How to save on motorbike insurance

You can compare over 20 providers and pay less than £285 with Tiger.co.uk. 

The motorcycle insurance you secure will depend on the motorbike you ride, your location, age, how long you have a licence and even your job. 

Your motorbike will fit into an insurance group based on the bike purchase price, engine size, performance level, available spare parts and time needed for repairs. 

Accidents  

In the UK, 21,000 motorbike accidents occur annually with motorcyclists 62 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. In 2021, 310 motorcyclists were killed, 5,264 were seriously injured. 

Savings Experts

Tiger.co.uk Managing Director Ian Wilson said: “Many bikers will be feeling the pinch, with fuel prices and the cost of living on the rise. But there are ways to make biking cover more affordable. While not everyone has the luxury of a garage or a private driveway to help reduce premiums, safe driving to help build up the no-claims discount and avoiding penalty points are some of the best ways to help find savings on motorbike insurance and help keep all road users safe.” 

Things to consider 

1: The time you ride 

You can reduce the cost of insurance by how often you ride. You can get a Short Term option if you only ride occasionally such as if you borrow a friends bike or own a classic motorcycle.  You need to consider the type of riding you do such as commuting or for business use. The more riding you do the more your insurance will cost you. Commuting means you are more likely to be in busy traffic with more chance of an accident, the same applies if you travel to work on your bike. You have to be honest how often you use your bike or your claim may be affected. 

2: Security 

Fit your bike with an approved alarm. A tracker is another option. If you have a secure garage or shed that reduces the chance of theft. There are a number of lock options. A chain lock to secure your bike to a fixed object, a disc lock can be placed on the brake disc and a U lock can also be used to secure your motorcycle to an immovable object. An anti-theft alarm and immobilizer with GPS is an option. It may require a mechanic’s assistance to install but is a great method to discourage thieves. 

Between June 2022 and May 2023 there were 18,361 motorcycles registered as stolen to the DVLA by police. 

3: Driving History 

With a vehicle owner check you can find the exact number of previous owners any car, van or motorbike had. This can reassure you that the logbook details are correct or highlight that it may have been stolen.  Any mileage discrepancies can be provided along with tax history. Number plate changes can also be discovered. 

4: Annual mileage 

A motorcycle is driven far less frequently than a car. While a car has an annual mileage of around 12,000 miles, motorcycle mileage is on average only around 3,000 miles a year. With proper care and driving, a motorcycle’s engine may last for more than 80,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. You should change your oil every 5,000 miles. Mileage can give a fundamental estimation of the engine’s condition. Some people choose to deliberately underestimate their annual mileage to try and secure a cheaper insurance premium – this can invalidate your policy and risk having future claims rejected. 

5: Pass a motoring qualification 

You can take an advanced motorcycle training course. Learn new things such as motorcycle handling in different weather, the importance of good road positioning and enhancing your observational skills to anticipate risks. Courses run by DVSA, IAM Roadsmart and RoSPA all claim to lower the cost of your motorcycle insurance. 

6: Have less bike modifications 

Insurance companies consider a motorbike modification to be any change that alters your motorbike from its factory state. This could include new decals to loud exhausts. Most modifications tend to increase your insurance costs. In the UK all vehicles including motorbikes must comply with the Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations. These regulations include the structural integrity, lighting, exhaust emissions and noise level of vehicles. Modifications that do not comply with these regulations can make your motorbike illegal to use on public roads. 

7: Join a Motorcycling organisation 

You can join the British Motorcyclists Federation. As a member you will have access to reduced price tickets for BMF events and you can attend and vote at all BMF meetings. The National Motorcyclists Council, (NMC) is a coalition of motorcycling representative organisations which works together on commonly held positions about issues while motorcyclists seek to change or influence government policy.  

Types of motorcycle insurance available   

Bodily injury liability cover, this helps cover medical expenses and lost wages from injury or death of another driver when you are at fault. 

Property damage liability coverage pays for damages you may cause to others. 

And collision coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle in an accident.