TL;DR - KEY POINTS
- New rider motorbike insurance is the most expensive segment of the UK motorcycle market.
- Age, postcode and motorcycle choice dominate the premium calculation for new riders.
- Telematics policies can reduce premiums for younger riders willing to be measured.
- Approved security devices, secure storage and modest power motorcycles all bring premiums down.
- Passing the full motorcycle test produces a significant discount over CBT-period premiums.
UK MOTORBIKE INSURANCE - NEW RIDER COSTS - 2026
KEY FACTS
- DVSA reports continued growth in CBT and motorcycle test completions, with new riders forming a significant cohort each year.
- Insurance group rating from Thatcham Research is one of the main inputs into the premium calculation.
- Telematics policies use data from a device or app to refine the premium and reward safe riding.
- Sold Secure and Thatcham approved security devices reduce premium for most insurers.
- Specialist motorcycle insurers usually produce more competitive new rider quotes than mainstream motor insurers.
Cheap motorbike insurance for new riders is one of the most searched UK motorcycle insurance phrases, driven by the high premiums faced by 17 to 25 year olds entering the road on a CBT certificate or fresh A1, A2 or A licence. The honest answer is that premiums for new riders are structurally higher than for experienced riders because the claim frequency is higher. Bringing the premium down involves choosing the right motorcycle, the right insurer, the right level of cover, and the right combination of security and storage. Each lever is modest on its own, but combined they produce a meaningful saving.
Cheap motorbike insurance for new riders and the typical levers
Cheap motorbike insurance for new riders starts with the motorcycle choice. Lower insurance group machines such as the Honda CB125F, Yamaha YS125, Honda CBF125, Lexmoto LXR 125 and similar commuter 125s sit in the very lowest insurance groups. Sportier 125s such as the KTM RC 125 and Yamaha YZF-R125 attract higher premiums because of higher repair costs and theft attractiveness. For learner riders, choosing a commuter-style 125 over a sport-style 125 is the single biggest lever on premium.
Cover level affects the premium too. Third party only cover is the legal minimum and is the cheapest option in absolute terms. However, third party fire and theft cover often produces a similar premium because insurers are wary of riders choosing the cheapest option for reasons other than budget. Fully comprehensive cover usually adds a modest amount over third party fire and theft and provides protection against own bike damage, which is often the larger claim category.
Excess level is the next lever. Voluntary excess increases reduce the headline premium. New riders should set the voluntary excess at a level they can comfortably afford alongside the compulsory excess, because the combined excess applies to every claim. A voluntary excess set too high can produce a cheap premium that fails to respond meaningfully at the point of a claim.
Motorbike insurance young riders and telematics policies
Motorbike insurance for young riders is heavily affected by the underlying claim frequency for the 17 to 25 age group. Insurers price this risk explicitly, and even careful riders pay materially more than their parents' premiums. Telematics policies offer one route to lower premiums by measuring driving behaviour through a device or app and reflecting safe riding in the renewal price.
Telematics for motorcycles is less developed than for cars but several specialist insurers offer the product. The device or app tracks speed, braking, cornering, acceleration and time of day. Riders who consistently demonstrate safe behaviour see premiums fall at renewal, while riders who trigger frequent warnings can see premiums rise or cover withdrawn. Curfews and mileage limits sometimes apply, so reading the small print is essential.
Black box and tracking policies need to be considered alongside the impact on the riding experience. Riders who use the bike at irregular hours or for long journeys may find the curfew and mileage clauses restrictive. The Association of British Insurers reports that telematics policies have grown across UK motor insurance, with motorcycle policies catching up slowly because of the smaller market size.
Cheapest first bike insurance UK and security devices
Cheapest first bike insurance UK pricing depends on the combination of motorcycle, rider, location and security. Approved security devices reduce premiums on most insurers. Thatcham category 1 alarms, Sold Secure Diamond chains, ground anchors, disc locks and aftermarket trackers all signal lower theft risk to the underwriter and produce premium reductions, sometimes 10 to 20 per cent across the policy term.
Storage location is the single biggest security factor. A motorcycle stored in a locked garage overnight attracts a much lower premium than one stored on the street or in a shared building's communal hallway. Riders without garage access can sometimes find secure compound storage in cities, often through motorcycle dealers or specialist storage businesses. The cost of compound storage is usually less than the premium saving over a year.
Marking and registration of the motorcycle with Datatag or a similar scheme provides traceability if the motorcycle is stolen. Some insurers offer discounts for Datatag registration, and police forces value the scheme for recovery work. Anti-theft marking is a small cost with a useful effect on both prevention and recovery, and forms part of the security profile that insurers consider.
