Key takeaways
- NSW requires Compulsory Third Party CTP insurance to legally ride on roads. This covers costs for injuring others.
- Comprehensive cover suits high value bikes; third party options are better for those with lower valued motorcycles.
- Average annual premiums range from about $765 to $2,113 based on factors like age and bike type.
- Compulsory third party insurance (CTP). This is often known in NSW as your 'greenslip'. As the name implies, this is compulsory — you must have CTP to legally ride your motorbike on Australian roads. It covers you for the medical and/or legal costs associated with hurting someone else on the road with your motorcycle.
- Third party property damage insurance (TPPD). This type of insurance is optional. It protects you for the costs associated with damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property with your motorcycle. For example, you crash into a Porsche and do $25,000 worth of damage - third party property damage insurance would cover those costs. This is good for those with low value motorcycles who wouldn't be bothered if it was damaged and they had to do repairs out of pocket.
- Third party fire and theft insurance (TPFT). This type of insurance is optional. It covers you for everything TPPD does plus provides cover for damage that occurs because of fire or theft of your motorcycle. This is good for lower value motorcycles and for people who are more concerned about being covered for damage to other people's property.
- Comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance is optional. It covers you for everything TPPD and TPFT does, plus it covers damage to your own motorcycle too. This is good if you have a high value bike that you couldn't afford to repair or replace out of pocket.
Compare motorcycle insurance in NSW
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How we picked theseThe cost of motorcycle insurance in NSW
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How we picked these-
*Quotes were sourced on the following profile:
- 30 years old, 5+ years licensed
- Male
- No finance
- Private use of motorcycle
- Adjusted excess to $500 where possible
- Motorcycle is parked in a locked garage
- Exclude drivers under 25
- No additional driver
- Start date of policy 31 March 2026
- No discounts, no memberships, no add-ons
- Drives 4,000–8,000km per year
- Located in Sydney NSW, 2011
- 2022 Yamaha MT-09A MY22 Sports
Your cost will differ depending on your circumstances. Some things that can affect the cost of your quote include your gender, the type of motorcycle you drive, the colour of the motorcycle, how long you have been driving and the amount of cover you need. Be sure to read the PDS to find cover that suits you.
What affects the cost of motorcycle insurance?
There are several factors that affect the cost of motorcycle insurance in NSW, such as:
- Your age. Younger riders are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident and therefore have higher premiums.
- The size of your bike's engine. The more powerful the motorcycle, the higher your premiums will be.
- The level of cover you choose. The higher your level of cover, the more you will need to pay for a policy. The sum insured you select will also influence your premium amount.
- Your riding and claims history. If you've never made a motorcycle insurance claim or had a traffic infringement, you'll pay less for cover than someone with a chequered riding history. However, if you've only held your licence for less than two years, you can expect to pay more for cover.
- Where your bike is kept. The suburb where your bike is kept overnight will affect premiums; for example, if you live in an area with a higher than average rate of motorcycle theft you will cop a higher premium. Keeping your bike in a locked garage instead of parked out in the open can also reduce premiums.
- Outstanding finance. If there is money owing on your bike, expect your premiums to be higher.
- How much you ride. The less you ride, the cheaper your premiums will be. However, if you ride regularly or cover a significant amount of kilometres each year, expect premiums to rise.
- Rider training. If you complete an advanced rider training course, some insurers will reward you with cheaper premiums.
- Discounts. You can save money on cover by taking advantage of any discounts that apply, such as a loyalty discount for long-term policyholders.
Our expert says
"If you're wondering what level of motorcycle insurance to take out, ask yourself one clarifying question: Could you afford to replace the bike out of pocket? If no, you might like to consider comprehensive motorcycle insurance. If yes, a third party policy could offer enough coverage for you. Regardless, it's always wise to be covered for damage you cause to another person's property at a minimum. It can be very costly otherwise."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you must have compulsory third party insurance on your motorbike to ride on NSW roads (and all of Australia). There are other types of insurance available, like third party property damage and comprehensive, but they're not compulsory.
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The cost of motorcycle insurance will vary based on your personal profile and the motorbike you ride. We got quotes using a fictional profile and found that NRMA is the cheapest of the insurers we researched. Keep in mind, your own quote will differ.
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Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
Peta Taylor is a publisher at Finder, working across all of insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for over 2 years. Peta is passionate about demystifying complex insurance products to help users make well educated decisions with confidence. Peta is part of Finder's insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring users the best insurance products every year. See full bio
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