Which motorbike insurance companies are on the panel?
Quotes are available from the following bike brokers:*
- Bikesure
- Bikesure Elite
- Devitt
- Go Skippy
- Grove & Dean
- Hastings Direct
- Hastings Premier
- Motorcycle Action Group
- Mackenzie Hodgson
- Motorcycle Diamond
- Motorcycle Direct
- Motorcycle Gold
- One Call
- Performance Direct
- Lexham
- Swinton
- Carole Nash
- Carole Nash Select
- Express Insurance Services
- Principal Insurance
- Wiser Choice
- One Click
- Peter Best
- Adelaide Motorbike
*List of motorbike insurance providers subject to change. Correct as of March 2025.
What is a motorbike insurance broker?
A motorbike insurance broker is an intermediary who specializes in finding and arranging motorcycle insurance policies for clients. They do not provide insurance coverage themselves, but act as a bridge between the client and various insurance underwriting companies. Motorbike brokers use their knowledge of the bike insurance market and their network of contacts to find policies best suited to the client's needs and budget.
What's the difference between a broker and an underwriter?
Motorcycle insurance brokers and underwriters differ in several ways, and offer various benefits:
1. Representation
Motorcycle insurance brokers typically represent multiple insurance companies, or underwriters, whereas the underwriters provide the actual insurance policies.
Brokers act as intermediaries between clients and various insurers, whereas the underwriting companies are the ones who carry the risk and pay out claims. It's not typically possible to purchase policies directly from the underwriter.
2. Product Range
Brokers have access to a wide range of policies from different underwriters, allowing them to offer more options to riders. Brokers can find the best products for their clients' needs across multiple insurers. In contrast, underwriting companies only offer their own rates and policies.
3. Specialisation
Brokers can specialise in motorcycle insurance, offering expertise in covering different types of bikes and understanding the specific needs of motorcyclists.
4. Service
There is a strong service element offered by motorbike insurance brokers when helping customers to find the right policy for their individual needs, plus making any necessary mid term policy adjustments, arranging renewals and addressing any queries or concerns.
5. Advocacy
Bike insurance brokers can act as advocates for their clients when dealing with insurance companies, especially during the claims process.
6. Comparison
Brokers typically compare policies and prices from multiple underwriters to find the best deal for their clients. In turn, a motorbike insurance comparison site can then compare the best quotes provided from various brokers.
In summary, motorcycle insurance brokers offer a wider range of options and a more personalized service, while insurance companies (underwriters) provide the actual insurance coverage and handle claims directly.
Are there any downsides to using a motorbike insurance broker?
It isn't currently possible to buy motorbike insurance direct from an underwriter. UK bikers have to buy their insurance via a broker.
There are some potential downsides to this broker led sales approach, such as:
Limited control
When using a motorbike insurance broker to arrange and administer your insurance, you won't have direct contact with the underwriter. This could have the potential to increase delays or introduce misunderstandings.
Bike brokers are sales and commission driven
Some brokers may prioritize sales targets or focus on commissions, which has the potential to increase costs and negatively affect outcomes.
Limited options
Some brokers have access to smaller panels of underwriters, or may have preferential relationships with other providers.
Auto renewal
Charging existing customers more at renewal than they would expect to pay when taking out a new motorbike policy with the same insurer was outlawed by the FCA in 2022. However, having an auto renew arrangement with your broker can still mean unexpected price rises, or missing out on better deals available elsewhere.
Potential lack of knowledge
Brokers may not have as much of an in-depth knowledge of the specific motorbike insurance products they sell when compared to the underwriters themselves.
Although it is necessary to use a broker to buy your insurance, some of the above drawbacks can be mitigated by using a comparison site which compares multiple brokers and motorbike insurance companies against each other.
Although British bikers are stuck to dealing with an intermediary, a comparison site does mean that you'll be able to weigh up the policy options, cover and price provided by each broker based on your own circumstances and the bike you ride, and then make a more informed decision accordingly.
Motorbike insuance broker FAQ's
Which is the cheapest motorbike insurance broker in the UK?
As with any kind of motorbike insurance, prices quoted are based on the information provided by you. Quotes will depend on several factors such as the rider's age, experience, bike type, and coverage level.
Different motorbike insurance companies may have a reputation for providing cheaper cover for certain biking demographics such as learner riders or delivery riders. Or they may promote themselves as having the best deals on scooter insurance.
In reality there is no single cheapest option and the only way to know for sure which broker works out cheapest for you is to compare quotes.
Which is the best motorbike insurance company?
Best is a very subjective term, and differs according to the individual. Some riders always put price first, whereas others will prioritise on what the cover includes, or the availability of optional extras.
Some brokers also provide non-insurance related perks such as discounts at motorcycle clothing & accessory retailers or free club memberships, which can be important to some bikers when working out which broker to insure their bike with.
Are there any independent motorbike insurance brokers?
Motorbike insurance companies often use different trading names in order to attract different demographics or widen their market share. It can be difficult to know what ties exist between companies, especially as you venture higher up the ownership hierarchy.
An easy way to discover the brands used by different brokers can be to search the company name on the FCA register, where you can see at a glance current and past trading names used by the motorbike insurance company.