Motorcycle courier insurance

Getting insured to deliver by bike in the UK

Motorcycle courier insurance protects you when you use a motorbike, scooter, or moped to deliver parcels, food, or documents for payment. If you ride for platforms or companies in the UK, you need specific cover that recognises you are working - standard social, domestic and pleasure policies do not apply when you carry goods for hire and reward. Riding without the right insurance can lead to penalty points, fines, vehicle seizure, and you may be personally liable for any damage or injuries.

In 2025, insurance costs have risen across the market, and couriers have felt this. Even so, clear information helps you budget and choose appropriate cover. For many riders, the legal minimum is Hire & Reward insurance. Many then add comprehensive protection to cover their own bike and optional extras like goods in transit or public liability, depending on the work they do and the value of items carried.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and where the gaps are.

This guide explains the legal position, typical price ranges, and the factors that move premiums up or down - such as location, age, bike type, and claims history. We also compare policy structures like annual versus pay-as-you-go, so you can decide what suits your riding pattern. You will not find hype here. Just practical, UK-specific information to help you stay compliant, protect your income, and avoid unpleasant surprises if something goes wrong.

Put simply: correct cover keeps you legal and protects your livelihood.

What is covered and how it operates day to day

At its core, courier insurance for motorcycles includes Hire & Reward - the legal foundation that allows you to deliver for payment. Policies can be third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Comprehensive generally pays to repair or replace your bike after accidents you cause, theft, or vandalism, subject to your policy terms and excess.

Optional but common additions include goods in transit cover, which insures the items you carry up to a limit per load, and public liability, which helps if a member of the public is injured or property is damaged through your work. These sit alongside your vehicle insurance and respond to different types of risk.

Claims usually follow a simple pattern. You report the incident promptly, provide details, dashcam footage if available, and any police reference for theft or serious collisions. The insurer then assesses liability and cover limits. Excesses apply and no-claims discounts can be affected. There are clear limits and exclusions - for example, riding without the correct licence, using the bike outside your stated purpose, uninsured modifications, or carrying goods above your declared value may void or limit a claim. If you are working without Hire & Reward, a claim may be declined.

A practical example: a rider filtering in slow traffic clips a mirror and the bike goes down. With comprehensive Hire & Reward cover, third-party damage and the rider’s bike repairs can be handled, subject to excess and policy limits. With third party only, your own repairs are not covered.

Who genuinely benefits - and who might not

Motorcycle courier insurance is designed for riders who deliver parcels, groceries, or hot food for payment - whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal. It suits scooter commuters doing evening app-based deliveries, experienced couriers on larger bikes doing multi-drop routes, and riders using electric mopeds where insurers may offer discounts.

It may be less suitable if you never carry goods for payment, only ride for social use, or work purely on private land where the Road Traffic Act does not apply. If you deliver occasionally, pay-as-you-go cover can be appropriate, though per-day costs are typically higher than annual pricing. If you switch between riding and driving a van, you might need separate policies or a multi-vehicle solution. The key test is simple - if you are paid to deliver, you need Hire & Reward.

Choosing a level of protection that fits your work

1. Basic - Third Party Only (H&R)

   • Legal minimum to carry goods for payment using a motorcycle.
   • Covers injury or damage you cause to others - not your bike.
   • Lowest upfront premium but highest financial exposure for your vehicle.

2. Standard - Third Party, Fire & Theft (H&R)

   • Adds cover if your bike is stolen or damaged by fire.
   • Typically costs more than basic but protects against common theft risks.
   • Good for riders parking on-street or overnight in urban areas.

3. Premium - Comprehensive (H&R)

   • Includes third party, fire, theft, and your own bike’s accidental damage.
   • Often preferred for full-time riders who rely on the bike for income.
   • Higher premium, lower financial shock if you crash or are hit.

4. Optional add-ons

   • Goods in transit - protects the items you carry up to chosen limits.
   • Public liability - covers injury or property damage to third parties.
   • Legal expenses - helps with uninsured loss recovery and representation.
   • Breakdown cover - roadside assistance and recovery for work use.
   • Helmet, leathers and phone-mount cover - equipment protection.

5. Policy structure

   • Annual policy - usually better value for regular riders and fleets.
   • Pay-as-you-go - flexible for occasional shifts but a higher daily rate.

