Motorbike Insurance
At Carole Nash, we're proud to be one of the leading motorcycle insurance brokers in the UK, providing policies to riders for decades. Since 1985, we’ve been helping our customers find the motorbike insurance quotes that are right for them, using a trusted panel of some of the UK’s biggest motorcycle insurers.
Being part of the biking community is very important to us, which is why we attend dozens of annual shows in the UK and Ireland. For more than 35 years, our passion and knowledge of the biking industry has grown, and we understand that riding isn’t just a way to travel – it’s a way of life.
Motorbike insurance specialists
It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding a classic motorcycle, a modern superbike, a custom-built model, a bike for touring or an inner-city scooter. We’re specialist motorcycle insurance brokers, able to arrange cover for almost all types of motorbikes.
As experts in all things bike insurance, we can give you total peace of mind in knowing you’re being looked after by people who understand bikers. Our years of extensive experience allow us to make the whole process as simple as possible for you.
So don’t delay – get a quick and easy bike insurance quote online with Carole Nash today.
Or, if you’d prefer to speak to one of our experienced and friendly motorcycle insurance specialists, please give us a ring on 0333 005 3355. We’re ready and on hand to help you.
What is bike insurance?
Motorcycle insurance provides the protection you need to be able to ride with complete peace of mind. If your bike were to be stolen or suffer damage in an accident, your policy would help cover the costs of repairs or a replacement model. It means you’re protecting yourself to the tune of potentially thousands of pounds, which is what it could cost for a new bike or to make yours roadworthy again.
Do I need motorcycle insurance?
Yes, because all vehicles have to be insured to be considered legal to drive in the UK. If you’re found to be riding without motorcycle insurance, you could receive a fixed penalty of £300 and points on your licence while the bike could be clamped, impounded or even destroyed. You could also face prosecution in the courts and a further unlimited fine. As a minimum requirement to be deemed legally roadworthy, you need to have a third-party policy in place. This is the most basic level of motorbike insurance.
What are the different levels of motorbike insurance?
Buying motorcycle insurance can seem like a confusing task, but we want to make it as simple as possible. There are three different types of cover:
- Third-party only
- Third-party, fire and theft
- Comprehensive
A third-party only policy is the most basic level of motorbike insurance. This gives you the minimum level of cover needed to ride on the road. It provides insurance against a third party’s vehicle or property if you’re involved in an accident where you’re at fault. There is no cover for fire damage, theft or accidental damage to your own motorcycle.
Third-party, fire and theft motorcycle insurance provides the same cover as third-party only but lets you claim for fire damage or theft of your motorcycle.
Comprehensive bike insurance is the highest level of cover you can buy for your motorcycle. It provides all the cover of the above plus protection for your own bike if you accidentally damage it.
What does bike insurance cover as standard?
Here’s what you can expect from any motorbike insurance policy you take out through Carole Nash:
- Accident and breakdown recovery anywhere in the UK and the EU. For recoveries outside the UK you’ll need a Green Card, which we can provide for you.
- Up to £100,000 in motorcycle legal expenses cover, which can be used in the event of an accident that is not your fault.
- Unlimited accessory cover.
- Carole Nash Rider Cover, which could allow you to ride a friend’s bike, as long as you both have comprehensive policies – subject to individual circumstances.
- European cover for up to 90 days with a Green Card.
Does bike insurance cover theft?
Yes, as long as your motorbike insurance policy is either comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft. If your cover is third-party only, you will not be insured for the theft of your motorcycle and it will be up to you to pay for your next bike.
What additional cover options are available?
As well as being dedicated to finding you the most competitive bike insurance quotes and providing you with the right policy, we also offer a range of additional cover.
If you want to top up your policy with extra protection and further put your mind at ease, you can choose from a number of different options:
- Personal Accident cover up to £21,000. Provides protection for both you and your family in the event of specified serious injury or death following a motorbike accident. Find out more about Personal Accident cover.
- Helmet & Leathers cover up to £1,500. It’s there to protect you in an accident, and replacement kit doesn’t come cheap. Find out more about Helmet & Leathers insurance, which can help to cover the cost of paying for new gear.
