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Temporary Motorbike Insurance

Short Term Motorbike Insurance

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What is short term or temporary motorbike insurance?

If you’re planning on using a motorbike temporarily, whether it be borrowing a friend’s or a classic motorbike you only ride occasionally, then having temporary motorbike insurance may be the most flexible and cost-effective option. Unlike annual motorbike insurance policies, temporary insurance is designed to only cover you for the short term. This can often work out as a cheaper more flexible alternative for riders only needing short-term motorbike cover.

How long does temporary motorbike insurance last?

The exact duration of a temporary motorbike insurance policy will depend on your exact policy details and what is offered by the provider. Typically – any time frame under 28 days is considered short-term by most insurance providers. Whilst some providers may let you dictate the exact time frame you need to be covered, it is likely that you will be offered cover for a set time frame.

Temporary 1-Day Motorbike Insurance

Temporary 1-Week Motorbike Insurance

Temporary 1-Month Motorbike Insurance

When will I need temporary motorbike insurance?

Some examples of when temporary motorcycle insurance may be useful include the following:  

Borrowing a motorbike

Borrowing a friend or family member’s motorbike is fairly common – especially for situations where your own bike is in a repair shop.

Test riding a new bike

If you are looking at purchasing a new bike and want to take it for a test ride – you’ll still need to be insured before hitting the road. 1 day or 24 hour temporary cover would be ideal for these scenarios.

Picking up a new bike

You will need bike cover in place from the moment you start riding on public roads. Having a temporary motorcycle insurance policy in place for when you pick up your new bike could be the best option whilst you sort out your final cover.

What is temporary learner motorbike insurance?

Learner motorbike insurance is essentially temporary coverage that can insure a learner anywhere from one day to a few weeks. There aren’t specific learner policies available in the UK despite what some marketing may suggest. If you are learning to ride and need cover that lasts longer than one month, you can look into purchasing another stand alone temporary insurance policy or even consider annual motorbike cover. Remember that you will need to be insured any time you are riding on a public road regardless of your experience.

How much is temporary motorbike insurance?

Temporary motorbike policies will vary in price depending on your provider and the bike you need insured. Whilst you may pay more for 1 month’s worth of temporary bike insurance when compared with the monthly cost of an annual policy, it is still a more flexible and cheaper option for those not needing long term cover. The best way of finding cheap temporary motorbike insurance is by comparing multiple quotes in order to increase your chances of getting the best deal.  

Who can get temporary motorbike insurance?

  • Be above the age of 16 for mopeds with a CBT Certificate or 17 with a provisional licence
  • Hold a valid motorbike or motorcycle licence
  • Not be disqualified or barred from riding
Some insurers may have their own criteria for who they offer temporary insurance such as duration of residency in the UK along with age limits and penalty point restrictions.

How can I get cheap temporary motorbike insurance?

Whether you are looking for temporary motorbike insurance for a 125cc or 1200cc, comparing multiple quotes is the easiest way of finding cheap insurance. Tailoring your coverage to your needs and excluding add-ons or extras which you likely won’t need are fairly straightforward ways of saving on your premiums. Maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding fines and penalties will also go a long way in keeping your premium costs down. You should also avoid modifying your motorbike if you can help it as this will increase your bike’s value and risk of theft. If you only use your bike a few times per year but aren’t sure if temporary motorbike insurance is your cheapest option – you may also wish to consider an annual pay-as-you-go insurance plan (PAYG).

Temporary Motorbike Insurance FAQS

Can I insurance a motorbike I don’t own?

Yes – temporary motorbike insurance is ideal for insuring a bike that’s not yours temporarily. Situations where this may come in handy include test riding a bike for purchase, borrowing a friend’s bike or even for emergency cover.

Is temporary motorbike insurance worth it?

Yes – It can be easy to forget that you need to be covered for test driving a bike or riding your friend’s motorcycle down the road, but having at least third-party motorbike cover in place is essential – no matter how short your journey. Getting caught operating a motorbike without cover by police is an offence and can result in a potentially unlimited fine and penalty points.

Is temporary motorbike insurance more expensive for young riders?

Insurance is typically more expensive for younger riders in general due to increased accident rates among this age group. Some insurers will classify under-21s temporary motorbike insurance as its own category but in reality, this is only one factor impacting your premiums. The make and model of the bike, when and where you will be riding and the level of coverage will all be taken into account along with age. Compare multiple policies in order to increase your chances of getting the best deal.

Will comprehensive motorbike insurance cover me for riding someone else’s bike?

Many comprehensive policies will offer third-party only cover for riding other motorbikes. You will obviously need the permission of the owner and some exclusions may apply. Not all insurance providers may offer this coverage however and adding it to your existing comprehensive policy may be expensive. In these cases – taking out a separate temporary motorbike insurance policy may be the most cost-effective option.

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*51% of consumers who received a quote for Motorbike Insurance through this service provided by Seopa Ltd. in January 2025 were quoted less than £284.82. The price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.