Best Classic Bike Insurance Brokers

Vintage and classic motorcycle insurance is comparatively cheap. Yet, choosing a provider is a task that few riders relish. Getting the best classic bike insurance quote requires an annual review to ensure the best possible cover.

In this guide, we’ve made the process of obtaining a quote easier by outlining what cover to consider when arranging insurance in the UK. We’ve also answered some frequently asked questions here.

Skip to the list of the highest-rated, FCA-regulated (Financial Conduct Authority) companies that offer policies for classic motorcycles in the UK.

1. Hagerty

First up is Hagerty, a US-owned specialist automotive insurer. Alongside its collectable classic motorcycle insurance product, it also covers classic cars, motorsports, high-value collections, global transit and car/bike clubs.  

The company prides itself on the flexibility of its cover.  As such, policyholders have the freedom to use their bikes for typical weekend runs and attend club events or shows. 

Comprehensive, third-party liability and damage, fire and theft cover is offered and can include Breakdown & Recovery, 90-day European touring cover and multi-bike discount. 

• Type of Bikes Covered: Collectable classic British, Italian, Japanese and American motorbikes
• Minimum Motorcycle Age:  Pre-1990 Classic Motorcycles
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes
• Customer Service Rating: A near-perfect score of 4.9 out of 5 [Trustpilot]

2. Footman James Classic Bike Insurance

Next up is another vintage and classic vehicle specialist. Set up in 1983 specifically to provide indemnity for niche vehicle markets, Footman James has been offering classic motorcycle owners various schemes for over 35 years. Owners of motorbikes that are older than 15 years are welcome.

As owners of classic motorcycles themselves, the firm says it has close links with classic motorcycle enthusiasts. As such, it’s created special rates for classic bike club members such as the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club). There’s an extensive list of clubs that benefit from the special rates. That means if you belong to one, it’s likely to be on the list.

The standard policy comes with a helmet and leathers cover up to the value of £750 and 35-day European cover.  However, it’s within its FJ+ policies that you find wider coverage. Options there include Laid Up, Agreed Value, Ride to Work, RAC Rescue and 90 days of European cover amongst others. 

• Type of Bikes Covered: Vintage/Classic motorbikes valued at less than £150,000
• Minimum Motorcycle Age:  15 years old
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes – An independent valuation and photographs may be requested before the cover is granted.
• Customer Service Rating: 4.8 out of 5 [Feefoo]

3. Bemoto

Peterborough-based Bemoto is a relative newcomer. Nevertheless, since 2015 it’s steadily built a strong reputation for a fairer and more transparent approach to bike cover. Zero fees to make amendments are a prime example of this. 

It claims to be a lean operation run by bikers, all of whom formerly had roles at bigger brokers/insurers.

Working with major underwriters and a panel of insurers, the firm offers five products that comprehensively shield the full gamut of a classic motorbike owner’s needs: Vintage Motorcycle, Modern Classic Bike and Future Classic, SORN and VIN/Chassis Number insurance. 

The latter two options protect laid-up or unregistered restorations and pre-registration bikes, respectively. 

Within those products, BeMoto also offers a low excess, low mileage discounts, a free Agreed Value service and free legal expenses. That makes its offering one of the most comprehensive of all the companies on this list.

• Type of Bikes Covered: Classic, Vintage and Modern-Classic motorbikes
• Minimum Motorcycle Age:  circa 20 years for Classic, 40-year-old MOT-exempt bikes for Vintage – Modern Classics (case-by-case)  
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes included free
• Customer Service Rating: 4.7 out 5 [FeeFo]

4. Devitt

Devitt is one of the oldest brokers on this list. It’s been operating since 1936. So, unless it’s a rare antique motorcycle you’re seeking to insure, the chances are Devitt will have previously insured your particular model while it was still considered modern (if that counts for anything).

Devitt has built a good reputation among classic, vintage and custom riders. It’s ingratiated itself with the community by endorsing various events in the custom and classic motorbike calendar.

It offers protection for classic and modern classic motorbikes, to which Agreed Value can be added. There are also additional discounts for specific security systems associated with the bike, secure parking and advanced training. 

