What's the best type of motorbike insurance for a classic bike?
It doesn't matter whether you have an ordinary motorbike or a classic, you still need insurance to ride it on the road.
There are a few types of insurance to choose from that can benefit classic bike owners.
- Third party
- Comprehensive
- Temporary
- Multi bike
Best for everyday riders
-
Third Party:The minimum level of insurance you’ll need to ride on the road. It covers any damage you do to a third party’s property, but won’t cover the damage done to your own bike.
-
Fully comprehensive: Covers everything third party does plus any damage done to your bike. It’s often cheaper than third party despite covering more.
Best for occasional riders
-
Temporary insurance: Ideal for those who only ride their bike now and again, perhaps in the summer or on road trips. You can take out policies that’ll cover you for as little as 1 hour, or for as long as 28 days.
Best for bike collectors
-
Multi-bike insurance: If you have more than one bike, you might find it cheaper to cover them all under a single policy. This can make it easier to manage your insurance, and could save you money too. It also means the bikes you leave at home are insured against theft while you’re out and about on one of the others.
What add-ons are available with classic bike insurance?
When it comes to your classic bike, the cheapest policy might not always be the best.
Cheaper policies might cover fewer things, so you'll want to look at exactly what you're covered for before committing.
But if you really like the sound of a policy, but it's missing a few features, you can often add these on.
Some common extras you might consider include:
- Breakdown cover
- Helmet and leathers cover
- Pillion cover
- European cover
Motorcycle breakdown cover could help you if you’re stranded at the side of the road. There are several levels of motorbike breakdown cover, offering national roadside assistance or home start recovery.
Helmet and leathers cover protects your motorcycle gear if it’s stolen or needs replacing after an accident.
Pillion cover adds extra protection for your passenger if they’re injured in an accident. You still have to make sure they’re wearing protective clothing and a helmet.
European cover could be an option if you’re planning on riding your bike through Europe. You could have basic European cover on your standard policy, but the level of cover might be limited. This add-on could offer additional protections when driving on the continent.
We compare up to 37 trusted insurance companies to get you our cheapest deal in minutes
Need more help?
When does a classic motorbike become MOT exempt?
Since 2018, classic bikes over 40 years old are exempt from needing an annual MOT. That’s £30 a year saved.
But you still must make sure that your bike is road-legal. That means it must be in a roadworthy state and in good enough condition to pass a motorbike MOT. If you’re caught riding a bike that’s not roadworthy - even if it’s MOT-exempt - you could face a fine and points on your licence.
Your classic motorcycle insurance policy might also include a condition that all vehicles driven on the road must be kept in a roadworthy condition. If you have an accident and it turns out that the motorbike wasn’t fit for the road, the insurance company could reject your claim.
How old does a motorcycle have to be to become tax exempt?
If your classic bike is over 40 years old you can apply to stop paying vehicle tax. Depending on how big the engine is, that’s up to £100 a year saved.
If you’re buying a classic motorbike from abroad, you must register it through the DVLA as an imported motorbike. For more information, check out our guide on imported motorcycles.
Can you get classic moped insurance?
Yes, you should be able to get classic moped insurance.
You can usually get classic cover on any kind of motorbike, so long as it meets the insurance company’s criteria for it to be a ‘classic’.
If you’ve any concerns get in touch with the motorbike insurance company and check if they offer classic cover for mopeds.
Types of bike insurance
Motorbike insurance
can offer you protection on the road. Whether your ride is a scooter, a classic, a superbike or something else, we can help you find your next policy.
Scooter and moped insurance
Cover for bikes with small engines, commonly associated with first-time bike users.
What our motorbike insurance expert says
Motorbike insurance is essential for a classic motorcycle, not least to protect all the time and effort that goes into them. You’ll need to agree a value for you motorbike with your insurer so there are no nasty surprises if you come to claim. And try to keep it shiny side up and stay bike safe.
Jack Cox
Motorbike insurance product manager
Motorbike guides
Motorbike tax explained
How much is motorbike tax and why do you have to pay it? We explain all in our comprehensive guide.
How to cancel your motorbike insurance
Whatever your reason, here's how you go about cancelling your cover.
Touring Europe on a motorcycle: What you need to know
Planning on hitting the continent soon? Here's what you need to know.
How to get a motorbike licence
Here's all you need to know to pass your motorbike test with flying colours.
Electric motorbike insurance
If you're thinking of ditching your motorbike and switching to electric read on. Here's what you need to know.
How to claim on your motorcycle insurance
Find out what you should do if you need to make a claim on your bike insurance.
cookie usage