Motorbike breakdown cover is a service designed to provide assistance if your motorcycle breaks down during a journey or, depending on the policy, at home. It can include roadside assistance, recovery and other services to help you deal with an unexpected mechanical or electrical problem.
Whether you’re dealing with a flat battery, puncture, starting problem or another fault, having suitable cover can provide useful support when your motorbike cannot continue its journey.
Different levels of cover are available, and the services included can vary between providers. This guide explains what motorbike breakdown cover can include, the different types available and what to consider when choosing a suitable policy.
What Does Motorbike Breakdown Cover Include?
Motorbike breakdown cover can provide a range of services to help riders deal with a breakdown. Basic policies may focus on roadside assistance and recovery, while more comprehensive options can include home assistance, onward travel and European cover.
Common services can include:
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is one of the main features of many breakdown policies. If your motorcycle breaks down during a journey, a mechanic or recovery professional may be sent to your location to assess the problem.
Minor faults, such as a flat battery or certain mechanical issues, may be dealt with at the roadside where possible. If the bike cannot be repaired there, recovery may be arranged depending on the policy.
Motorbike Breakdown Recovery
If your motorcycle cannot be repaired at the roadside, recovery can provide a way to transport it to a garage or another destination covered by the policy.
Recovery arrangements and distances vary between providers. Some policies may include transport to a nearby garage, while others may offer additional recovery options.
Onward Travel
Some more comprehensive policies provide onward travel if your motorbike cannot be repaired quickly.
Depending on the policy, this could include alternative transport, a replacement motorcycle or accommodation. The options available and any limits will depend on the provider and level of cover.
Onward travel can be particularly useful when you’re on a longer journey or travelling away from home.
Home Start
Home assistance, sometimes known as home start, can provide support if your motorbike fails to start at or near your home.
This may be useful for problems such as a flat battery or another fault that prevents the bike from starting. Home assistance isn’t included with every policy, so check the terms before choosing your cover.
European Motorbike Breakdown Cover
If you regularly ride in Europe, some providers offer European breakdown assistance as an additional option.
This can provide roadside assistance and recovery in eligible countries if your motorcycle breaks down while travelling abroad. Check which countries are covered, the duration of the policy and any specific conditions before travelling.
Types of Motorbike Breakdown Cover
The type of motorbike breakdown cover you need will depend on how you ride, the motorcycle you own and the level of assistance you want.
Several different options are available.
Standard Motorbike Breakdown Cover
Standard cover generally provides roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your motorcycle breaks down.
This can be suitable for riders who mainly want basic assistance during a breakdown. Check the recovery arrangements and any limits before choosing a policy.
Personal Breakdown Cover for Motorbikes
Personal breakdown cover is linked to the individual rather than a specific motorcycle.
Depending on the policy, assistance may be available when you’re travelling in different eligible vehicles. This can be useful if you regularly ride more than one motorcycle.
The exact vehicles and circumstances covered will depend on the policy terms.
Vehicle-Based Motorbike Breakdown Cover
Vehicle-based cover is linked to a particular motorcycle.
This means assistance is generally available when the specified motorcycle breaks down, subject to the policy conditions, regardless of which eligible person is riding it.
This type of cover may suit riders who mainly use one motorcycle.
Classic Motorcycle Breakdown Cover
Classic motorcycles can have different recovery requirements from modern bikes, particularly where specialist handling or transportation is needed.
Some providers offer policies or additional options specifically for classic and vintage motorcycles. If you own a classic bike, check whether the provider has any age, value, usage or recovery restrictions.
Benefits of Motorbike Breakdown Cover
Having suitable breakdown assistance can provide several practical benefits for motorcyclists.
Potential advantages include:
- Roadside Assistance: Get access to help if your motorcycle breaks down during a journey.
- Motorcycle Recovery: Have the bike transported if it cannot be repaired at the roadside, subject to the policy terms.
- Support Away From Home: Additional assistance may be available when travelling longer distances.
- Onward Travel: Some policies provide alternative transport or accommodation where included.
- Convenience: A breakdown provider can arrange assistance and recovery rather than requiring you to organise everything independently.
- Additional Options: More comprehensive policies may include home assistance or European breakdown support.
The level of assistance varies between providers, so compare the actual services and limits rather than assuming every policy offers the same benefits.
Choosing Motorbike Breakdown Cover
When choosing motorbike breakdown cover, consider how and where you normally ride and the type of assistance you are likely to need.
Assess Your Riding Requirements
Think about your usual journeys and riding habits.
If you mainly ride locally, basic roadside assistance may be sufficient. If you regularly take longer trips or tour abroad, you may want to consider additional features such as onward travel or European assistance.
Your motorcycle may also affect the type of cover you need, particularly if you ride a classic, specialist or modified bike.
Compare Motorbike Breakdown Cover Quotes
Comparing quotes can help you understand the different options available.
Don’t look at price alone. Consider the level of roadside assistance, recovery arrangements, home assistance, onward travel and any restrictions that apply.
