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Trike insurance

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What is a trike?

A trike is a three-wheeled vehicle.

Some trikes use car chassis and engines, which means you’ll need to insure them under a car policy.

Other trikes can be classed as bikes - meaning you’ll need motorbike insurance to ride them legally.

There are two types of trike:

  • Delta - has two wheels at the back and one at the front
  • Tadpole - has one wheel at the back and two at the front

What insurance do I need for my trike?

This depends on whether your trike is classed as a bike or a car.

But how do you tell which is which? Luckily, there’re a few easy ways to figure out what type of cover you need:

If your vehicle has a roof and sides as well as a steering wheel, it’s likely to be classed as a car. This means you'll probably need car insurance to cover it, or a specialist type of cover like kit car insurance.

If your trike has an open body and handlebars, chances are that it’s classed as a bike and so would need motorbike insurance to cover it.

Bear in mind that this isn't a foolproof way to determine whether your trike is classed a car or a bike. Always check with your insurer to make sure.

How do I compare trike insurance quotes?

This depends on if your trike has been custom built or modified. 

If your trike is a standard or manufactured model, we can usually quickly compare trike insurance quotes and show you our best prices in just a few easy steps.

If your trike is a non-standard or custom build, things can get a little trickier. You can still compare prices with us, but as your trike may be classed as a modified motorbike, you may need a specialist trike insurance policy.

But fear not, we'll still be able to help. Simply get a quote, then give your chosen insurer a call to confirm if they can cover your vehicle.

What extras can I get with my trike insurance?

You could add a number of optional extras to your trike insurance policy. Depending on your needs, these could come in handy for extra protection, but bear in mind they could also come with added costs.

See our guide for a rundown of motorbike insurance extras.

Typical trike insurance add-ons include:

  • Breakdown cover
  • Legal cover
  • Pillion cover
  • Leathers & helmet cover

Motorbike breakdown cover can be added to your policy with most insurers. It can include breakdown assistance both in the UK and abroad.

Motor legal protection is an add-on that's designed to help pay your legal costs if you incur any following a claim.

Pillion cover covers you to carry a passenger on your trike. Most motorcycle insurance companies don’t cover passengers as standard.

Leathers and helmet cover insures your riding gear. This could help pay for repairs or replacements if they get damaged following a claim.

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Can I ride my trike on a car licence?

Yes, you can.

You can ride a trike of any power rating so long as:

  • You have passed motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
  • You’re over 21 years old
  • You have a full UK car driving licence

If you don’t have a full car driving licence, the requirements for riding a trike are a little different:

  • If you’ve had a motorcycle or moped licence since before 19 January 2013, you can ride trikes of any power rating.
  • If you have a provisional car or motorcycle licence, you can only ride a trike if you have a physical disability.
  • If you’re not physically disabled and want to ride a motor tricycle you’ll now need to get the right provisional entitlement and pass CBT.

Driving tests for trikes and other three-wheeled vehicles are only available for physically disabled drivers.

If you don’t yet have a car licence, you’ll need a motorcycle licence at the very least before you can ride a trike.

You’ll need a full category A1 motorbike licence to ride motor tricycles up to power output 15 Kilowatts (kW), and a full category A motorbike licence to ride trikes with a power output more than 15 kW.

For more information, visit the GOV.UK website, or see our guide on how to get a motorbike licence.

What else do I need to ride a trike?

Aside from a valid trike insurance policy, you need to make sure:

  • You’ve got the right licence to ride a trike
  • You have a valid V5C logbook as proof of ownership
  • Your trike is taxed
  • Your trike has a valid MOT

You’re not legally required to wear a helmet when you ride a trike - that only applies to mopeds and motorbikes.

But it’s a sensible idea to wear a helmet whenever you’re on the road for all-around protection.

The same goes for leathers and other protective gear - if you’re exposed to the road, it’s a good idea to wear as much protection as possible.

Can I use my trike in Europe?

Yes, and the good news is you no longer need a green card to drive in the EU and Ireland, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland.

However, according to the GOV.UK. website you may still need to carry a green card to drive in other countries in Europe, including:

  • Albania
  • Azaijan
  • Belarus
  • Moldova
  • Russia
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine

You can get a green card from your insurer for free, but make sure you leave plenty of time to get one before you travel.

You must also always check with your insurer on your level of cover before riding and driving abroad. It’s also recommended that you take out European breakdown insurance, and don’t forget travel insurance if you’re planning a trip on your trike.

Can I really save money comparing trike quotes?

Comparing trike insurance quotes is one of the easiest ways to save money on your trike insurance.

We just need a few details about you and your trike to get started.

We'll then compare a range of insurance providers and show you our best prices in seconds, so you can choose the policy that suits your needs – and budget.

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.

Classic motorbike insurance

Cover for modern classic or vintage motorbikes.

Multi bike insurance

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

Scooter and moped insurance

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

Quad bike insurance

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

Off-road bike insurance

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

What our motorbike insurance expert says

If your trike is a standard model we can get you a great trike insurance price. If its customised or converted you’ll need to make sure that your insurer really understands what they’re insuring.

 

Basically, if it’s got handlebars we’ll try to insure it for you, if its enclosed with a steering wheel then it usually needs car insurance.

Jack Cox product expert signature

Jack Cox

Motorbike insurance product manager

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