Motorbike Insurance Northern Ireland
What you should know about your NI cover
Motorbike insurance in Northern Ireland works in much the same way as it does across the rest of the UK. However, premiums are often higher and not all UK motorcycle insurers choose to offer cover in NI. This guide explains how cover works, why prices can differ, and what to check before riding across borders.
You can compare Northern Ireland motorbike insurance quotes now, or read on to see how cover works and why prices can differ.
Motorbike insurance requirements in Northern Ireland
As part of the UK, Northern Ireland follows the same legal motorcycle insurance requirements as England, Scotland and Wales.
You must have at least third party insurance in place to legally ride your motorbike on public roads in NI. This minimum level of cover protects other people and their property if you cause an accident.
You can choose from the following for your NI motorbike insurance policy:
Once you’ve chosen your policy, you’ll receive the same level of cover in Northern Ireland as you would anywhere else in the UK.
Why is motorbike insurance more expensive in Northern Ireland?
Motorbike insurance in Northern Ireland tends to cost more than in other parts of the UK. This is largely due to higher expected claims costs and market factors:
Higher personal injury costs
Average annual claims costs in Northern Ireland are significantly higher than in the rest of the UK. Industry data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) indicates:
- Overall annual claims costs are around 30% higher
- Bodily injury compensation costs are roughly 40% higher
The primary reason for this is Northern Ireland’s legal system. The Northern Ireland judiciary provides guidance on personal injury compensation and determines legal costs in litigation. As a result, insurers operating in Northern Ireland are required to reserve or allocate higher levels of capital to cover future claims than would typically be necessary in other parts of the UK.
In addition, claims management companies are more prevalent per capita in NI compared to the rest of the UK – partly due to the lack of FCA regulation required for CMC’s in Northern Ireland, and a lack of protection form cold calling.
Road risk and safety
Northern Ireland has a high proportion of rural and single track roads. While these make for enjoyable riding (and contribute to a strong road racing heritage), these more challenging road conditions can also increase accident risk compared to more urbanised regions of the UK. Northern Ireland has a poor road safety record when combined to the rest of the UK, and the nature of the roads significantly contributes to this risk.
Repair and replacement costs
Riders in Northern Ireland may face higher expenses when it comes to repairing or replacing their motorbikes, which filters into the cost of insurance. Reasons for this are mainly related to the smaller, less competitive NI market.
- Less competition within the garage repair network
- More restricted local dealer network
- Import and shipping costs
A smaller insurance market
Northern Ireland represents a smaller, less competitive insurance market. Some UK motorbike insurers choose not to operate there at all. Reduced competition can contribute to higher premiums.
Interestingly, theft claims in Northern Ireland tend to be lower than many other UK regions. This may help to mitigate overall premium costs despite the increased risks for insurers discussed above.
Do all UK motorbike insurers cover Northern Ireland?
While Northern Ireland is part of the UK, some motorbike insurers operating in Great Britain do not include NI in their underwriting footprint.
If an insurer does not cover Northern Ireland, you’ll typically receive an “unable to quote” response when using the comparison system to request a price.
There aren’t any Northern Ireland only motorbike insurers on the panel, but many UK brokers do actively offer cover for NI riders and actively advertise the fact. Others include Northern Ireland within their standard UK offering without specifically highlighting it at all.
Insuring a bike in Northern Ireland isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Small differences between insurers can make a bigger impact than many riders expect - which is why comparing really matters.Mark Hopwood - Motorbike insurance specialist & founder of Biker Insure
Territorial limits: where are you covered?
Most motorbike insurance policies define their “territorial limits” in the policy documents.
Typically, cover includes England, Scotland, Wales, NI – plus you will also often see the crown dependencies of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands included.
Always check your certificate of insurance and policy wording for confirmation.
Riding between Northern Ireland and Great Britain
Northern Irish motorcyclists are in the unique position of being able to ride straight into Europe (the Republic of Ireland), or take a ferry across the Irish sea to reach Scotland or England while staying within the UK.
Ferry crossings
Your motorbike insurance generally provides cover in all countries and territories shown on your policy, including while your motorcycle is being transported between them.
This means if your bike is on a ferry between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, it remains insured during the journey - provided both locations fall within your policy’s territorial limits.
Riding into the Republic of Ireland
Riding from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland is typically considered riding abroad.
Important points to check:
- Even if you have comprehensive cover in Northern Ireland, it may be reduced to third party only when riding in the EU (RoI)
- Some insurers allow you to purchase extended European cover for additional protection.
- You do not need a Green Card to ride in the Republic of Ireland.
- You must carry your certificate of insurance as proof of cover.
Wet ferry decks & ramps, cramped vehicle parking and rough seas can sometimes lead to low speed (or no speed) accidents. If your comprehensive cover is downgraded to third party only in the EU, confirm with your insurer what protection applies while your bike is on a ferry between the UK and the EU.
Does my GB motorbike insurance cover trips to Northern Ireland?
Yes. Northern Ireland is part of the UK. If you live in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales), your motorbike insurance will cover visits to Northern Ireland at the same level as your home region.
You can confirm this by checking the territorial limits applicable to your cover, which will be listed in your policy documentation.
Does my Northern Ireland motorbike insurance cover me for riding in England, Scotland and Wales?
Your cover applies throughout the UK at the same level as stated in your policy, and within the defined territorial limits.
What are “territorial limits”?
“Territorial limits” describe the geographical areas where your policy provides cover. Most UK motorbike insurance policies define this as:
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
Always check your policy documents to confirm exactly where you’re insured.
Source of statistics: "ABI written evidence for the Committee for Finance Inquiry into the Northern Ireland Banking and Financial Services Landscape" view pdf