Passing the full motorcycle test and progressive licences
Passing the full motorcycle test usually produces a significant discount over CBT-period premiums. The A1 licence at 17 allows full use of 125cc motorcycles without L plates and without the no passenger restriction. The A2 licence at 19 allows motorcycles up to 35 kilowatts. The unrestricted A licence at 24, or at 21 with two years on A2, allows any motorcycle.
Each step up the licence ladder typically reduces premiums modestly because the insurer treats the rider as more experienced and more competent. Riders who progress through the licence categories quickly often see premiums drop more sharply than riders who stay on CBT for the full two years. The cost of additional training and tests is usually recovered in insurance savings within the first year of the new licence.
Direct access training is the route to the A2 or full A licence for riders aged 19 and over. The training combines classroom theory, off-road practical exercises and on-road riding under instructor supervision. DVSA approved training schools offer courses across the UK, with prices varying by location and intensity. Booking well in advance is recommended because test availability is limited in peak summer months.
Practical steps to find cheap cover
The first step is to compare quotes from specialist motorcycle insurers. Direct quotes from Carole Nash, Bennetts, Devitt, MCE, Bikesure and similar specialist providers usually beat mainstream motor insurers for new rider business. Brokers familiar with the new rider market can sometimes access underwriters not on price comparison sites. Reading the policy wording, particularly the riding gear cover and the breakdown cover, helps compare like with like.
The second step is to optimise the policy structure. Setting realistic annual mileage, declaring the storage location accurately, declaring any modifications honestly, choosing a comprehensive policy with sensible voluntary excess, and adding approved security all contribute to a competitive premium. Misrepresenting any of these factors can void cover under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012.
The third step is to build no claims discount carefully. Each year without a claim reduces the renewal premium. Avoiding small claims that can be paid from cash often makes more sense than claiming and losing the no claims discount. Protected no claims discount can be added at modest cost once the rider has built two or three years of clean record, ringfencing the discount against the first future claim.
Advanced rider training is the often overlooked lever. The Institute of Advanced Motorists and RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders both run motorcycle advanced training courses across the UK. Completing an advanced course produces a recognised qualification that some insurers reward with a premium discount. The training also reduces the rider's actual claim risk by improving observation, hazard perception and control. For new riders aiming to bring costs down sensibly over the first few years on the road, advanced training is a small upfront investment with both a financial and a safety payoff.
Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Always check current policy terms with your insurer before making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Why is motorbike insurance so expensive for new riders?
Insurers price the risk based on claim frequency, and the 17 to 25 age group has materially higher claim frequency than experienced riders. Even careful new riders pay more because the underwriting is based on the cohort. Specialist motorcycle insurers, telematics policies, secure storage and approved security devices all help bring premiums down within that constraint.
How can young riders get cheaper motorbike insurance?
Choose a lower insurance group motorcycle, use a specialist motorcycle insurer rather than a mainstream motor insurer, consider a telematics policy if mileage and timing patterns allow, fit Sold Secure approved security devices, store the motorcycle in a locked garage where possible, and build no claims discount over time. Each lever is modest but the cumulative effect is meaningful.
Does choosing a cheaper motorcycle reduce insurance costs?
Yes, motorcycle choice is the single biggest lever on new rider insurance. Lower insurance group commuter 125s such as the Honda CB125F and Yamaha YS125 attract lower premiums than sport-style 125s such as the KTM RC 125 and Yamaha YZF-R125. The difference can be significant for a 17 year old in an urban postcode.
Do telematics policies work for new motorcycle riders?
Telematics policies measure riding behaviour and reflect safe riding in the renewal price. They can reduce premiums for young riders willing to be measured. Curfews, mileage limits and behaviour-based pricing apply, so they suit some patterns of use better than others. Reading the small print before choosing a telematics policy is essential.
Will passing my full motorcycle test make insurance cheaper?
Yes, usually significantly. Insurers apply a substantial discount once the full A1, A2 or A licence is held because the rider has completed higher-level assessments and has typically built more road experience. Many riders see premiums fall by a third or more in the first year after passing the full test compared to their CBT-period quotes.
Does where I store my motorbike affect the price of insurance?
Yes, significantly. A motorcycle stored in a locked garage overnight attracts a much lower premium than one stored on the street. Compound storage in cities is often cheaper over a year than the premium difference. Declaring storage location accurately is also essential because misrepresentation can void cover.
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