Classic Motorcycle Insurance

A classic motorcycle is more than just a way to get from A to B for most riders. It’s something to cherish, admire, and of course, enjoy. Whatever the make or model, your pride and joy must be looked after and the best way to insure it’s protected is with classic motorcycle insurance.

Beyond being a legal requirement, ensuring you have the right cover means you get that extra peace of mind whether you’re out on the road or your bikes in tucked away in a garage.

Before you go out and get cover for your motorcycle, you need to consider how often you’ll be using the bike.

If you’re going to be using the vehicle year-round then you’ll need an annual insurance policy but if you only occasionally or are borrowing a classic bike, then you might want to consider temporary motorcycle insurance.

Why choose classic bike insurance?

If you’re only riding for a few weeks a year, then paying for an annual insurance policy can be a huge waste of money. You should only pay for the cover you need and if that’s between 1 – 7 days then classic bike insurance could be the best option for you.

You only pay for the cover when you’re actually going to be using the bike and with no long-term contracts, you’re not tied into anything.

If you’re borrowing a bike, then temporary insurance not only covers you but can help the bike owner. It comes with the highest level of insurance available – fully comprehensive insurance, which covers any damage to the bike as well as to any third-parties.

Not only do you get comprehensive cover but because it’s a separate, standalone policy, it won’t have any effect on any existing cover the bike owner has on the vehicle.

This means that if you have an accident while borrowing the bike, they won’t lose their No Claims Discount.

Cover is available to a wide range of riders from 17-70 and for many makes and models, including classic motorbikes.

Getting a quote is simple and straightforward and takes just a couple of minutes – You’ll only need to answer some basic questions about yourself and the bike you want to insure. Cover can begin instantly if you need it to and you’ll get your policy documents emailed to you straight away.

What makes a motorcycle a ‘classic’?

There’s no specific make, model, or age that a motorcycle must be to be defined as a classic.

While there are certain requirements to call a ‘veteran’ motorcycle (any motorcycle built before 1915) and older bikes made after 1915 are known as ‘vintage’ defining what age a classic motorbike must be is a hot topic in the biking community.

Popular opinion seems to be that bikes made in the 70s and 80s are considered classics while others simply define it as anything over 25 years old. Regardless of what your opinions are on the subject, you’re sure to find someone who thinks the complete opposite.

From an insurance perspective, many annual insurers will have their own requirements for what defines a classic motorcycle so be sure to check their definition before purchasing a policy.

If you’re getting a temporary policy, there’s no specific definition of a classic bike, getting cover will depend on the make and model of the bike. The quickest way to see if you can get classic motorcycle insurance for your motorbike is to get a quote online.

Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) rules

Since 2011, rules have been put in place that requires owners to either have a valid insurance policy on the vehicle or declare it off the road.

This means that if you’re one of the many occasional riders who only use their bikes for a few weeks or months a year, you’ll need to get a SORN notice from the DVLA which shows the vehicle is not in use.

To get a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) you’ll need to fill out a V890 application online or via the post.

A SORN lasts for 12 months and will automatically renew after 12 months and will only end when you decide to insure your vehicle again or sell it.

As a SORN is completely free, it’s often ideal for bikers who don’t want the expense of an annual policy. You can simply get a temporary policy for the duration you need, then SORN your bike when you’re not riding it.

Remember that if your vehicle is in use there must be some sort of insurance in place so it’s important to weigh up the options and pick the best option for your individual situation.

If you’re looking for classic motorcycle insurance, find out how much Tempcover could save you by getting a quick and easy quote now.