A lower-priced policy may offer fewer services or lower recovery limits, so comparing the overall cover can give you a better basis for choosing.
Look for Added Features
Depending on your circumstances, additional features may be useful.
These can include:
- Home assistance.
- Onward travel.
- European breakdown assistance.
- Recovery to a chosen destination.
- Replacement vehicle options.
- Specialist recovery for certain motorcycles.
Only consider additional features that are relevant to the way you use your motorcycle.
Consider Personal vs Vehicle-Based Cover
Personal cover and vehicle-based cover work differently.
Personal cover is linked to you as the rider, while vehicle-based cover is linked to a specific motorcycle. If you regularly use more than one bike, personal cover may be worth considering.
If you mainly ride one motorcycle, vehicle-based cover may be more suitable.
Always check the policy conditions to understand exactly who and what is covered.
Finding Affordable Motorbike Breakdown Cover
If you’re looking for affordable motorbike breakdown cover, comparing different providers can help you understand the prices and services available.
Rather than choosing a policy based solely on price, consider whether the level of assistance matches your needs.
Some ways to compare your options include:
- Compare Providers: Look at several policies and compare what each one includes.
- Choose Relevant Features: Consider whether you actually need extras such as onward travel or European assistance.
- Check Recovery Limits: A cheaper policy may have more restrictive recovery arrangements.
- Consider Your Motorcycle: Check whether there are restrictions based on the age, type or use of your bike.
- Review the Policy Terms: Make sure you understand the exclusions and conditions before purchasing.
The aim should be to find a suitable balance between cost and the level of assistance provided.
The Importance of Motorbike Breakdown Cover for Long-Distance Riders
Long-distance journeys can leave riders further from home when a breakdown occurs, making recovery arrangements particularly important.
Suitable motorbike breakdown cover can provide access to roadside assistance and recovery if your motorcycle develops a fault during a longer journey.
For riders who regularly tour or travel abroad, additional options such as onward travel and European assistance may also be worth considering.
Some policies may have specific recovery limits, so check these before taking a long-distance trip.
Key Features to Consider in Motorbike Breakdown Cover
When comparing policies, consider the following features:
- Roadside Assistance: Help with certain faults at the roadside.
- Vehicle Recovery: Transport to a garage or another eligible destination if the motorcycle cannot be repaired.
- Onward Travel: Alternative transport or accommodation where included.
- Home Assistance: Support if the motorcycle breaks down at or near home.
- European Assistance: Breakdown support when riding in eligible European countries.
- Classic Motorcycle Support: Additional options for older or classic motorcycles where available.
The importance of each feature will depend on how you use your motorcycle and where you normally ride.
What Isn’t Always Included?
Motorbike breakdown policies can have exclusions and limitations, so it’s important to understand what isn’t covered.
Depending on the provider, restrictions may apply to:
- Running out of fuel or using the wrong fuel.
- Lost or damaged keys.
- Recovery following an accident.
- Pre-existing faults.
- Poor maintenance.
- Modifications or specialist motorcycles.
- The number of call-outs allowed.
- Recovery distances.
- Use of the motorcycle outside the permitted conditions.
These conditions vary between providers, so check the policy wording before purchasing cover.
Motorbike Breakdown Cover for Older and Classic Bikes
Older and classic motorcycles can have different recovery requirements from modern motorcycles.
Some providers may have restrictions relating to the age, value, condition or use of a motorcycle. Others may offer specialist options for classic or vintage bikes.
If you own an older motorcycle, check the eligibility requirements carefully and make sure the recovery arrangements are suitable for your bike.
Tips for Choosing Suitable Cover
Before choosing motorbike breakdown cover, consider the following:
- Check What’s Included: Make sure the policy provides the assistance you are likely to need.
- Check Recovery Arrangements: Find out where your motorcycle can be taken if it cannot be repaired.
- Consider Home Assistance: This can be useful if you sometimes experience starting problems at home.
- Think About Your Travel: Regular long-distance or European journeys may make additional cover worthwhile.
- Check Motorcycle Restrictions: Make sure your bike meets the provider’s eligibility requirements.
- Review Exclusions: Understand when assistance may not be available.
- Compare Overall Cost: Consider both the price and the services included.
- Read the Policy Terms: Check the limits and conditions before purchasing.
Taking time to compare your options can help you choose cover that suits your motorcycle and riding habits.
Conclusion
Motorbike breakdown cover can provide useful assistance if your motorcycle develops a fault, with options ranging from basic roadside assistance to more comprehensive policies that include recovery, home assistance, onward travel and European cover.
The right level of cover will depend on your motorcycle, riding habits and the type of journeys you make. Riders who regularly travel long distances or abroad may want to consider additional assistance options.
Comparing the services, recovery limits, exclusions and overall cost can help you make a more informed decision before choosing a policy.
If you’re also looking for your next motorcycle, explore our used motorbikes to compare available bikes.