Moped & scooter insurance

A practical guide to cover that fits everyday riding

Moped and scooter insurance protects you if you injure someone, damage property, or your bike is stolen or written off. It is a legal requirement to ride on UK roads, and it can shield your finances when something goes wrong. For most riders, the choice is between Third Party Only, Third Party, Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive cover. The right option depends on your bike, your budget, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying yourself.

Costs vary. In 2025, a typical comprehensive policy for a 30-year-old on a 125cc can start around £405 per year with an average excess near £700. Third Party, Fire and Theft can be about £297, and Third Party Only as low as £254, but prices can swing widely. Younger riders pay more, especially at 16 to 17 where average premiums can be around £1,215 a year. Location and claims history matter too, with busy urban areas usually costing more.

Premiums have risen sharply in recent years, although early 2025 has seen some softening as competition returns. It is not unusual for comprehensive cover to be priced close to, or even below, Third Party Only for some riders, because insurers may view minimal cover as higher risk. That is why comparing quotes across all levels is essential.

This guide explains what is covered, where the gaps are, and how claims work. We will focus on facts, not hype, so you can make a safe, confident choice that suits how and where you ride.

Insurance can only protect you if you understand what it covers - and what it does not.

What is included and how it typically responds

A standard policy always includes liability for injury or property damage you cause to others. Third Party Only stops there. Third Party, Fire and Theft adds protection if your moped is stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive goes further by covering damage to your own bike after an accident, even if you are at fault, alongside theft and fire.

Imagine your scooter is knocked over while parked. Comprehensive cover would normally pay for repairs after your excess, while Third Party Only would not. If your 50cc is stolen from the kerb overnight, Fire and Theft or Comprehensive could respond, provided you met any security conditions in the policy, such as using a specified lock.

Exclusions are vital. Common ones include riding without the correct licence, using the vehicle for hire and reward without appropriate cover, or failing to declare modifications. Wear and tear, mechanical failure, and gradual deterioration are not insured events. Claims generally require prompt notification, accurate details, and any evidence requested by the insurer. If another road user is involved, you may need their registration, insurer, and contact information.

Policies set limits and excesses. A higher excess usually lowers your premium but means more out-of-pocket cost when you claim. Some policies include personal accident or legal expenses, while others sell these as optional add-ons. Always check what is included before you buy.

Who is most likely to benefit

Moped and scooter insurance suits everyday riders who commute across town, students on 50cc bikes, delivery riders using appropriate business cover, and returning riders who want practical protection with clear limits. It is especially helpful if you rely on your scooter daily and would struggle to replace it out of savings.

Young riders, including 16 to 17 year olds, can face higher premiums. A smaller engine size can help manage costs, as can building a no-claims discount and completing recognised training. Urban riders may lean towards Comprehensive due to higher theft risk.

It may be less relevant for a non-running project bike that never leaves private land, or for riders who have access to another vehicle and could comfortably self-fund repairs on a low-value moped. Even then, the legal need for at least Third Party cover still applies when the vehicle is used on public roads.

Your choices at a glance

1. Third Party Only

   • What it covers: Injury or property damage you cause to others.
   • What it does not: Your own bike for accident damage, theft, or fire.
   • Who it suits: Very tight budgets or low annual mileage where you can self-fund repairs.
   • Key trade-off: Cheapest upfront, highest risk to your own wallet.

2. Third Party, Fire and Theft

   • What it covers: Third party liabilities plus theft and fire damage to your moped.
   • What it does not: Accidental damage to your own bike if you are at fault.
   • Who it suits: Riders worried about theft but willing to self-fund accident repairs.
   • Key trade-off: Balanced price for theft protection, but accident damage gap remains.

3. Comprehensive

   • What it covers: Third party liabilities, theft, fire, and damage to your own bike, even if you are at fault.
   • What it does not: Wear and tear, mechanical failure, or excluded uses like courier work without appropriate cover.
   • Who it suits: Daily riders, urban parking, and those who want predictable costs after an incident.
   • Key trade-off: Higher premium, typically best protection and peace of mind.

4. Useful add-ons

   • Breakdown cover - roadside assistance and recovery.
   • Helmet and leathers - contribution towards protective gear.
   • Legal expenses - help with uninsured loss recovery after a non-fault accident.
   • Personal accident - a payout for specified injuries or death.
   • Key cover - replacement if your keys are lost or stolen.
   • Courtesy bike - keeps you mobile during repairs, usually subject to availability and bike type.

