Is it cheaper to insure a moped than a motorbike?

Broadly speaking, in general and on average… yes! The lower insurance costs are just one of the great reasons to consider a moped, and here’s why these smaller bikes come with lower insurance costs – lower risk.

Insuring a Moped in the UK

In the UK, a moped is specifically defined for both legal and insurance purposes as a small motorcycle with the following characteristics:

1. Engine Size: A moped must have an engine size of 50cc (cubic centimetres) or less.
2. Top Speed: It is limited to a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).
3. Power Source: Mopeds can be petrol-powered or electric, as long as the engine power and top speed meet the legal criteria.
4. Age and Licensing: To ride a moped in the UK, riders must:
   • Be at least 16 years old.
   • Have a provisional license and complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
   • Riders who passed their driving test before 1 February 2001 may automatically have a full moped license as part of their car driving license.
5. Pedals: Historically, mopeds were required to have pedals (the name “moped” comes from “motor” and “pedal”), but this is no longer the case in modern vehicles.

Moped Insurance:

For insurance purposes, a moped falls into a lower-risk category compared to larger motorcycles or scooters, which can often mean lower insurance premiums. However, like all motor vehicles in the UK, mopeds must be insured with at least third-party insurance before they can be ridden on public roads.

This type of vehicle is popular with young or new riders because of its limited speed and ease of riding, often making insurance more affordable.

Are Mopeds the same as Scooters?

Good question. They can often look very similar – both will frequently feature step-through frames and have a platform for the rider’s feet to rest on. However, when it comes to insurance, there are specific definitions for Scooters and Mopeds that you should know about.

Mopeds: These are scooters with an engine size up to 50cc. They have a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). Riders typically only need a provisional license and CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) to ride them, although there are age and other licensing restrictions.

125cc Scooters: These are small scooters with an engine size between 51cc and 125cc. Riders need a CBT, but a full motorcycle license is required for full riding privileges.

Over 125cc Scooters: These scooters have larger engines and are often classified similarly to motorcycles. Insurance requirements are higher for these.

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More Bang for your Buck for your Bike

Mopeds are such a great choice when it comes to getting around for a lower cost – often cheaper to buy, run, maintain and insure than larger Scooters or Motorbikes. When you’ve got an eye for great value, it makes sense to apply that to your insurance too, so when you compare quotes for Moped Insurance, keep an eye on some of these features or options and look for policies that can offer the exact combination that will work best for you.

Elements and Options to Consider when Comparing Moped Insurance Quotes

Coverage Type

• Third-Party Only: This is the cheapest option, but it only covers damage or injury to others. It does not cover damage to your own moped.
• Third-Party, Fire, and Theft: Offers protection if your moped is stolen or damaged by fire, in addition to third-party liability. This is often a better value than third-party only, as mopeds are relatively easy to steal.
• Comprehensive: The most expensive, but it covers damage to your moped as well as third-party liability and theft/fire. If you’ve invested significantly in your moped or rely on it daily, this might provide the best value.

Excess

• Voluntary Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim before the insurance kicks in. A higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it’s affordable if you ever need to claim.
• Compulsory Excess: Set by the insurer, this is the mandatory amount you must pay in the event of a claim. Check the total excess (voluntary + compulsory) to understand your real cost in the event of an accident or theft.

No-Claims Discount (NCD)

• No-Claims Bonus (NCB): Many insurers offer discounts for each year you don’t make a claim. Over time, this can significantly reduce your premiums. Check how much discount you get for building up no-claims years.
• Consider protecting your NCD if it’s a significant discount, even though this will slightly raise your premium.

Usage

• Commuting vs. Leisure: If you use your moped to commute, you’ll need a policy that covers commuting. Insurers may charge more for this, so if you only ride for leisure, look for policies that reflect that usage to save money.
• Mileage Limits: Some insurers offer lower premiums if you agree to limit the number of miles you ride each year. Estimate your usage carefully to get the best rate.

Legal Cover

• This optional add-on can help cover legal expenses if you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you need to recover losses. It’s usually inexpensive and can be worth including for peace of mind.

Personal Accident Cover

• Personal accident insurance can provide compensation if you’re injured while riding. It’s often included in comprehensive policies or available as an add-on.

Helmet and Leathers Cover

• This optional add-on covers the cost of replacing your protective gear (helmet, jacket, etc.) if it’s damaged in an accident. If you’ve invested in high-quality gear, this can be a useful addition to your policy.

Multi-Bike or Multi-Vehicle Discounts

• If you have more than one vehicle (for example, a car and a moped), some insurers offer multi-vehicle policies that can provide a discount.

Want more information? Find out how the type of Moped you buy can impact the Insurance premium you’ll pay

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