Classic bike insurance

Similarly to classic car insurance, a motorcycle must have been registered more than 40 years ago to be determined as a classic. Many insurers do, although, offer modern-classic insurance policies for bikes built between 1983 and 1998. 

From Triumphs to Royal Enfields to Harley Davidsons, classic motorcycles often need a different type of insurance in place protecting them. The policies will vary between insurers, but some of the options and extras you might want to consider looking for in a policy include:

• Comprehensive cover - This level of cover will be of the most use when it comes to carrying out repairs on your bike after an accident. It offers the highest level of protection, and means an insurer will help arrange and pay for repairs to your classic bike if it's damaged. You can read more about the various levels of cover in our guide.
• Agreed values – Most classic motorcycle insurance policies will allow you to set and agree a value for your bike when the policy starts. Since vintage and classic bike values can vary depending on model, rarity and condition, this is an important figure to agree before the policy starts.
• Limited mileage discount – Many classic bikes are kept on display or as projects for much of the year. If you don’t ride your bike often, you may find some insurers willing to offer discounted premiums. You’ll just need to make sure you don’t exceed any mileage limits you agree to as this may lead to significant additional charges later on.

When it comes to your classic bike, buying the cheapest cover might not be your main priority. The quality and features of the cover may be far more important when protecting your vintage machine.

Factors you should consider when taking out classic motorcycle insurance may include:

• The amount and type of cover you need will vary from bike to bike, and rider to rider.
• Not all cover is created equal – check the included add-ons, and the levels of cover from each provider.
• To help you understand what cover will suit you, take a look at our motorcycle insurance related guides, which include information on the different types of bikes, and how your insurance is calculated.
• To help you find the right cover, our comparison service lets you quickly compare up to 38 insurers policies and premiums.

If your classic bike is over 40 years old, there are a couple of advantages.

Firstly, you can apply to stop paying vehicle tax on your ride, and secondly, the bike becomes MOT-exempt. This means you no longer need a valid MOT certificate, and you’re under no obligation to put the bike through an MOT each year.

However, you must still ensure the bike is road-legal, so it must be in a roadworthy state and in good enough condition to pass an MOT. You can be prosecuted if you’re riding a bike which is not roadworthy even if it doesn’t require an MOT.

In addition, your classic bike insurance policy will include a condition that all vehicles driven on the road must be kept in a roadworthy condition. If you are unable to prove that the vehicle was roadworthy when an incident occurs, your claim could be rejected.

Also note - if you’re buying a classic motorcycle from abroad, you’ll need to register your bike through the DVLA as an imported bike. For more information read our guide to imported bikes.