Motorbike Insurance: FAQs

Q: What is Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)?

A. Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is a course you must take before legally riding a moped or motorbike (125cc or below) on the road with L-plates. After completing your CBT, you have two years to pass your full bike test, or you’ll need to retake the CBT. If you got your car licence before 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped without needing to complete CBT.

Q: Am I insured to carry additional passengers?

A. If you want to take someone on the back of your bike, make sure to check your insurance documents for pillion cover. This specific coverage is required to legally carry additional passengers on your bike.

Q: Can I use my bike abroad?

A. Some insurance policies might cover you, but it’s essential to check the details beforehand. Confirm which countries are included in your coverage, as not all destinations may be covered. If you need coverage for riding outside the UK, especially in non-European countries, ensure your policy includes this before you purchase it.

Q: What type of cover can I get?

A. The three main types of car/motor insurance are:
Comprehensive: Covers damage, theft, or write-off of your bike, plus any claims made against you by others.
Third Party, Fire & Theft: Covers your bike if it's stolen or damaged by fire, and includes coverage for claims made against you.
Third Party Only: Covers claims made against you by others, but doesn’t cover your bike or yourself.

Q: What are the classes of use?

A. The 'class of use' you need can impact your insurance premium, based on risk:
Social Only: Covers everyday driving, excluding travel to and from work.
Social & Commuting: Covers everyday driving, including commuting to a permanent workplace, but not work-related journeys.
Business Use: Covers commuting and any work-related journeys, plus social use.
Delivery Use: Covers using the bike for courier, delivery, or messenger work, but not for taxi services.

If your job requires you to use your bike for work, your employer might ask you to have Business Use or Delivery Use coverage.