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 $586 to $1870 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 theseWhat 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 car 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."
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