- Excess Protection cover up to £500. In the event of making a claim, paying a sizeable excess can cause a financial headache. Find out more about Excess Protection, which will help to ease that burden.
Why should I choose Carole Nash to insure my motorbike?
These are just some of the reasons why we’re one of the top motorcycle insurance specialists in the UK:
- We’ve been providing motorbike insurance for over 35 years, so you can be sure we know our stuff.
- We boast a rating of ‘Excellent’ from thousands of reviews on Trustpilot, and our customer testimonials show exactly why we come so highly recommended.
- Our excellent work providing motorbike insurance to thousands of riders down the years has been rewarded with a number of awards and commendations.
- We understand that your motorcycle is your prized possession and you may be after a very specific form of cover. Fear not – our depth of expertise means we’re perfectly placed to cater to your needs.
- We’re fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and we hold ourselves to the very highest standards.
How can I claim on my motorbike insurance?
First of all, there’s no need for you to worry. Our claims team is on hand to help things move as efficiently as possible. There are no forms to fill in and our claims line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – all you have to do is call 0333 005 2244.
Every claim is different, and the time it takes to resolve each one may vary, but rest assured our expert team will ensure the process moves as smoothly as it can. If your motorcycle is involved in an incident – even if you don’t intend to make a claim – you should let us know what’s happened, as this is a condition of your insurance.
Why would my bike insurance not pay out?
There are some instances that may invalidate your motorcycle insurance. These include, but are not limited to, any liability, accident, injury, loss or damage that occurs when the bike is:
- In the charge of anyone not entitled to ride it as described by the certificate of motor insurance.
- Being ridden by someone who does not have a licence.
- Being used to carry passengers/goods in a way likely to affect the safe driving of the bike.
These are just some of the situations that may mean you’re not covered by your bike insurance. For a full list of the exclusions, please see your policy wording.
What are the different types of motorbike insurance?
Multibike insurance
Multibike insurance allows you to insure more than one bike under one policy. You have one premium, one renewal and one set of paperwork - Find out more about multibike insurance
Naked bike insurance
Owners tend to take a lot more care of their naked bikes, with more time spent on maintenance. An insurance policy for your naked bike through Carole Nash will aim to offer cover with this in mind - Find out more about naked bike insurance
Off-road bike insurance
With a fire and theft policy, we make sure you’re covered not just at home but at events, tracks and practice grounds, as well as during transit. We also provide £250 of replacement tool cover if your bike is stolen at the same time - Find out more about off-road bike insurance
Quad bike insurance
The versatility of a quad means it isn’t always adequately protected by a more generic policy, so when you arrange quad bike insurance through Carole Nash you can be sure you’ll be getting the cover you need - Find out more about quad bike insurance
Roadster bike insurance
Finding a motorbike that has the right balance between performance and practicality is an important consideration for many motorcyclists. Roadsters are a popular choice because they bring together style, comfort and speed - Find out more about roadster bike insurance
Scooter insurance
Scooters may not be as powerful as other bikes, but they can be ideal for getting you from A to B. If you're getting the most out of one of these machines, you'll need a scooter insurance policy to match - Find out more about scooter insurance
Sports tourer bike insurance
Sports tourers combine the performance of a sport bike with the long-distance capability of a tourer. Riders of these machines know exactly what they want from their bike and won’t be intimidated by any journey - Find out more about sports tourer insurance
Superbike insurance
If your pride and joy happens to be a high-performance motorbike, you're going to need superbike insurance. At Carole Nash, we search a wide range of insurers to find a quote that's right for you - Find out more about superbike insurance
Trike insurance
Roaring past on a trike is guaranteed to turn heads. With added safety and stability compared to a motorbike, the power to match, and a totally unique look, those who have chosen the trike lifestyle have been drawn to three wheels for obvious reasons - Find out more about trike insurance
Commuter bike insurance
One of the most efficient ways of getting to work is by motorbike, which allows you to save time and enjoy a less stressful journey. As you’ll be making the trip every day, commuter motorbike insurance will ensure you’re protected - Find out more about commuter bike insurance
