Like cars, motorcycles are classified into insurance groups based on engine capacity, performance and value.

But unlike the Association of British Insurers (ABI) car insurance groups which are accepted industry-wide, a much more informal arrangement has evolved to categorise motorbikes. Broadly speaking, the insurance companies operate between 17 to 22 different insurance groupings within which there is a significant degree of variation between individual companies on certain models of motorcycle. So, for that very reason alone, it is often a wise move to shop around for a better deal.

In general terms and for guidance purposes only then, motorcycle insurance groups usually range from Group 3 to Group 17, with low-powered 125cc machines hovering around Group 3 to Group 6.

250cc motorbikes slot in around Group 5 to Group 10, thereafter it’s an upwards spiral that accelerates sharply around 700cc until you hit Group 17 with the likes of a Honda Fireblade or top of the range Ducati.

Because of the nature of motorcycle insurance, it’s difficult to arrive at hard and fast rules. Suffice to say the quote you receive for a superbike will make your hair stand on end in comparison to the premium, say, for a 125cc Honda.

The only generalisation that can be drawn is that shopping around for motorcycle insurance, particularly for a high performance bike, is a must.

The trick is to target the motorcycle insurance companies that make the best fit with your bike and your personal circumstances. As previously stated, the motorcycle insurance groups are a guide, what counts for more is age and experience. Obviously, a young rider who has just passed their test will be laughed into touch if they try to insure a 750 cc bike within 12 months of getting rid of their L plates. The same bike owned by a proposer who has 10 years riding experience and maximum No Claims bonus will, by comparison, have a much easier ride financially.

The most competitive companies are those who are not hide bound by the subjectiveness of motorcycle insurance groups but instead are prepared to listen to the customer. Certainly more and more insurers are becoming open to the idea that not all motorcyclists are born equal. This does not, though, indicate they are willing to take on any greater a risk than before. Rather it has more to do with remaining competitive and being creative with their policies. Insurance products, for want of a better buzzword, are today more closely tailored than simple off-the-peg policies that treat bike riders as homogenous masses.

> Back