What it costs and why prices vary

Rising motor premiums across the UK have affected courier insurance in 2025. Typical annual costs for motorcycle couriers vary by bike, age, location, cover level, and usage. Urban postcodes like London and Birmingham often pay more due to higher accident and theft risk. Electric bikes can attract discounts, reflecting sustainability incentives. Add-ons such as goods in transit and public liability increase price but can protect your business if something goes wrong.

Prices are examples, not guarantees. Insurers rate on your claims history, mileage, shift times, security, and modifications. Comparing like-for-like cover is essential.

Can you apply - and what insurers check

You will need a valid UK licence for the bike you ride, age eligibility that matches the insurer’s limits, and a roadworthy, accurately declared motorcycle or scooter. Insurers will ask about your delivery purpose, mileage, typical working hours, and where the bike is kept overnight. They may also request details of convictions, accidents, claims, prior insurance lapses, and any bike modifications or security devices.

Expect to provide proof of ID and address, your licence details, and sometimes evidence of no-claims. Common decline reasons include undisclosed convictions, incorrect use (for example, trying to work with social-only cover), a history of frequent claims, high-powered bikes for inexperienced riders, or inaccurate information about the value of goods carried. Being complete and truthful during quotation prevents cancellations and denied claims later.

From quote to claim - what to do

1. Gather details - bike, licence, mileage, delivery purpose, overnight parking.
2. Get multiple quotes for Hire & Reward and chosen add-ons.
3. Compare like-for-like cover, limits, excesses, and exclusions.
4. Pick annual or pay-as-you-go based on your working pattern.
5. Buy the policy, read documents, and set up payment and renewal reminders.
6. Use security - locks, alarms, trackers - and keep proof of purchase.
7. If an incident happens, report quickly with photos and any police reference.

Weighing it up - benefits and drawbacks

Staying realistic about costs and limits helps you choose cover that genuinely fits your needs.

Key checks before you commit

Read the schedule and policy wording in full. Confirm your use class includes Hire & Reward for motorcycle deliveries and any platforms you work with. Check excesses for accidental damage, theft, and windscreen or equipment, plus any compulsory young rider excesses. Review goods in transit limits, single item caps, and excluded goods. Note renewal terms, mid-term change fees, and the impact of making a claim on your no-claims discount. Ensure your declared security, parking, mileage, and working hours are accurate. Keep proof of bike value, security devices, and delivery gear. If anything is unclear, ask the insurer to confirm in writing before you buy.

Other ways to cover delivery work

1. Van courier insurance - suitable if you deliver by van. Often higher base premium but larger loads and different risk profile.
2. Private hire insurance - for carrying passengers, not parcels. Only relevant if you also drive for ride-hailing services.
3. Business use on standard motor policy - for errands not involving Hire & Reward. Not suitable for paid deliveries.
4. Fleet insurance - for businesses running multiple bikes or mixed vehicles. Can reduce per-vehicle costs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I legally need Hire & Reward to deliver food or parcels on a scooter? A: Yes. If you are paid to carry goods, Hire & Reward is required. Riding without it risks points, fines, vehicle seizure, and you may be personally liable for damages after an incident.

Q: Is comprehensive cover worth it for couriers? A: Many full-time riders choose comprehensive because it covers their own bike after accidents, theft, or vandalism. It typically costs more than third party options but limits out-of-pocket repairs and downtime.

Q: Are electric motorcycles cheaper to insure? A: Insurers often offer discounts for electric and hybrid bikes, reflecting lower environmental impact and market incentives. Actual premiums still depend on rider age, postcode, security, and claims history.

Q: How do urban locations affect price? A: Premiums in large cities like London and Birmingham can be up to 40% higher due to heavier traffic, higher accident rates, and greater theft risk. Secure parking and approved locks may help.

Q: Can I use pay-as-you-go insurance for occasional shifts? A: Yes. Pay-as-you-go can suit part-time riders, but per-day costs are usually higher than an annual policy. It offers flexibility for irregular work without paying for unused days.

Q: What add-ons should couriers consider? A: Goods in transit for the items you carry and public liability for injuries or property damage are common. Legal expenses and breakdown cover are also useful for many riders.

What to do next

If you deliver by motorcycle, check that your policy explicitly includes Hire & Reward for your delivery work. Compare several quotes on a like-for-like basis, including comprehensive versus third party and relevant add-ons. Take your time to read the documents and ask for written clarification where needed. You are in control - choose cover that keeps you compliant and protects your income.

Important note

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms vary by insurer and product. Always read the full documentation and confirm cover, limits, and exclusions before purchasing. If unsure, seek regulated advice.