Cruiser bike insurance
Riding a motorbike doesn’t have to be all about speed. Some riders value comfort, which is why they are likely to invest in a cruiser motorbike - Find out more about cruiser bike insurance
Custom bike insurance
As one of the UK’s leading motorcycle insurance experts, we understand that custom motorbike riders like you are all about getting the most out of your machines. A custom motorbike can truly capture the passion and personality of the individual - Find out more about custom bike insurance
Supersport bike insurance
A supersport bike is the ideal machine, as it has the kind of middleweight specifications that give it an edge. As experienced brokers, we provide supersport bike insurance that will help to protect you on the road - Find out more about supersport bike insurance
Touring bike insurance
The amount of travelling that gets done on your touring motorbike means your insurance policy needs to keep you completely covered at home and abroad. Our policy includes this as standard - Find out more about touring bike insurance
Trail/enduro insurance
Everything about the off-road experience is different, and you’ll need the bike insurance to match. That’s why off-road policies for trail and enduro motorbikes through Carole Nash come with additional protection as standard - Find out more about trail / enduro bike insurance
Adventure bike insurance
Riders who enjoy touring but with a performance-style machine may well have an adventure bike sitting in their garage. Though these models are common, it is sometimes difficult to find an insurance policy that covers both touring and performance-style riding - Find out more about adventure bike insurance
Six Wheel® insurance
Our Six Wheel® insurance covers both your bike(s) and a car and could save you the hassle of taking out separate policies - Find out more about six wheel insurance
Our classic motorcycle insurances
Vintage bike insurance
Bikes over 30 years old are eligible for a vintage bike insurance policy, often known as historic motorcycle insurance. This offers no excess in the event of a claim, unlimited mileage, club discount and much more from one of the UK’s leading motorcycle insurance brokers - Find out more about vintage bike insurance
Future classic motorcycle insurance
If your ride is over 10 years old but below the 20-year mark necessary for classic bike cover, then future/modern classic bike insurance could provide the protection you need - Find out more about future classic bike insurance
Classic bike insurance
If your bike is between 20 and 30 years old, it will qualify for a classic motorbike insurance policy through Carole Nash, providing excellent cover at a competitive price - Find out more about classic bike insurance
Bike Insurance FAQs
We understand that taking out motorbike insurance can seem like a complicated process, and it’s only natural that you may have queries. Here are some of the questions we get asked most often when it comes to motorcycle insurance; the different types, how much it costs, riding abroad and more.
It’s important to know how to check if a motorbike is insured because if yours isn’t covered by at least a third-party policy, it is not deemed legal to ride on the UK’s roads. You can check if your bike is insured by entering its registration into the Motor Insurance Database.
There are many factors taken into account when calculating your policy, such as how old you are, where you live, how you use your bike, riding history, security of your bike, insurance excess and the type of cover you’re looking for, to name just a few.
It all depends on your motorcycle. For example, if yours has a powerful engine, your motorbike insurance is likely to have a higher premium.
However, this doesn’t mean your motorcycle insurance has to be expensive, as there are ways you can lower the cost:
- Accurately calculate your miles every year by looking at past MOTs.
- Lock your bike up and keep it in a garage or shed when you aren’t riding.
- Improve your riding by going through an approved motorcycle training course, as you could earn discounts of up to 10% with some insurers.
- Keep your motorcycle insurance in place all year round to build up your no-claims discount.
- Use physical security such as a chain to deter thieves.
Give one of our specialists a call on 0333 005 3355 to see if we can lower the cost of your motorcycle insurance, or get a quote by simply filling out our form.
There are different types of motorbike insurance and each will cover you in multiple ways. The main types are comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only insurance. Getting a quote is easy – you can fill out our online form or call us now on 0333 005 3355.
As the name suggests, this form of motorbike insurance offers you the most comprehensive protection. You’ll be covered for damage to your bike, damage to a third party, as well as for fire and theft. This type of policy certainly offers the greatest peace of mind, and comprehensive motorcycle insurance can sometimes work out cheaper than third-party cover.
