Your guide to insurance for 125cc motorcycles

125cc motorbikes are a hot commodity in the UK market right now, especially for young and new riders. They're highly accessible, affordable to run, and you don't even need a full licence to ride one. Whatever your circumstances, securing the right insurance for 125cc motorcycles is not just a legal requirement in the UK, but also a crucial step in protecting yourself, your passengers, and your prized two-wheeler.

This guide covers everything you need to know about 125cc motorbike insurance in the UK, from the different levels of cover available, who needs it, to how to find the best deal for your ride.

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What insurance do I need for a 125cc motorbike?

Just like car insurance, there are three main levels of motorbike insurance to choose from, each providing different levels of cover:

Third-party only insurance

Third party insurance is bare minimum level of motorcycle insurance you can have to legally ride in the UK. As the most basic form of insurance, it only covers damage to other vehicles and property.

What it covers:

• Third-party damage– Liability for vehicle or property damage you cause to others.
• Injuries - caused to others (apart from passengers).

What it doesn’t cover:

• Your own motorbike– No protection for theft, fire, or any damage to your vehicle.
• Personal injury– Medical costs for you or passengers are typically excluded. You usually need to add pillion cover for injuries to passengers.

Third party, fire, and theft insurance

Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) insurance is the next level up of cover. This type of motorbike insurance protects you against major risks like theft and fire as well as covering damage you cause to others.

What it covers:

• Third-party damage– Costs if you injure someone or damage their vehicle/property.
• Fire & theft– Compensation if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by fire.

What it doesn’t cover:

• Your own motorbike’s repairs– No coverage for accidental damage you cause (e.g., if you crash into a wall).
• Weather or vandalism damage– Only fire and theft are included, not other non-collision incidents.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive motorbike insurance is the most extensive insurance coverage available. This type of insurance covers nearly all risks, including accidental damage to your motorcycle, theft, fire, and liability for injuries or damage to others, regardless of fault.

What it covers:

• Accidental damage - to your motorcycle or someone else’s.
• Injuries - caused to you or others, including your passengers.
• Theft - Full coverage if your motorcycle is stolen.
• Fire damage– Full coverage if your motorcycle is damaged by fire.
• Vandalism - Covers damage to your motorcycle caused by vandalism.

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What's not covered by 125cc motorbike insurance?

Comprehensive 125cc motorbike insurance will not cover you for every situation, so it's important to check with your insurer and review your policy's terms and conditions carefully. Common exclusions may include:

• Other passengers - Even with a full motorcycle licence, standard policies typically don't cover passengers. To make sure they’re protected, you’ll need to add pillion cover to your policy. Keep in mind that carrying passengers is illegal if you only hold a provisional licence.
• Modifications - If you make modifications to your motorbike after manufacture, you must inform your insurance provider immediately, otherwise you could risk invalidating your policy. If the changes aren’t included in their list of ‘acceptable standard modifications,’ additional cover may be required.
• Tyre damage - Standard motorbike insurance usually doesn’t cover tyre damage.
• Track days - Motorcycle insurance typically doesn't cover using your bike on a racetrack, as well as racing of any description. If you’re planning to take your bike on the track, you will need specialist motorbike track day insurance.
• Loss or theft of keys and locks.
• Loss or damage to helmets, gloves, or personal clothing.
• Anyone riding your motorcycle that isn't named in your policy.
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What additional cover options are there for 125cc motorbike insurance?

There are also a range of optional add-ons that can be included in your motorbike insurance policy. it's worth noting that the cover included in your policy can vary between insurance providers.

Some insurers might automatically include extra cover options, while others offer them as add-ons. Make sure you check each policy carefully to see what's included when comparing quotes.

• Breakdown cover - Offers roadside assistance in case your 125cc bike breaks down while on the road.
• Legal protection cover - If you’re involved in a non-fault accident and need to pursue legal action to reclaim uninsured losses, this add-on will provide legal assistance by helping cover the associated expenses.
• No-claims discount protection - This will help maintain the maximum discount allowable and prevent your earned no claims bonus being stepped back following a fault claim (terms can usually differ from insurer to insurer).
• Personal accident cover - This optional extra protects you financially if you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident. The specific injuries covered and the amount of coverage you get will depend on your policy and insurer.
• Helmet and leathers cover - Covers the cost of replacing valuable riding gear like helmets or motorcycle leathers.
• Excess protection cover - This will reimburse your policy excess in the event of a claim.

How much does a 125cc motorbike cost to insure?

The price of 125cc motorbike insurance will vary depending on several factors. These typically include:

• Age & riding experience - as with most motor insurance policies, younger riders are likely to pay more since insurers see them as less experienced and a higher risk.
• Make and model of your bike - bikes with more powerful engines are typically more expensive to insure. Since 125cc bikes have smaller engines and lower power, they fall into lower insurance groups, making them cheaper to cover.
• Overnight vehicle location - Your premium costs may be influenced by location, and the insurer's rate is based on previous claim statistics.
• Occupation - some jobs are seen as higher risk than others by insurers, potentially increasing your premiums.
• Driving history - If you have a history of making claims on insurance, your premium cost will be higher.
• Your mileage - the more miles you clock on your motorcycle, the more likely you are to get in an accident, which could increase your premiums.

