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Over 50s motorcycle insurance

Over 50s motorbike insurance

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What are the different levels of cover?

Third-party

Third-party insurance is the minimum you must have by law. It only covers the cost of damage you cause to others in an accident, not your own motorcycle.

If your motorbike gets stolen or damaged in an accident, you have to pay for the repairs or a new motorbike yourself.

Third-party, fire and theft

Third-party, fire and theft offers the same benefits as third-party, but it also covers repair or replacement costs.

This level of cover could protect you if your motorbike is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft or damaged due to a fire.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive offers the highest level of protection and is often the cheapest option.

As well as covering other people and their property in the event of an accident, you're also covered for damage to your motorcycle.

Is over 50s motorcycle insurance cheaper?

Yes, motorbike insurance often works out cheaper for over 50s, as insurers may see older riders as more experienced and lower risk. But age is only one factor that insurers take into account. Your premium will also depend on things like the type of motorbike you ride, where you live, where you store it, your claims history, and your riding experience.

Younger riders often pay more because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in serious incidents. A government report shows 29% of deaths and serious injuries involve under-25s.

It’s also worth noting that motorcycling is riskier than driving. Government figures show motorcyclists make up around 1% of road traffic, but account for around 19% of road user deaths in Great Britain.

The good news is that safety has improved over time. GOV.UK statistics show rider deaths fell from 585 in 2004 to 336 in 2020, and longer-term data shows riders killed or seriously injured have decreased by 76% since 1979 (down from 21,277 to 5,197 in 2013).

Specialist over-50s motorbike insurance

Some insurers might offer specialist policies to older riders. There’s also a range of specialist motorbike insurance companies and brokers that focus on older motorbike riders.

We work with several of these insurers who include, but aren't limited to*:

Depending on your circumstances you may not see all or some of these companies when you get a quote.

The key is to find the right policy at the right price, which doesn't mean always buying the cheapest.

Make sure it offers the cover you need, and that add-ons such as motorbike breakdown cover and helmet & leathers cover are available if you need them.

Cutting the cost of cover doesn't just mean shopping for a bargain.

It’s also knowing what you need and finding the best value deal to suit your requirements.

*Correct as of May 2026.

5 tips to save on motorbike insurance

There are several ways you may be able to bring your motorbike insurance price down. How much you save will depend on your circumstances and the details you provide when getting a quote. Here are a few common options.

Improve security: Theft is one of the biggest risks for motorbike owners. According to the Metropolitan Police, around 9,000 motorcycles were stolen in the last year in London alone. Keeping your bike in a locked garage can reduce the chance of theft and may lower your motorbike insurance premium. If you don’t have a garage, renting one could be worth considering. You can also improve security by fitting an insurance-approved lock, alarm, immobiliser or other device and making sure your insurer knows about it.
Give an accurate mileage: Your annual mileage can affect the cost of your policy. Many older riders use their motorbike mainly for leisure rather than commuting, so estimating your mileage as accurately as possible could help reduce your premium.

Consider advanced riding qualifications: Completing an approved advanced riding course may help lower your insurance costs while also improving your skills and confidence on the road. Qualifications from organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the British Motorcycle Federation are widely recognised.
Choose a higher voluntary excess: Voluntary excess is an adjustable amount you agree to pay towards a claim before your insurer covers the rest. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can sometimes reduce your premium, but it’s important to make sure you could afford to pay it if you needed to claim.
Look into a multi-bike insurance policy: If you own more than one motorbike, a multi-bike insurance policy could help you save. Insurers may offer discounts for covering multiple bikes under one policy, as it can be more cost-effective than arranging separate cover for each one.

Motorbike licences for over-50s

Your standard driving licence should entitle you to ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates or taking a test if you passed your test on or before February 2001. Drivers who passed their tests after this date must take a CBT to ride a moped on public roads.

In both cases you will need a CBT to ride anything between 50cc and 125cc and hold a full motorbike licence of the correct level to ride anything more powerful.

You need to renew your licence every 10 years, which is done simply via DVLA with no further or renewed test. Once you’re over 70 years old, you have to renew your licence every 3 years.

It’s free to do so, and you’re able to update your photo at the same time, if you wish.

You need to make sure you continue to meet the minimum eyesight requirements for riding. This is the ability to read a car number plate (made after September 2001) from 20 metres away.

What our motorbike insurance expert says

''Insurance quotes for over 50s riders have seen an increase in recent years, and as the data shows biking is becoming more popular with older riders.

Along with potentially cheaper quotes, over 50s riders can also benefit from a number of insurers we work with who specialise in more experienced older riders.''

Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert

What medical conditions could stop older bikers from riding?

Generally speaking, you must give up your licence if:

Your doctor tells you to stop riding for 3 months or longer
You have a medical condition that impacts your ability to ride for 3 months or longer
You’re deemed unfit to ride due to a medical condition.

The list is the same for bikers as it is for drivers. For more information, check out our guide to medical conditions and driving.

Your safety and the safety of those around you should be your top priority. With that in mind, it’s best to keep your health in check and take note if:

Your eyesight begins to deteriorate, even with contact lenses or glasses
Your reaction times are slower than before
You take medication that could impact your ability to ride safely
You suffer from conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, stroke or arthritis.

Certain medical conditions must be declared to the DVLA. If you don’t you risk getting a fine of up to £1,000. And, if you’re in an accident as a result, you could be prosecuted.

You can check if the DVLA needs to know about a specific medical condition at GOV.UK.

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.

Multi bike insurance

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

Off-road bike insurance

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

Quad bike insurance

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

Scooter and moped insurance

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

Trike insurance

Protection for your three-wheeled pride and joy.

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Reviewed by Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert Updated on 05 May 2026

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