Everyone’s needs are different, which is why some may find third-party cover more suitable than comprehensive, and vice-versa. With third-party, you’ll only be covered for damage you cause to someone else and/or their vehicle/property. Comprehensive motorcycle insurance, however, means you’re protected for that eventuality as well as fire, theft and accidental damage to your bike.
Technically, you can take out motorbike insurance without having a licence. However, to be able to ride on the road you need to have secured a valid licence by passing your motorcycle test. Once that’s done, you’re legally required to take out third-party cover as a minimum level of protection.
No. To tax your bike you must already have an insurance policy in place.
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is usually required before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road and is therefore needed for insurance. However, there are exemptions, such as riding a moped up to a maximum of 50cc.
Find out more about insuring your motorbike with and without CBT.
No, any motorbike insurance policy taken out through Carole Nash will be for 12 months. Having cover in place for this length of time will enable you to build up your no-claims bonus, which could lead to lower premiums in the future.
Yes, you can change the bike on your insurance but each risk is individually assessed by the insurer. If they accept your new ride, you will be able to transfer your policy to that bike, although additional premiums and fees may apply.
Yes, our multibike insurance enables you to add another bike to your policy. If you’re lucky enough to own more than one ride, it means you don’t have to take out individual cover for each of them. Instead, with multibike insurance, you only have one premium and one set of paperwork to worry about.
Potentially! Just check your certificate and the terms and conditions in your policy documents. Carole Nash Rider Cover is something we offer as an added benefit for bikers who might need to borrow a friend’s motorcycle. You will need the owner’s permission and both of you must be covered by comprehensive policies, subject to individual circumstances. Rider Cover is included with any new motorbike insurance policies arranged through us.
Yes, you can add another rider to your motorcycle insurance, but this only applies to single bike policies. Additional premiums and fees may apply.
It depends entirely on your insurer and your cover. But all our policies allow you to ride in the EU with the same level of cover you have in the UK, as long as you have a Green Card. The length of time you can ride abroad also depends on your insurer and policy. It can be up to 90 days.
If you’d like to ride outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you may need to acquire a Green Card and an International Driving Permit, while there might be additional insurance required.
There are two things you need to check here. First, check your licence to ensure you’re authorised to carry passengers (pillions). Then check your bike insurance documentation to see if you’re covered. You’ll find the section regarding pillion cover approximately halfway down the Motorcycle Statement of Fact sheet.
Yes, there are instances when your motorcycle cover could affect your car insurance. For example, if you’re involved in an accident on your bike, you must inform your insurer and they may then see you as a greater risk and increase the cost of your car policy. It can work in your favour too, however. If you have a long history of riding a motorcycle without any claims or accidents, car insurers may see you as a lower risk and could offer you a better quote.
It depends on the category of write-off. Category A or B write-offs are recognised as scrap only and/or heavily damaged, meaning we won’t be able to insure you. Category S or N write-offs (formerly C and D respectively) are repairable and can be insured by some of our underwriters, providing an MOT and engineer’s report are provided.
Find out more about insuring a motorbike that has been written off.
We’ve made it nice and simple, so you’ll never have to worry about how to renew your bike insurance. You’ll receive a renewal invite 21 days before the expiry of your policy and if you haven’t opted out your cover will be automatically renewed for you. If you have opted out of automatic renewal, you will need to call us on 0333 005 2222 or get in touch via our live chat function to sort out your new motorcycle insurance policy.
Yes, we can amend your policy. Simply call 0333 005 2222 to let us know what has changed and we will update your details and premium, then discuss the renewal of your policy. If you’re ever unsure about whether to report any change, please check with us.
At Carole Nash, we make getting cover for your electric motorbike easy by searching through our panel of leading UK motorcycle insurance underwriters. Call us on 0333 005 3355 to discuss electric bike insurance today.
Documents via post can take up to five working days to arrive. Documents via email should be in your inbox within 24 hours. If you require duplicate documents, we can post or email them over to you – just let us know.
Standard benefits of motorbike insurance through Carole Nash
Whatever the model, motorcycle insurance policies from Carole Nash offer plenty of benefits as standard, providing you with that all-important peace of mind:
