Compare motorcycle insurance

Whether you ride to work every day or only go biking on the weekends, you're in the right place to find a policy to insure your motorcycle. Also, learn about insurance for mopeds, scooters and vintage bikes.

What are the main types of motorcycle insurance?

The 4 main types of motorcycle insurance are as follows:

Compulsory third party (CTP)

CTP cover is a legal requirement – you must have it to register your motorcycle in Australia – and it offers bare-bones cover. It protects riders for personal injuries caused by your motorbike after an at-fault accident and compensates those who are injured.

This mandatory insurance type varies between states. It won't cover you for repair costs for your motorcycle or property. Nor will it over other peoples' vehicles or property.

Third party property

The most basic optional insurance. Third party cover offers a bit more peace of mind as it covers the cost of damages caused by your motorcycle to others' property. It'll also meet your legal costs if you get sued for any damages you've caused.

However, third party property won't cover costs for the repair, or the replacement, of your own motorcycle.

Third party, fire and theft

In addition to the cover offered by third party property damage, it'll also cover any damages to your bike from fire or theft. With third party, fire and theft, there is usually a limit on the amount of cover provided. This can vary depending on the value of your motorcycle.

This type of cover doesn't include the cost of repairs to your bike if it's involved in a traffic accident.

Comprehensive

The highest level of cover available. Comprehensive insurance will cover most accidental damage, whether or not you're at-fault. It also covers you for theft, vandalism, third party property damage and damage caused by uninsured drivers. Plus, natural disasters such as storms, floods, hail and even earthquakes.

Comprehensive cover can replace your motorbike if it's written off within a set time period after being registered. Also, it can cover you for accidents if the rider of the bike isn't nominated.

Different types of motorcycle insurance: A quick summary

How do I choose motorcycle insurance?

The best motorcycle insurance policy for you depends on how you use your motorcycle, and the level of coverage that meets your needs.

To make things a bit easier, let's compare what is typically covered by the 3 key types of motorcycle insurance:

What else should I look for in a policy?

Here are some cover options to consider:

• Helmet and riding gear cover. Your riding leathers, helmet and other gear can be expensive. A lot of policies can cover theft or damage of helmets and riding gear.
• Personal effects cover. Often found separate to riding gear cover, you may be able to find policies that let you insure personal effects carried on or in the bike.
• Agreed or market value. If market value isn't a fair reflection of your bike's true worth, for example if you need insurance for a modified motorcycle, you might want to look for policies that offer agreed value as an option.
• Flexible excess. It may be worth looking for insurers that let you set your own standard excess. An excess is what you'll pay upfront if you need to make a claim on your motorcycle insurance.
• New replacement. If a relatively new motorcycle is written off following an insured event, you might be able to get a brand new equivalent replacement. A time limit, often 2 years, usually applies to this cover type.
• Temporary replacement vehicle. If you need your bike to get around, it might be worth looking for policies that cover hire vehicles following theft.
• Personal items. You can get covered for the theft or damage of personal items and trailers.
• Keys and locks. This provides cover for the cost of re-keying or re-coding locks if your keys are stolen.
• Windscreen damage. You may be able to find an option for excess-free windscreen and broken glass claims.
• Protected no-claim bonus. Policies that offer no claim discounts may also offer an extra-cost option that lets you make at-fault claims without losing your discount.
• Tools and trailer cover. If you use your bike to tow a trailer, or use it to transport any trade tools, then cover for these will often be found as separate options.

More on your motorcycle insurance options: state by state

• WA
• SA
• NT
• QLD
• NSW
• VIC

How are my motorcycle insurance premiums calculated?

Different insurers will use different factors when determining premiums. Generally all of these factors might be considered to determine motorbike insurance quotes.

• What is your claims history like? If you've made a claim on your motorcycle insurance in the past, insurers will classify you as posing an increased likelihood of making a future claim. This will drive your premiums up. On the flip-side, a no claim bonus can help lower the cost of cover significantly.
• Who rides your bike? If you're an experienced rider with an unblemished claims history, and you're the only person riding your bike, the cost of your cover will be lower.
• Do you have a clean riding history? If you've got a long string of speeding and traffic offences, insurers will see you as posing a high level of risk and will increase your motorcycle insurance premiums.
• Where do you live? If you live in a high crime area the likelihood of your bike being stolen increases. This will be reflected in the cost of your motorbike insurance premiums, as will whether or not you keep your bike safely garaged overnight.
• Are there any security systems installed on your bike? Bikes with alarm systems or immobilisers are less likely to be stolen, which means you can save on your motorcycle insurance premiums.
• What kind of bike do you ride? If your bike is expensive and/or high powered, expect it to cost more to insure than cheaper, less powerful models.
• How much do you ride? The fewer kilometres you ride, the lower your motorcycle insurance premiums.

How can I lower the cost of my motorcycle insurance?

To be eligible for lower premiums, you could:

• Secure your motorcycle. You'll often get lower premiums if you can keep your bike in a secure lock-up or a garage at night. Also, installing an alarm or immobiliser can also help.
• Pay premiums annually. Many insurers will charge less overall for premiums paid annually rather than month-to-month. Comparing motorcycle insurance quotes on a regular basis is also a good idea.
• Ride safely. Having fewer claims will mean you are in a better position for cheaper motorcycle insurance. Those with motorcycle qualifications may also be able to score savings.
• Look for discounts. You may be entitled to a range of savings, such as loyalty bonuses or discounts for buying your policy online, multi-policy discounts and more.

Frequently asked questions

• What factors affect my motorbike insurance premiums?

