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Classic motorbike insurance

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1Correct as of April 2026

Do you need to insure a classic motorbike?

Yes. Regardless of how often you ride your classic motorbike, you’re legally required to insure it to ride it on public roads.

Even if you don’t ride it, it’s can still be a good idea to take out motorbike insurance in case it’s stolen or damaged while it’s laid up. 

Specialist insurers can offer cover for classic motorbikes that are in storage. While it may be hard to replace, at least you aren't left out of pocket if it’s insured.

Is classic motorcycle insurance different to standard motorcycle insurance?

There’s a few clear differences between classic motorcycle insurance and standard motorbike cover:

Agreed value clauses

These allow you and your insurer to agree on the value of your bike. This can be handy if you’ve modified your bike and think it might be worth more than its assigned street value.If it’s stolen or written off, your policy then pays out the agreed value of your bike.

Age restrictions

Classic motorbike insurance policies can also come with age restrictions. Some insurers will only cover riders aged 25 and over, while others may accept riders over 21 with a full Category A licence. If you’re under 25, it’s worth checking your eligibility before you buy.

Lower costs

Classic motorbike insurance is often cheaper than standard cover. This is due to the way classic bike owners treat their bikes - storing them securely, maintaining them properly and riding them less. They also tend to be older, more experienced riders, which helps lower the cost.

When does a motorbike become a classic?

Insurers usually class motorbikes as classic at 25–30 years old, but some offer cover for bikes over 15 years old.

According to the DVLA, a vehicle officially becomes a classic once it reaches 40-years-old. After this point, they no longer need to be taxed or have an MOT, as long as no substantial changes have been made.

You can get classic motorbike insurance for almost all types of motorbike, including mopeds and scooters, providing it meets the insurer’s requirements of being a ‘classic’.

What levels of classic motorbike insurance can I choose from?

Shield icon comprehensive

Comprehensive

Comprehensive offers the highest level of security. It covers third-party claims, fire, and theft, but also pays to repair or replace your bike if it is damaged in an accident, even if the accident was your fault.

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Third-party, fire and theft

Third-party, fire and theft includes the same basic liability coverage as TPO but will also pay out if your motorcycle is stolen, damaged during an attempted theft, or destroyed by fire.

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Third-party

Third-party is the minimum legal requirement. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people and their property, but it provides no financial protection for your own motorcycle if it is damaged or stolen.

What our motorbike insurance expert says

"A classic motorbike is more than just a mode of transport – it’s often a source of huge pride and joy for its owner. It makes sense to protect it - as well as all the time and effort you've put into its upkeep - with the right insurance.

Because the value of classic bikes varies so much, setting what’s called an 'agreed value' with your insurer means you know exactly how much you’ll get if you make a total loss claim – say if your motorbike is stolen and isn’t found, or it’s written off after an accident."

Rhydian Jones - Confused.com Commercial Director
Commercial Director & Motoring Expert Confused.com logo

What extras can I add to my classic motorcycle insurance?

  • Helmet and leathers cover is a popular extra that helps repair or replace your protective gear if it’s damaged in an accident. Since high-quality riding gear is expensive, this ensures you’re not left out of pocket if your helmet, boots, or suit are damaged or destroyed.
  • Breakdown cover provides support if your classic bike breaks down. Many specialists offer recovery services trained to handle older, fragile bikes, ensuring safe transport to a garage or home.
  • Personal accident cover offers a lump-sum payout if you are seriously injured while riding. Given that classic bikes lack modern safety features, many riders choose this for an extra layer of financial security for themselves and their families.
  • Pillion Cover extends your liability insurance to include any passengers you carry. Since many standard classic policies only cover the rider by default, this is essential if you plan on taking others for a ride.
  • Modifications cover ensures that any non-standard parts, such as custom exhausts or period-correct upgrades, are fully protected. This guarantees that your insurer recognises the added value and unique nature of your modified bike.
  • Motor legal protection pays for a solicitor to help you recover uninsured losses, such as your policy excess or loss of earnings, if you are involved in an accident that wasn't your fault.

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How much is classic motorbike insurance?

Average classic motorbike insurance prices*:


Comprehensive

£114

Third-party, fire and theft

£106

 

Third-party only

£106


*Based on Confused.com data for average annual premiums for classic bikes recorded between January - March 2026.

Classic motorbike insurance tends to be cheaper than standard motorbike insurance due to the tendency of classic bike owners to look after their bikes, maintain them and safely store them when not in use.

Other factors affecting your price include:

  • Your location
  • Your age
  • The motorbike's value
  • Where you store your bike
  • Your riding experience

What do I need to get a quote?

Getting a classic motorcycle insurance quote is quick and simple. To get an accurate quote you'll need to provide a few key details:

About you

Basic information like your name, age and address, plus your claims history across any vehicles you've insured.

Your cover

Choose the level of cover you need. There's comprehensive, TPFT or TPO. Then add any extras that you need.

Your motorbike

The make, model, and age of your bike along with any modifications that could affect its value or performance.

Usage and storage

How often you ride, what the bike is used for, and where its kept overnight. Secure storage can help lower costs.

Types of bike insurance

Motorbike insurance icon

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.

Multi-bike insurance icon

Multi bike insurance

Get a multi bike quote to cover all of your bikes on the same policy.

Off-road motorbike insurance icon

Off-road bike insurance

Specialised protection for off-roading, green-lining, dirt and trial bikes.

Quad bike insurance icon

Quad bike insurance

For those riding on four wheels for sport, agricultural or fun.

Scooter insurance icon

Scooter and moped insurance

Cover for bikes with small engines, commonly associated with first-time bike users.

Trike insurance icon

Trike insurance

Protection for your three-wheeled pride and joy.

How can I get a cheaper classic bike insurance quote?

While classic motorcycle insurance is often cheaper than standard policies, you may be able to get cheaper motorbike insurance by reducing your risk to the insurer.

  • Improve security and storage: keeping your bike in a locked garage and fitting approved alarms or trackers can help cut costs.
  • Opt for an annual payment: paying your premium in one lump sum avoids monthly interest and can reduce the total cost.
  • A higher excess: can lower your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you could afford if you need to claim.
  • Lower your annual mileage: estimate your milage correctly as you may be paying for miles you don't drive.

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Motorbike tax explained

You can tax your motorbike online, by phone or by visiting the post office. You'll need your V11 form and your MOT if you're taxing it at the post office.

How to cancel your motorbike insurance

You should be able to cancel your motorbike insurance policy at any time, but you might have to pay an admin fee. Here's what you need to know.

Touring Europe on a motorcycle: What you need to know

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See all motorbike guides

Need more help?

Does a classic motorbike need an annual MOT?

Classic motorbikes over 40 years old are exempt from needing an annual MOT if they have not been substantially changed in the last 30 years. But even though MOTs are no longer required at this point, you need to make sure your motorbike is well-maintained and roadworthy.


Classic motorbikes less than 40 years old will still need an annual MOT.


What insurance group is my classic motorbike in?

Your classic motorbike’s insurance group is primarily determined by its engine size. Generally, motorcycles with larger engine capacities (measured in cc) are placed in higher insurance groups, which can result in higher premiums.

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