What it costs and why prices change

Prices have risen 25 to 30 percent year on year recently, though early 2025 shows signs of easing as insurers compete harder. It is not unusual for comprehensive to price close to, or below, Third Party Only for some riders. Comparing a broad range of quotes is the safest way to find value.

Who can apply and what insurers check

You will usually need to be UK resident, hold the correct licence category for your moped, and be the registered keeper or have insurable interest. Insurers verify your identity, address, riding history, any non-standard modifications, where the bike is kept overnight, and how you use it. Business or courier use often needs specific cover. You may be asked for proof of No Claims Discount, your driving licence, and security device details.

Common reasons for decline include undisclosed claims or convictions, using the wrong licence, high-risk modifications, or inaccurate mileage and usage information. If you are under 17, options are limited to eligible 50cc machines within licence rules. Remember that riding uninsured is illegal. Penalties can include a £300 fixed fine, six penalty points, clamping or impounding, and in serious cases an unlimited fine or disqualification.

From quote to claim in simple steps

1. Gather licence details, bike info, annual mileage, and security features.
2. Get quotes for all cover levels, not just the cheapest option.
3. Compare excesses, exclusions, and any policy conditions carefully.
4. Choose your cover and set realistic voluntary excess limits.
5. Buy online and keep documents and proof of No Claims Discount handy.
6. If something happens, contact your insurer promptly and follow guidance.
7. Provide evidence - photos, police reference, receipts, witness details.
8. Track repairs or settlement and confirm any impact on future premiums.

The trade-offs to weigh up

The best policy is the one you understand and can afford to use.

Key checks before you commit

Review the policy schedule and wording in full. Look closely at excesses, including separate theft or young rider excesses. Confirm what is excluded, such as unapproved modifications, commercial use without the right extension, or failure to use required locks. Validate cover limits for accessories and protective gear. Check how renewal pricing is handled and whether any introductory discounts end after year one. Make sure you can supply any requested documents, including proof of No Claims Discount and security proof for high-risk areas. If you park on the street, confirm any storage conditions apply at night and whether a specific lock standard is required.

Alternatives that may suit different needs

1. Short-term motor insurance - useful for occasional use, test rides, or borrowing a bike when annual cover is not needed.
2. Courier or hire-and-reward insurance - required for food delivery or parcel work where standard social and commuting cover is not sufficient.
3. Multi-bike insurance - practical if you own more than one moped or motorcycle and want one policy.
4. Personal accident cover - standalone protection if your main policy excludes or limits rider injury benefits.
5. Contents or home insurance for gear - may cover helmets and clothing at home, subject to limits and excesses.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is moped insurance mandatory in the UK? A: Yes. You must have valid insurance to ride on public roads. Police can issue a £300 fine and six points if you are uninsured, and your bike can be clamped or impounded. Courts may impose higher penalties.

Q: Why is comprehensive sometimes cheaper than Third Party Only? A: Insurers price risk based on data. Riders choosing minimal cover can be viewed as higher risk, so Third Party Only is not always the cheapest. Always compare all cover levels before deciding.

Q: How can young riders reduce premiums? A: Consider a smaller engine size, store the bike securely, choose a higher but affordable excess, build a No Claims Discount, and complete recognised training. Comparing multiple insurers usually helps more than any single change.

Q: Are electric mopeds cheaper to insure? A: They can be, but not always. Lower running costs and road tax advantages do not automatically mean lower insurance. Theft risk, parts availability, and repair costs influence pricing, so compare quotes.

Q: What documents will I need to claim? A: Typically your policy number, photo ID, details of the incident, photos, police reference for theft, and any witness information. Keep receipts for modifications and security devices to avoid delays.

Q: Will accessories and clothing be covered? A: Some policies include limited cover for helmets, leathers, and accessories. Others require an add-on. Check limits, excesses, and whether items are covered only while attached to the bike or also at home.

Q: What happens to my premium after a claim? A: A fault claim can increase your premium at renewal and reduce any No Claims Discount unless it is protected. The impact depends on claim type, cost, and your insurer’s rules.

What to do next

If you are ready to compare, gather your details and explore quotes across all cover types. Focus on what is covered, the excess you can afford, and any conditions that affect theft claims. Take your time. A few careful checks now can save money and stress later.

Important note

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policies differ by insurer and individual circumstances. Always read the policy wording, check exclusions and limits, and confirm that the cover meets your needs before you buy.