At the time of writing, Devitt is offering a 10% SportsBikeShop discount for classic bike policies.

• Type of Bikes Covered: Classic and Modern-Classic motorbikes
• Minimum Motorcycle Age:  15 years, depending on the insurer/underwriter
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes – optional
• Customer Service Rating: 4.4 out of 5 [Trustpilot]

5. Carole Nash

Carole Nash is one of the most recognisable and largest brokers on this list. Its attendance and patronage of Motorsports and Moto events are in part responsible for its visibility. Moreover, it’s been insuring bikes since 1985. 

The firm has an expansive range of products covering two wheels and more. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to find it offers protection for older bikes. 

There are three main products and each comes with several benefits: 1. Classic Motorbike (20 and 30 years old) 2. Vintage Motorcycle (for bikes over 30 years) and 3. Future Classic Bike (for bikes between 10 and 20 years). Additionally, it offers laid-up policies.

Carole Nash’s policies include a host of benefits as standard, notably Agreed Value, Salvage Retention Rights and Static Display cover. The latter is recommended if you plan to exhibit your bike at shows.

Carole Nash also gives special discounts to riders who are members of owners’ clubs.

• Type of Bikes Covered? Vintage, Classic and Future Classic Motorbikes
• Minimum Motorcycle Age?  Between 10 and 20 years for future classics, 20 – 30 years old for classic bikes and >30 for vintage bikes
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes, included free
• Customer Service Rating? 4.3 [Trustpilot] 

6. Bikesure

Bikesure is another specialist that considers itself as doing things differently. It suggests that it’s able to offer protection plans where others cannot. 

Bikesure says it’s able to offer specifically tailored schemes through its panel of specialist insurers. Those schemes can then be compared before you accept. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to speak with its underwriters to fine-tune your quote before taking up a policy.   

Free breakdown, legal expenses and 90-day European Green Card products are offered as standard. There is also great depth in the supplementary options offered with its policies, including Salvage Retention, Zero excess, Agreed Value and consideration for modified classics amongst others. 

The latter should bring peace of mind if you’ve transformed your bike into a café racer, bobber, scrambler or otherwise. Equally, those who’ve had to repair bikes using non-OEM components may find that appealing too.

Much like some of the other providers on this list, Bikesure also offers discounts for club membership, limited mileage, specific security precautions and prior experience riding classic bikes.

• Type of Bikes Covered: Vintage/Classic motorbikes and Modern Classics
• Minimum Motorcycle Age:  30 years; however, 1990 and 2000s models considered
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes, optional
• Customer Service Rating: 4.3 [Trustpilot]

7. Bennetts

Last but not least, is another specialist motorbike broker – established in 1930. Bennetts is a familiar name that also endorses various motorcycle-related events, not least of which is the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB).

The standout feature of Bennetts’ policies is that no admin fees are charged for making modifications to your bike. There are also 17 categories of modification which do not require disclosure.  

Perhaps more notable is that both modern and classic bikes can be insured under the same multi-bike policy.

Ostensibly, there are not as many standard or optional features offered as some companies on this list. However, the most desirable features are Salvage Retention and Agreed Value, along with Show and Events products. The latter two are usually offered as optional products.   

Customers taking out a policy will also get a membership to the BikeSocial rewards platform which includes several free events, competition entries, special offers, as well as discounts to attend BSB races.

• Type of Bikes Covered: Classic, Vintage and Modern-Classics
• Minimum Motorcycle Age: At least 15 years old for Classic bikes
• Agreed Value Policies? Yes, optional
• Customer Service Rating: 4.0 [Trustpilot]

Summary: Classic Bike Insurance

When arranging insurance for vintage and classic bikes, there are several extra considerations.

Plans may be cheaper than a standard bike policy. But if you want protection that’s fine-tuned to your specific needs, you should expect an increase in the premium.

Equally, you may need to jump through additional hoops by providing extra documentation.

Whether you choose one of the companies listed in this guide or not, hopefully, you found one or more of the aspects discussed here useful.
Good luck!