Moped Insurance
Compare Moped Insurance Quotes
Get moped insurance quotes for UK riders, with cover options for learners, commuters and delivery drivers, plus tips to reduce costs and protect your scooter.
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motorbike Insurance
Moped Insurance
Getting around the UK has never been easier. Now more people are choosing two wheels to beat traffic, save money, and make everyday journeys simpler. Whether it's a quick commute to work, delivering food across busy streets, or finding an affordable way to travel, mopeds have become a popular choice for many riders.
However, owning a moped comes with responsibilities. Like any vehicle on UK roads, two-wheelers need the right protection. Moped insurance helps riders stay legal, cover unexpected costs, and enjoy their journeys with greater peace of mind.
Is Moped Insurance Legally Required in the UK?
Under the UK Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to ride any motorised two-wheeler on public roads or in public places without valid insurance. At a minimum, you must have third-party insurance to cover damage or injury you may cause to others.
Under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) rules, your moped must remain insured unless it has a registered SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), meaning it is officially declared off the road.
Riding without moped or scooter insurance UK can lead to serious penalties, including:
- A £300 fine
- At least six points on your licence
- Being disqualified from riding
- Your moped being seized and possibly destroyed
What do I need to legally ride a moped or a scooter?
To ride a scooter legally on UK roads, you will need to:
- Be aged 17 or over (19 or over to ride a scooter over 125cc)
- Hold a provisional driving licence or full driving licence.
- Complete your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
- Ensure your bike is properly registered with the DVLA.
- Pay road tax - bikes under 150cc will cost £22 for the year.
- Insure your bike – at least third party cover is required
- Apply for Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
- Get an annual MOT once your scooter is three years old.
Moped vs Scooter
Mopeds and scooters are very similar vehicles, but they have their distinct characteristics.
| Feature | Moped | Scooter |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | Up to 50cc | Usually 50cc or more |
| Maximum speed | Up to 28mph | Often above 28mph |
| Legal Riding Age | From age 16, with the correct licence, CBT, insurance, and registration | 16 years for a 50cc scooter; 17 years for a 125cc scooter |
| Best for | Short city trips | Longer commutes |
| Design | Lightweight and compact mostly with pedals | Larger body, bigger seat, and flat surface for your feet |
| Transmission type | Mopeds have automatic gears and are easier to ride. | A scooter can be manual or automatic. |
| Running costs | Generally lower | Scooter insurance is more expensive than mope insurance. |
| Popular with | Students, young riders, short-distance commuters, and delivery riders looking for affordable transport | Urban commuters, delivery riders, everyday travellers, and riders wanting more comfort and storage |
According to the UK Government's classification system, a moped falls under the category AM. This is for two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of 28 mph.
Types of Moped Insurance Cove Available in the UK
Choosing the appropriate insurance for your moped requires careful consideration of the moped's value, mileage, and desired protection. In the UK, there are three main options.
Third-Party Only Insurance
Third Party Only insurance is the most basic insurance and is all that is legally required to ride on UK roads. It covers claims for third-party injury or property damage you caused while riding your moped.
This option is cost effective and appropriate for older, less valuable mopeds as repairs may not be worth the cost of insurance. Although the cheapest option, it still does not provide coverage for your moped when it gets damaged in an accident or collision.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance
This type of policy provides extra protection compared to third-party cover. It not only compensates for third-party claims but also provides coverage if your moped is stolen or damaged by fire.
Third-party, fire and theft is a more suitable choice for riders who want more security, especially in busy cities where moped theft is more common.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive moped insurance offers the highest level of protection. It includes third-party cover, fire and theft protection, accidental damage to your vehicle, breakdown, and sometimes personal injuries.
This cover is often purchased by owners of newer, more expensive mopeds or daily commuters who rely on their vehicle regularly. Be clear that a comprehensive policy is the most expensive option too.
Which Cover Should I Choose?
The best cover depends first on your needs and then on the budget. It's true that comprehensive insurance is usually costlier, but it will also protect you from unexpected repair costs, theft, or accidents. Consider the value of your moped, daily commute, and your financial situation before choosing a policy.
