Motorcycle Breakdown Cover

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Table Of Contents

What is motorcycle breakdown cover?

Motorcycle breakdown cover is a type of insurance that provides roadside assistance and support if your motorbike breaks down. It typically covers the cost to have a mechanic fix your bike on the side of the road. If the issue can’t be fixed quickly, the insurance will usually cover the cost of transporting you and your motorbike to the nearest garage for repair work.

What types of motorbike breakdown cover are there?

Motorcycle breakdown cover generally comes in two types. It either covers the rider or the motorbike. If the motorbike insurance covers you as the rider, you will be insured to ride any motorbike that meets the policy’s requirements. By comparison, insuring the motorbike specifically means anyone who rides the bike is covered. If you were to ride another bike, you won’t be insured unless you have personal cover, or the bike has vehicle insurance.

 

What does motorcycle breakdown cover typically include?

There are various types of cover you can get with motorcycle breakdown cover. This includes:

  • Roadside assistance: This usually the basic level of cover. It means a recovery vehicle and mechanic will come out to where you are and try to fix issue. If the mechanic can’t repair the bike, they will take you and your bike to a local garage for repairs.
  • Home start: You can call out a mechanic if you’re at home or near it and your motorbike won’t start.

What is excluded in motorbike breakdown cover?

Insurers expect you to take care of basic maintenance on your motorbike. This includes making sure your oil is topped up and the air pressure in your tyres is at a good level. Your motorbike insurance may not cover you if you break down for one of these reasons or because of other examples that show a lack of general upkeep.

Road accidents are also typically excluded from motorbike breakdown insurance. If you are involved in a traffic accident, the mechanic may not be able to reach you if there are emergency services at the scene.

If you breakdown on private land, the mechanic may not be able to reach you or may not be allowed to enter the private land. Alternatively, your provider may charge you extra for breakdown assistance if you’re on private land.

Do you legally need breakdown cover? Is it worth adding breakdown cover?

While it isn’t a legal requirement, motorcycle breakdown cover is a good idea if you ride regularly. It will give you peace of mind knowing that if you do breakdown when you’re out and about, you are covered for a mechanic to come out and repair your bike. If they can’t fix the issue, they will usually take you and the motorbike to the nearest garage. Motorcycle breakdown cover can also work out more affordable than calling a mechanic yourself.

 What happens if I break down with no cover?

You can still call out a mechanic or recovery vehicle if your motorbike breaks down. However, you may be charged extra for an emergency call-out, plus the cost of the repairs and recovery.

It’s quick and easy to get a motorcycle insurance quote from us to help you find the best motorcycle breakdown cover.

How much does motorcycle recovery cost on average?

This depends on various factors, including how comprehensive the cover is. If your insurance includes nationwide recovery and home start, it will cost more than basic roadside assistance.

The type and number of bikes your have insured will also impact the cost of motorbike insurance. Multi bike insurance will usually work out cheaper than insuring each bike individually. The older the bike is, the more expensive it will be to insure too. It also usually costs more to insure powerful motorbikes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Breakdown Cover

Does breakdown cover include running out of fuel?

This will depend on the policy. Some insurers will cover you if you run out of fuel, while others will consider it a basic maintenance requirement and won’t cover you.

Does motorcycle breakdown cover include punctures?

Yes, roadside assistance will usually help plug the puncture and send you on your way. However, it’s usually up to the rider to sort out a replacement tyre.

Is it worth adding breakdown cover?

Not only does motorcycle breakdown cover give you peace of mind, but it can also save you money. You can be sure that a mechanic will come out to help you, without the added charge of emergency call-out. If you prefer, you can get temporary bike insurance if you don’t ride regularly.  You can find the best motorcycle breakdown cover by comparing quotes on our website.

Does breakdown cover include clutch?

Yes, motorcycle insurance cover will insure you against issues such as clutch, engine problems and flat batteries.

Is it better to have a personal or vehicle breakdown cover?

It depends how often you ride other bikes or whether you only ride your bike. It’s advisable to get personal cover if you often ride other people’s bikes as this ensures you are covered, no matter the bike’s insurance status.

Can you get European motorcycle breakdown cover?

Yes, you can add European motorcycle breakdown cover to your UK policy to cover you if you ride in Europe. Alternatively, you can buy European motorcycle breakdown cover as a separate policy.