What is short-term motorbike insurance?

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

Key takeaways

• Short-term motorbike insurance is ideal for riders needing cover for a brief period, ranging from a single day to a month

• It’s useful for test rides, borrowing a motorbike, using a courtesy motorbike during repairs, holiday trips, or temporarily using a SORN motorcycle

• Short-term policies can be extended if needed and some insurance providers offer multi-bike options, allowing cover for multiple bikes

What is short-term motorbike insurance?

Short-term motorbike insurance is temporary cover for riders seeking protection for a brief period. Unlike annual policies that cover you for a full year, short-term options can be tailored to your specific needs, typically ranging from a single day to an entire month.

Whether it's for test riding a potential new purchase, a temporary replacement, or a holiday adventure, short-term motorcycle insurance is a flexible and cost-effective solution.

Do I need short-term motorbike insurance?

Yes, unless your motorbike is permanently off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you legally need to have at least third-party motorbike insurance.

If you ride your motorbike uninsured you risk:

• A £300 fine

• At least six penalty points on your licence

• Being disqualified from riding

• Having your motorbike, moped, or scooter seized and destroyed

As well as legal protection, temporary motorbike insurance can give you peace of mind should you be in an accident or have your motorbike stolen.

Did you know?

Nearly 16,000 motorcyclists were killed or injured on roads in Great Britain in 2024, according to the latest Department for Transport figures.

When would I use short-term motorbike insurance?

There are several scenarios where short-term motorcycle insurance is not just beneficial but necessary:

• Test-riding a new motorbike: Before you commit to a new bike, you might want to take it for a spin. Short-term insurance ensures you're covered during this trial

• Borrowing a motorbike: If you're borrowing a friend's motorcycle, you'll need insurance to ride legally and with peace of mind

• Courtesy motorbike during repairs: When your regular motorbike is at the garage, a courtesy motorcycle keeps you on the move, and short-term insurance keeps you covered

• Riding on holiday: Taking a motorcycle trip? Ensure your holiday remains carefree with temporary insurance

• Temporary use of a SORN motorbike: If your motorbike has a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), but you need to use it for a short while, short-term insurance is the answer

How does short-term motorbike insurance work?

Short-term motorcycle insurance functions similarly to standard insurance, with the primary difference being the flexible cover duration.

You can typically extend the insurance policy if your short-term needs unexpectedly stretch out.

Am I eligible for short-term motorbike insurance?

Yes, if you have a valid UK motorbike licence and a good driving history with minimal or no points you should be able to find short-term motorbike insurance from a specialist insurance provider.

However, insurance providers usually have minimum and maximum age restrictions for short-term cover so it’s important to check the small print and shop around to find the right provider for you.

What types of short-term motorbike insurance can I choose from?

Short-term motorcycle insurance is similar to car insurance in that you have three cover levels to consider:

• Third-party insurance is the bare minimum, covering damages to others but not your own bike

• Third-party, fire, and theft insurance adds protection for your motorcycle against theft or fire

• Comprehensive cover is the most extensive, covering damages to your bike in accidents, regardless of fault

What policy add-ons can I get with short-term motorbike insurance?

Here are some popular optional extras for short-term motorbike insurance cover. If you have comprehensive cover, check your policy as some may be included as standard:

• Legal protection: Covers the cost of legal expenses associated with a motorbike incident or insurance claim

• Pillion cover: If you have a full motorbike, scooter, or moped licence to legally carry a passenger riding pillion you’ll usually need to add on pillion cover to your insurance

• Breakdown cover: Get hlep at the roadside should your bike break down

• Helmet and leathers: Covers your helmet or riding leathers from being damaged, lost or stolen

How much does short-term motorbike insurance cost?

The cost of short-term motorcycle insurance can vary based on several factors:

• Your age: Younger riders, aged under 25 years old, often face higher insurance premiums

• Your riding history: A poor claims record can lead to increased costs

• Type of cover: Opting for third-party-only cover might be pricier due to its popularity with high-risk drivers

• Type of motorbike: If you have a powerful superbike expect to pay more than if you have a lower value, lower-powered bike

• Security devices you use: Securing your bike with locks, trackers and alarms, can help reduce your insurance quote

Can I get multi-bike insurance?

Yes, some insurance providers will allow you to take out multi-bike insurance, meaning that you can ride multiple motorbikes and always be covered in the event of an accident or unwanted mishap.

However, each insurance company has their own set of terms and conditions so read the small print carefully.

Will temporary motorbike insurance affect my no-claims bonus?

No, temporary motorbike insurance is a separate, standalone policy to annual cover so if you’ve built up a no-claims bonus for each year you haven’t made a claim on an annual motorbike policy it won’t be affected if you have an incident while using temporary bike insurance.

Some insurers also offer a no-claims bonus promise, safeguarding your no-claims discount even in the unfortunate event of an encounter with an uninsured driver.

What alternatives to short-term motorbike insurance should I consider?

While MoneySuperMarket does not compare short-term motorbike insurance, it's essential to weigh up your options for standard policies.

Comparing annual motorbike insurance quotes can help you find the right balance between cost and cover, ensuring you select the policy that best suits your long-term riding needs.