What does standard moped insurance cover?
The exact protection depends on the policy level and insurer. However, standard moped insurance may include:
Third-party liability
At least the minimum coverage level that legally allows you to ride a moped on public roads. It means injuries or damage caused to others are compensated.
Fire damage
Both third-party, fire and theft as well as comprehensive policy covers the damage to your two wheelers due to fire.
Theft protection
Same TPFT and comprehensive insurance also pay to repair or replace your moped if it is stolen. However, the actual amount depends on the policy's terms and excess.
Vandalism
Damage caused during an attempted theft or deliberate damage is generally included in most policies, but this is not an ultimate rule.
Accidental damage
Annual moped insurance may cover damage to your own moped, even after an at-fault accident.
Legal assistance
Comprehensive policies provide cover for certain legal expenses, up to a specified amount. You can also add it as an extra with third-party only or TPFT.
Optional extras
Breakdown recovery, helmet and clothing cover, personal accident cover, key cover, and European cover may be included or offered for an additional cost.
How much is moped insurance?
The cost of moped insurance in the UK can vary significantly between riders, so there is no single average price that applies to everyone. Insurers calculate premiums based on the level of risk associated with each individual rider, their vehicle, and how the moped is used.
Your premium may depend on:
- Rider's age, licence type, and riding experience.
- Location and postcode, including local traffic and theft risk.
- Moped type, value, engine size, and performance.
- Annual mileage and whether you ride occasionally or daily.
- Main use, such as social riding, commuting, or delivery work.
- Overnight storage, including a garage, driveway, or street.
- Security devices, such as an approved alarm, lock, or tracker.
- No-claims discount and previous driving history, including claims or convictions.
- Policy excess—the amount you pay towards a claim.
- Level of cover, such as third-party only or comprehensive.
- Any modifications made to the moped.
To get an accurate price, provide honest details and compare quotes based on cover, exclusions, and excess—not price alone.
Essential Optional Extras (Add-ons to Consider)
Standard insurance offers the basics, but complete peace of mind often requires a little customisation. Optional extras, or add-ons, give you the flexibility to tailor the policy according to your individual needs.
Legal Expenses Cover
If you aren't at fault in an accident, this add-on helps cover legal expenses to recover your uninsured losses, which can include your policy excess, loss of earnings, and vehicle hire charges.
Helmet and Leathers Cover
Expensive safety gear can be damaged in an accident and this add-on covers the cost to replace your helmet, leathers, boots, and gloves.
Breakdown Cover
Breakdown cover ensures you receive roadside assistance and either recovery to a garage or Help at Home if your moped can't be repaired at the spot.
Personal Accident Cover
This add-on will provide tax free lump sum compensation for certain severe moped related injuries and permanent disability.
Key Cover
This add-on will offset the cost of replacing and reprogramming locks and keys if yours get lost or stolen.
Pillion Cover
This add-on is vital if you intend to carry a passenger. Standard policies generally do not cover passengers, so you must purchase this add-on to legally carry a pillion.
Wrong Fuel Cover
Wrong fuel cover compensates the cost of draining, flushing, and repairing your moped if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in it.
Moped Insurance for Young and Learner Riders
For many teens, it's an exciting experience to be able to ride legally to school and the shops on their first moped at 16. It's vital to get familiar with the legal requirements for junior riders to stay safe.
Licence and CBT
Learners generally need:
- A provisional moped licence.
- A CBT, or Compulsory Basic Training, certificate.
- L plates in England, Scotland and Wales when riding with provisional entitlement.
- D plates in Wales, which may also be used.
- Appropriate insurance before riding on public roads.
According to the Highway Code, a learning moped rider must be at least 16, hold a provisional moped licence, and have a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate in order to ride legally.
Note that CBT certificates are not valid forever; they expire after two years. You have to double-check the expiry date on your certificate to avoid an illegal ride. In the unfortunate event that the CBT expires and you have not completed the full moped licence, you will have to retake the CBT to legally ride.