  • The value of your bike. Newer, more expensive and more powerful bikes will usually cost more to insure than older, cheaper and less powerful models. Consider how much your bike will cost to insure before you lay down your hard-earned cash to buy your motorcycle insurance.
  • Your claim history. The longer you have a policy without making a claim, the greater the no claim discount you will receive from your motorcycle insurance provider. This can help you save on your premiums.
  • Your age. Riders under the age of 25 are much more costly than older drivers. So, if you're over 25 you may wish to consider whether it's worth adding an under 25 rider to your motorcycle insurance policy. Specifying that no one under 25 will be riding your bike might save you a lot of money.
  • Modifications. In some cases, modifications to your bike can help you save on premiums, such as if you add a security system to deter thieves. However, if your bike undergoes performance enhancements to make it faster or more powerful, you can expect your premiums to go up.
  • How much you ride. You can save money by finding motorcycle insurance that allows you to only pay for cover for the kilometres you ride. Make sure not to over or underestimate your annual mileage when purchasing cover.
  • Where you keep your bike. Keeping your bike in a secure, locked garage (or car hold) whenever it isn't being ridden will lower your premiums. If your bike is left parked on the street you can expect to pay more for your motorcycle insurance.
  • Your level of cover. If you need to be covered for more risks under a comprehensive policy, your premiums will obviously be higher.
  • Engine capacity. More powerful engines typically come with higher premiums. This is because accidents at higher speeds often cause more damage, riders may be more likely to lose control of powerful motorcycles, and these types of motorbike might be statistically more likely to be ridden in an unsafe way.
  • Your excess option. You can opt to pay a higher excess in return for a lower premium.

• Should I consider scooter and moped insurance?

  Moped insurance and scooter insurance are available and whether or not you'll need it depends on your vehicle's engine capacity.

• Can I get vintage and classic motorcycle insurance?

  Yes, you can insure classic and vintage motorcycles. You might look for a specialist vintage motorcycle policy that's tailored to your frequency of use, with laid-up or limited use cover. This type of policy can cut costs by recognising that your vintage motorcycle is only for occasional riding.

  You can also find specialist cover for classic or vintage bikes that are used at rallies, as displays or in other special events.

• How does pillion cover work?

  Pillion cover insures passengers for any injuries received while you ride. Most insurers offer it as an extra on their motorcycle insurance policies, with the price you'll have to pay to add it your policy influenced by factors such as your age, riding experience and the type of bike you own. Check the fine print of your policy to see how any passengers are protected.

• Are motorcycles cheap to insure?

  It depends. As a young or inexperienced driver, it's an unfortunate reality that you will have to pay more for your premiums. However, there are some ways to help reduce your premiums. Choose a bike with a less powerful engine. Larger and more powerful engines are more expensive to insure.

  If you keep your bike in a garage and have good security measures in place, your premium may be reduced. This is because it reduces the likelihood of your bike getting damaged. If you can, try to avoid accidents to build up a no-claim history.

• Will my motorcycle insurance cover punctures or wheel damage?

  Most policies won't cover puncture or wheel damage. But by taking out roadside assistance, you'll at least have some protection while you're on the road.

  You will usually have to pay an excess when you make a claim. While a standard excess applies, a range of other excesses may apply depending on your motorbike insurance policy and who is insured.

  There are 4 different types of excess that may be available:

  • Age – If a rider under 25 is riding your bike at the time of an incident.
  • Inexperienced – If a rider who has had their licence under 1 year is riding your bike at the time of the incident.
  • Standard – All claims unless specified otherwise.
  • Voluntary – If you choose voluntary excess reduction. This excess replaces the standard excess.

• Can I add other people on my motorcycle insurance policy?

  Yes, most insurers will allow you to add more riders to your policy. Keep in mind it often leads to a higher premium, especially if they are less experienced on the road.

• How do I pay for my motorbike insurance?

  Many insurers will offer you payment options to suit your budget. You can typically pay for your cover with a lump sum, or spread payments out monthly or even fortnightly to make them more affordable.

• I've been in an accident – what should I do?

  First of all, make sure that everyone is safe and call 000 if required. Next, exchange details, registration and licence information with all other drivers involved. You should also get the details of any witnesses and take photos of the accident scene if possible. Never admit any liability and contact your motorcycle insurance provider as soon as possible, and inform them of what has happened.

• I use my motorcycle for business purposes – can I get cover?

  Yes you can, but you'll need to inform your insurer exactly how your bike will be used before you can be approved for cover.

• What is a no-claim bonus?

  A no-claim bonus is a discount off your motorcycle insurance premium, which acts as a reward for your good driving. Each year when you renew your policy, your discount increases if you haven't made a claim. This bonus continues to increase until you hit the maximum bonus.

• What excess will I have to pay on my motorcycle insurance?

  The excess is the amount you will need to contribute towards a claim. The exact amount will often depend on the type of claim, the insurer, the policy and your chosen options. Sometimes there will be more than one excess payable, including:

  • Basic excess – Also known as the "standard excess". This basic excess will apply to most types of claims. When you get to choose your own excess for higher or lower premiums, you're typically adjusting the basic excess.
  • Age excess – Under 25s will often have to pay an additional age excess in the event of a claim.
  • Undisclosed rider excess – If the driver isn't listed as a user on the policy, an additional excess may need to be paid in the event of a claim.
  • Licence or experience excess – Inexperienced riders who have held their motorcycle licence for less than 2 years may need to pay an inexperienced rider excess. Sometimes this will only apply to over 25s.
  • Special excess – Special excesses may be applied for individual circumstances. For example, if you have a history of traffic infringements then an insurer might only agree to cover you with a special excess. Often a special excess will apply to certain types of claims. For example, there might be a special "theft excess" with some policies.