pounds to your car insurance. The average MoneySuperMarket policy cost £838.99 a year - but with 6 points on your licence this price goes up to £1,081.93.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
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Why compare scooter insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
Our mission is to make finding cheap mot insurance easier – and when you take out cover with Moneysupermarket you can benefit from:
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Super save with us
Everyone deserves to save money; we compare quotes from various providers to get you the best price for you
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Renewal reminders
Our car monitor gives you reminders about your scooter road tax and MOT, as well as showing your MOT history and scooter valuation – helping you stay up to date, so you never miss a renewal
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Support from our team
Our live chat tool is there so our experts can guide you through the car insurance questions, offering tailored support during business hours to help you get the right policy for the right price
Motorbike insurance guides and expert tips
Can you get classic scooter insurance?
If you have a scooter more than 20-years-old, it might be eligible for ‘classic’ scooter insurance. Some insurers also have a ‘vintage’ scooter category for scooters over 30-years-old. You can get classic scooter insurance for well-known brands such as Vespa and Lambretta as well as lesser known brands.
How much classic scooter insurance costs depends on the make and model of your bike, its value and whether it has been restored, modified, or customised.
What can impact my no claims discount?
A no claims discount is a reduction on your scooter insurance premium cost based on your claims history.
If you haven’t made any claims, you’ll be eligible for a no claims discount. This is also known as a no claims ‘bonus’, but ‘discount’ is more relevant as it provides a discount on your next scooter insurance policy.
Making a claim will impact your no claims bonus. Usually if you have an accident and can prove you weren’t at fault, your no claims bonus won’t be affected. This is because the insurer will be able to recover any costs involved with the claim from the other driver’s insurer.
Can I drive a scooter with a full UK driving license?
To ride a scooter on public roads, you need to have a provisional or full driving licence and then complete compulsory basic training (CBT). CBT ensures you can ride safely on your own and complete basic manoeuvres while you practise for your motorcycle or scooter test.
A motorbike or scooter licence involves taking both a theory and practical test. You must pass your practical test within two years of taking the theory test. If you don’t, you’ll have to start the process again.
Can I insure my scooter without a CBT?
Yes, you can insure a scooter without completing your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Insurance can be arranged to cover you for riding mopeds up to 50cc or while you complete your CBT.
Can I ride a 125cc without L plates?
Yes, you can ride a 125cc scooter without L-plates. Once you have your A1 license (which you can get at age 17) you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc without L-plates. You can also carry a pillion passenger and go on motorways.
Is it illegal to ride a scooter on the pavement UK?
Yes, it is illegal to ride a scooter on the pavement. Under Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835, it is an offence to ride a motorbike, moped, scooter or bicycle on the pavement.
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025 by