How do I make my 125cc motorbike insurance cheaper?

Although certain factors, like age and experience, are beyond your control, there are still a number of ways to get cheaper motorbike insurance.

Remember to shop around online and compare prices for insurance quotes before you make your decision. Below are six of the best ways to save money:

1. Pass your test!

Once you pass your test, you’ll no longer be considered a learner, which may open the door to lower premiums and a wider selection of motorbike insurance providers.

2. Consider taking additional riding courses

Taking an advanced riding course after passing your test can enhance your riding skills and road safety awareness. If you're thinking about taking a course, check with your insurance provider first, as it might qualify you for a lower premium.

3. Improve security

Keeping your bike locked in a secure garage and fitting additional insurance-approved security devices on your motorbike can help lower the risk of theft or loss.

4. Increase your voluntary excess

Voluntary excess is the additional amount you choose to pay towards an insurance claim, on top of any compulsory excess already in your policy.

In general, opting for a higher voluntary excess reduces your insurance premium. Make sure you choose an amount you'll be able to afford in the event of a claim.

5. Avoid modifications

Generally speaking, it's best to avoid modifying your bike; changes that improve your bike's performance or increase its value may lead to higher insurance premiums.

It's best to consult your insurance provider before making any changes.

6. Pay annually

If possible, paying your policy annually rather than in monthly instalments avoids paying interest meaning you will pay less for your insurance overall.

Five cheap 125cc bikes to insure

Looking for a new 125cc bike, but unsure where to start? Here are five 125cc motorbikes that tend to be on the more affordable side for insurance:

1. Honda CB125F / Honda CBF125

These are consistently cited as excellent choices for low insurance costs due to their reliable, commuter-friendly nature and widespread availability. They are often recommended for new riders.

2. Yamaha YS125 / Yamaha YBR125

Similar to the Honda CBF/CB125F, these Yamaha models are known for their practicality, reliability, and affordability to insure.

3. Lexmoto Models (e.g., ZSB 125, Assault 125, Michigan)

Lexmoto bikes are often praised for their low purchase price, which can sometimes translate to cheaper insurance, especially for basic models. However, some sportier Lexmoto models (like the LXR 125 SE) can have higher premiums.

4. Keeway X-Light 125 / Superlight LTD

Keeway offers budget-friendly 125cc options that tend to be cheaper to insure.

5. Suzuki GSX-S 125

While some Suzuki 125cc sportbikes (like the GSX-R125) can be more expensive, the "naked" GSX-S 125 might offer a more reasonable insurance premium due to its less aggressive styling.

Who can get insurance to ride a 125cc motorbike?

Owning a 125cc motorcycle is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start riding, particularly for those who have only completed their compulsory basic training (CBT).

Cover is usually available for learners, new and young riders, as well as A1 licence holders.

125cc bike insurance for taking compulsory basic training (CBT)

In the UK, all riders must complete their compulsory basic training (CBT) to get on the road.

The CBT isn't a 'pass or fail' test, but rather a training course which equips you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to ride your motorcycle safely on public roads.

A CBT certificate is legally required for riding with a provisional licence. Without a valid CBT, you risk a fine of up to £1,000 and as many as six penalty points.

You can take your CBT on a training centre’s bike, covered by their CBT bike insurance, or use your own 125cc bike, bur you'll have to arrange separate insurance. The minimum requirement is third party cover (which the centre's insurance should provide).

Ensure your policy covers you during training, as you’re usually only insured when supervised. If riding to the centre, an instructor must accompany you, or your bike must be transported by a qualified rider or trailer.

125cc bike insurance for provisional licence holders

It's perfectly legal for learner riders aged 17 or over to ride a 125cc motorbike on a provisional licence, provided that they have completed their CBT and display L-plates.

While bike insurance usually costs more on a provisional licence than after passing your test, motorbike lessons and tests can be very expensive, which is why this is often the preferred option for young riders.

After your CBT, you can ride your 125cc (excluding motorways and passengers) as long as you renew your CBT every two years. You'll also earn a no-claims discount for each accident-free year, even without passing your test.

125cc bike insurance for full motorbike licence holders

There are several motorcycle tests you can take depending on your age and experience, but the A1 test is the minimum requirement to ride a 125cc bike without L-plates.

You'll also be able to ride on motorways. Keep in mind that if you want to carry passengers, you’ll need to add pillion cover to your policy.

After passing your motorbike test, make sure you inform your insurer, as it may lower your premiums.

Also read:

• How can I SORN my bike?
• 10 types of motorbikes you’ll find in the UK
• How much is a CBT test?
• Getting A Motorbike Licence: All You Need To Know
• Motorcycle MOTs: All you need to know