Restrictions
There are some restrictions with learner bike insurance that you must comply with:
- Learners are not allowed to ride on motorways.
- Learners must not ride with passengers.
- Learners must have a riding supervisor unless they have completed their CBT.
- Always display L plates. (or D plates in Wales.)
Insurance considerations
Parents or guardians should not take out insurance for the moped in their name. The insurance must be based on the correct primary rider. Policies must accurately identify the main rider. 'Fronting ' is illegal and can result in the policy being cancelled and the moped being seized.
Electric Moped Insurance
Electric mopeds are not automatically exempt from insurance simply because they use a battery instead of petrol. If a moped is road legal and is used on public roads, it requires insurance, at a minimum of third party.
What does Electric Moped Insurance Cover?
- Battery theft or accidental battery damage.
- Charging cables and other charging equipment.
- Fire damage.
- Accidental damage to the moped.
- Water damage, if specifically included.
- Replacement parts following an insured incident.
- Personal belongings damaged or stolen during a covered event.
- Recovery if the battery fails or runs flat.
Battery cover can vary substantially. Check whether the battery is leased, owned, or if you need a separate policy for it and whether the battery can be charged at home or in public.
Privately owned electric scooters that are not road legal must not be ridden on the road, on the sidewalk, or even on the bike lane. They should not be treated as equivalent to safe and legal electric mopeds.
Specialised Insurance Categories
There are some circumstances under which the usage of your moped, or indeed the moped itself, falls outside of the conventional insurance brackets. To ensure you are protected, these circumstances require you to consider alternative insurance for scooter uk.
1- Delivery and Courier Cover (Hire & Reward)
If you use your moped to deliver hot food, groceries, or parcels for payment, standard social or commuting insurance policies will not cover you. This is because carrying goods for money is legally defined as 'Hire and Reward' (H&R).
If you do not have 'Hire and Reward' and are involved in a delivery accident, your insurer can cancel your policy leaving you not only uninsured, but also legally liable for payment of damages and at risk of prosecution for driving without proper protection.
| Feature | Class 1 Business | Hire and Reward (H&R) |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Using your moped to travel between different workplaces (e.g., attending meetings at different sites). | Using your moped as the primary tool to deliver goods (food, parcels) for payment. |
| Passenger/Goods | You can carry work documents, but not goods for delivery. | You are specifically carrying goods belonging to others for money. |
| Risk Level | Lower risk; infrequent business travel. | Higher risk; frequent stops, time pressure, and urban riding. |
| Who Needs It? | Sales representatives, care workers. | Food delivery riders (e.g., Deliveroo, Uber Eats), courier riders. |
Which type of insurance is perfect for Delivery and Courier?
The only legal way to transport goods for a fee is to have 'Hire & Reward' insurance. Most riders choose a combined insurance policy that covers Social, Domestic & Pleasure (SD&P) use, commuting and H&R.
Classic & Vintage Mopeds Insurance
In the UK, classic and vintage mopeds are highly sought after. Buying a classic Vespa, Lambretta or early Super Cub is more than just transportation; it is a passion. Most classic models require specialised moped insurance that recognises their unique value, limited mileage, and enthusiast ownership.
| Feature | Agreed Value Policy | Market Value Policy |
|---|---|---|
| How Value is Set? | The policy buyer and the insurance company agree to a fixed moped value in the start of the policy based on independent valuations. | The insurer will determine the value of the moped just before the accident, based on the age, condition, and current listings. |
| Payout After Total Loss | Policy buyers get the agreed upon fixed amount irrespective of any changes to market conditions. | The insurer will pay the current market value, which may be less than the value of the bike and the amount it cost you to restore it. |
| Suitability | Appropriate for restored, modified, or classic mopeds, for which the true value could exceed the basic market value. | Suitable for common, newer mopeds where depreciation is a factor. |
| Benefit | Allows the policyholder to know the exact amount they are receiving to cover their restoration costs. | You will get cheap motorbike insurance; however, it does expose the policy holder to a substantial financial risk. |
3- Temporary Moped Insurance
Temporary moped insurance provides short-term cover for riders who need to legally use a moped without committing to a full annual policy. It is designed for flexible situations where cover is only required for a few hours, days, weeks, or months.
