What is the cheapest motorbike insurance for young riders?

Key takeaways

• Young riders often face higher motorbike insurance costs due to their lack of experience, which insurers associate with a higher risk of accidents

• Other factors also affect motorbike insurance prices including your bike’s make and model, value, engine power, licence type, riding history and no-claims bonus

• The most basic level of cover (third-party only) is often the cheapest insurance policy for young riders

What is the cheapest motorbike insurance for young riders?

The cheapest motorbike insurance for young riders is often the one with the most basic level of cover (third-party only). This is the opposite of car insurance, where the highest level of cover (fully comprehensive) is usually cheapest.

However, it’s worth shopping around to compare motorbike insurance quotes and cover levels, and considering specialist providers as new rider insurance premiums can vary.

Why is motorbike insurance more expensive for young riders?

Motorbike insurance is more costly for young riders due to their lack of riding experience, which insurers associate with a higher risk of accidents and claims.

However, other factors, as outlined below, also affect motorbike insurance premiums.

Did you know?

Almost a third (29%) of all young motorcyclist casualties result in the rider being killed or seriously injured (KSI), according to the National Young Rider Forum ‘Young Riders Matter’ research report.

What affects the cost of my motorbike insurance?

When it comes to the cost of motorcycle insurance, several factors come into play. Insurers will look at:

• Your age: Younger riders are seen as higher risk

• The make and model of your bike: Some models are more expensive to insure

• Your bike’s value: More expensive bikes generally lead to higher premiums

• Your bike’s engine power (cc): Higher power can increase insurance costs

• The type of licence required to ride the bike: This can affect the risk profile

• Your riding history and no-claims bonus: A clean history can lead to lower costs

Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your motorbike and your insurance.

What type of motorbike insurance can I get?

Choosing the right type of motorbike insurance is crucial, and there are three primary types to consider, each varying in cost.

Fully comprehensive motorbike insurance

This insurance is the most extensive, covering your motorbike in an accident, damage to others' property, and any injuries. It may even offer basic overseas cover.

While it can include extras like cover for keys, helmet, leathers, and a courtesy bike, it's generally more expensive due to the extensive cover it provides. Breakdown cover or legal fees cover may be optional extras.

Third-party, fire and theft motorbike insurance

A middle-ground option, this insurance covers damage or loss due to fire or theft and liability for damage to others in an accident you cause.

However, it doesn't cover damage to your own bike not caused by fire or theft. It often includes overseas cover, with options to add breakdown, personal accident, and legal protection.

Third-party only bike insurance

The most basic and usually the cheapest option, this insurance only covers damage to others if you're at fault in an accident. It does not cover your own bike.

It typically offers the same level of cover abroad. Policy documents should be read carefully to understand what is included and what requires additional cover.

What optional extras can I get with motorbike insurance?

Fully comprehensive motorbike insurance policies offer the most extensive cover of the three options discussed above, but most providers let you add extras to increase your cover. These may include:

• Pillion cover

• Legal protection

• Breakdown cover

• Personal accident cover

• Helmet and leathers

• Lost keys

How can I reduce my motorbike insurance costs?

Young riders can take several measures to reduce insurance costs:

• Choose a bike with a smaller engine: This can lower potential claim costs

• Drive safely: Avoid points or convictions and reduce accident risk

• Keep your bike safe and secure: Decrease theft risk and insurance cost

• Enhanced riding qualifications: Earn a DVSA certificate of competence, potentially reducing insurance costs

• Don’t modify your bike: Unless for security, as modifications can increase insurance costs

• Keep the miles down: Reduce accident risk and insurance premiums

• Increase your voluntary excess: Lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more when claiming

• Decide whether you need pillion cover: If you don't carry passengers, you can save on insurance

• Add a named driver: Suggest less usage, but ensure the policy reflects the main rider correctly

Am I eligible for young rider motorbike insurance?

Yes, if you’re learning to ride a moped or scooter using L plates, or D plates if you’re in Wales, you should be eligible for young rider insurance.

After you’ve taken your full test and have a motorcycle licence you need to get standard motorbike insurance cover.

Do I need CBT to get motorbike insurance?

Yes, to ride a moped (if you are 16 years old or over) or a 125cc motorbike (if you’re 17 years old or over) on public roads you first need to complete compulsory basic training (CBT).

This is a short training course so you can ride safely on your own in preparation for your full moped or motorcycle test. The training provider will provide a bike and insurance for the course.

If you don’t pass your full test within two years you’ll need to complete you CBT again.

There are a few exceptions where you don’t need a CBT:

• If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 and plan to ride a moped (up to 50cc)

• If you have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990 and plan to ride a motorcycle

• If you have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another

• If you live and ride on some offshore islands

• If you want to ride a trial e-scooter

What are the different types of motorbike licence?

There are a number of different motorbike licence categories:

Source: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/bike-categories-ages-and-licence-requirements

Which types of bike can I get insurance with?

The types of motorcycle you can get insurance with will depend on your age. For example, if you’re 16 years old you can only ride a moped with a speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h or a 50cc scooter. If you’re 17 years old you can ride a 125cc motorbike. However, if you’re 21 years old and have a full Category A Licence you should be able to get insurance to ride any type of motorcycle or scooter.

How can I compare motorbike insurance quotes?

To make the process of finding the right motorbike insurance easier, MoneySuperMarket has partnered with Vast Visibility to help compare standard motorbike insurance quotes. You can filter by cover type and see policies listed in price order, ensuring you find the best deal for your needs.

Some policies allow adding features for personal accident, breakdown, or legal protection. After comparing, you can buy insurance directly from the provider’s website, giving you the peace of mind that you're covered for your next ride.