The motorbike, scooter or moped
This includes the make, model, type, and engine size
Third-party only motorbike insurance
Compare third party only motorbike insurance
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Should I get third-party motorbike insurance?
Third-party cover is the least inclusive type of insurance policy, and in recent years it has become the most expensive. It’s therefore a better idea to look at more comprehensive cover – this is why comparing quotes can be so important.
You’ll be able to find the right policy at the right price, so you know you’ll be covered for everything you need.
What does Third-party motorbike insurance cover?
With a third-party motorbike insurance policy you’ll only be covered for damage you do to someone else (in this case you’re the ‘first party’, and your insurer is the ‘second party’), their vehicle or their property. You won’t be covered for the cost of any damage done to your own motorbike.
What doesn’t Third-Party Only motorbike insurance cover?
Third-party motorbike insurance doesn’t include:
Damage to your own bike
Medical treatment for your injuries
Theft of your bike
If your motorbike is damaged or destroyed by fire or vandalism
What types of motorbike insurance are there?
Third party only (TPO) is the minimum level of cover required by law and the most basic level of cover of motorbike insurance.
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Fully comprehensive
Fully comprehensive is the highest level of cover and usually the cheapest. You’ll be protected against damage, repairs, medical expenses, fire, and theft, as well as third-party liability.
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Third-party, fire and theft
Third-party, fire and theft policies offer cover for other people, their vehicles, and their property, as well as protection for your own motorbike if it were to get stolen, or if it’s damaged by fire.
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Third-party
Third-party cover is the legal minimum insurance you need, and it’s also usually more expensive than fully-comp cover. It covers injuries to other people, and damage to their vehicles and property.
Motorbike insurance additional cover and optional extras?
If you take out third-party insurance, you’ll usually still be able to add extra policies, which can be useful in filling any gaps in the cover you need. For example, you’ll be able to choose from:
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Legal cover
You’ll be able to claim for any legal costs that result from an accident where a third party was to blame
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Breakdown cover
You’ll get roadside assistance to carry on your journey if your motorbike breaks down
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Pillion cover
You’ll be insured to ride your motorbike while carrying a passenger
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Accessories cover
You’ll be covered for costs relating to accessories, such as your helmet or leathers, if they’re lost, damaged or stolen
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Riding abroad cover
You’ll be insured to ride your motorcycle in other countries
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Personal accident cover
You’ll receive a pay out if you’re injured as a result of a road accident
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Personal liability
This covers serious injuries or death to another person, caused by your actions.
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Protected no claims
A no claims discount will mean you get money off future motorbike insurance premiums.
How much is motorbike insurance?
How much you will pay for motorbike insurance will depend on:
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Your age
Often the older you are, the cheaper cover will be
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Your job
If you use the bike for work, for example as a delivery driver, insurance will cost more
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Your claims and driving history
This includes any driving convictions or licence points
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How you use the bike
whether it’s for commuting, business, or social use
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Your bike’s security
Such as locks, trackers, and alarms
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The location of the bike
If it’s kept in a secure garage or on the road
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The excess you pay
The higher your voluntary excess, the lower your premiums are likely to be
How can I get cheaper motorcycle insurance?
There are several ways you can cut the cost or motorbike insurance:
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Improve your bike's security
According to the Office of National Statistics, about 40,000 motorcycles are stolen each year in England and Wales. You can boost your bike’s security using an immobiliser, alarm, tracker, chain or ground anchor.
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Keep your bike somewhere safe
Locking your bike in a garage or shed at night will decrease the risk of it being stolen, and therefore lower your insurance premium.
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Pay for cover annually
If you pay for insurance monthly, the insurer will charge you extra as, in effect, it will be loaning you the full premium and you will be repaying this amount plus interest each month. Paying upfront in one go is cheaper.
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Become an advanced rider
Gaining an advanced qualification could lead to cheaper cover. Check if the BikeSafe certificate, Enhanced Rider Scheme and RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Training are recognised by your insurer.
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Increase your excess
Raising your excess usually results in cheaper cover, but you need to be sure you can afford to pay it if you were to claim on your policy.
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Build a no claims discount
Each year you don’t make a claim on your motorbike insurance, you’ll build a discount that will mean money off future policies. It may be worth paying for small repairs yourself rather than making a claim and losing your discount.
Why compare 3rd Party motorbike insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket?
Our mission is to make finding cheap motorbike 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 motorbike road tax and MOT, as well as showing your MOT history and bike 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 motorbike insurance questions, offering tailored support during business hours to help you get the right policy for the right price
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MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Insurance guides and expert tips
Does third party cover theft for motorcycle?
No, third party doesn’t cover theft of a motorcycle. To be covered for theft you would need third party, fire and theft cover, or fully comprehensive insurance.
Why is third party only insurance more expensive?
Third party insurance can be more expensive as it’s typically taken out by drivers or riders with convictions who struggle to get comprehensive cover, or young or inexperienced drivers.
What do I need to provide to get motorbike insurance?
To get motorbike insurance you’ll need to provider details of both you and your bike. This will include your age, address and claims history, as well as the date you passed your CBT. You’ll need details of your bike make and model, engine size and value.
Can I carry a passenger?
If you have a full car driving license or motorbike license, you can carry one passenger at a time on your motorbike assuming it is designed for a pillion passenger. They must sit astride the bike, with their feet facing forwards.
Can I ride abroad?
CBT’s are only valid in the UK, so you’ll usually need a full motorbike license to ride abroad. Check the requirements on the country you intend to visit, and also that your insurance will cover you.
Does motorbike insurance cover modifications?
You’ll need to tell your insurer if you modify your motorbike. Some insurers will charge a higher premium if your bike has modifications. Some will cover the bike but not the modifications themselves. So check with your insurer before buying a policy.
Can I ride someone else’s bike using my insurance policy?
Some comprehensive policies will cover you to ride someone else’s bike – but this is likely to be third party cover only. A better option might be to become a named driver on the other person’s insurance.
Can I add another bike to my insurance policy?
Some insurers offer multi-bike policies that can work out cheaper than having separate insurance for each motorbike you own.
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Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025 by