Who may need temporary bike insurance?
- Borrowing someone else's moped for a short trip or holiday
- Riding a replacement moped while yours is being repaired
- Testing a moped before committing to purchase
- Seasonal riders who only use their moped during warmer months
- New riders awaiting longer-term insurance arrangements
- Sellers who need cover while the moped is still on the road during sale
- Riders with an immediate insurance gap between policies
Motorcycle insurance temporary provides many of the same essential protections as standard annual or monthly policies, depending on the provider and level of cover selected. You can also consider it for 125 motorbike insurance.
Cheapest mobility scooter insurance UK is not a legal requirement. However, it must only be used by the disabled person on the pavement or designated paths.
Top 5 Moped Insurance Companies in the UK
- Lexham Insurance
- Bennetts
- Bikesure
- Devitt Insurance
- Carole Nash
Ways to Reduce Moped Insurance Costs
Compare quotes
Check specialist motorcycle insurers and comparison websites, as the quotes and the cover can vary a lot if you properly carry out a motorbike insurance comparison.
Buy early
Get your insurance well before your start date instead of waiting until the last minute when prices usually skyrocket.
Reduce mileage
Declare a lower but realistic annual mileage if you genuinely ride less. Never underestimate it, or your coverage may be voided.
Improve storage
Keep your scooter in a locked garage or shed instead of leaving it on the street.
Use approved security
Approved security features like an alarm, immobiliser, disc lock or chain, or even a ground anchor decrease the risk of theft and may help you find cheap moped insurance.
Choose a manageable excess
A higher voluntary deductible can lower the price, but choose carefully as you'll have to pay that in the event of a claim.
Opt for short-term coverage
If you only need to ride a moped for a couple of days or weeks, temp motorbike insurance would be the best option to save money.
Remove extras
Cancel optional features you do not actually use. However, be sure what protection you lose.
Pay annually
Monthly instalments have additional interest or finance charges, making annual payment cheaper overall.
Avoid modifications
Performance exhausts and engine changes will increase the price and must be declared.
Consider training
Take an insurer-approved advanced riding course. It will not only help you drive safely but also qualify you for an insurance price discount.
Review renewal
Compare prices every year instead of accepting the renewal moped insurance quote automatically.
Note: Do not provide false information or reduce your level of cover (e.g., switching from Comprehensive to Third Party Only) just to get a lower price. This will invalidate your insurance, and you may end up covering the costs of repairs yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insure a moped without CBT?
Yes, you can buy a policy, but it would not be valid for riding until you complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Most insurance companies require a valid CBT certificate to activate the coverage.
Can I ride a moped on a car licence?
It depends on the date of your driving test. If you took your test before February 1, 2001, you may ride a 50cc moped without L plates. If you took your test after that date, you must complete the CBT first.
How can I cancel insurance if I stop riding for winter?
You can contact your insurance company to cancel your policy, but you may be charged a cancellation fee. Some insurance companies offer a 'laid-up' or 'SORN' policy, where road risk policy is suspended, and fire and theft coverage is retained.
Can someone else ride my insured moped?
Only if they're named as riders on the policy; it is a very serious legal offence to let someone ride without the correct insurance. For convenience, you can get multi bike insurance to cover the second moped for a family member.
Can I get 50cc moped insurance on a provisional licence?
You can ride a 50cc moped as long as you have a provisional licence, a valid CBT and appropriate insurance. Nonetheless, you have to follow learners' restrictions and display L plates on the roads.
Is pillion passenger cover included by default?
A standard moped insurance policy is likely to only insure the rider. You need to add optional extras for a little more money so that your passengers remain legally protected.
How does modifying my exhaust or engine affect my insurance validity?
You must tell your insurer about any modifications before you use them. Omitting to tell insurers about modifications results in invalid insurance and a potentially rejected claim.
What happens if my moped is written off?
The insurer may declare it a total loss when repairs cost more than its value. Usually, the comprehensive policy market value, minus any policy excess.
