If your classic bike spends more time in the garage than on the road, your insurance premium needs to reflect it. Whether you ride a Triumph, Norton or BSA, reducing your insurance costs means weighing the potential savings against the protection you need.
At Abbeyfields, we’re specialist insurance brokers. We’ll discuss your bike and how you use it, then recommend a suitable policy. Specialist insurance can often work out cheaper, so it’s always worth comparing your options.
Choose a realistic mileage allowance
We can arrange limited-mileage discounts on classic motorcycle policies for annual mileage of up to 5,000 miles.
Before requesting a quote or renewing, check how far you’ve ridden over the past year. Then consider your plans, including rallies, weekend rides and longer trips. If you’ve used much less than your allowance, ask whether a lower limit would reduce your premium.
Leave yourself enough room to enjoy your bike. If your plans change, contact us before exceeding your policy’s limit so we can discuss an adjustment.
We don’t offer a no-claims bonus on our classic motorcycle policies. Your premium will be based on your bike’s age, value and annual mileage.
Check club and multi-vehicle discounts
We offer discounts for eligible enthusiast club members. Tell us which motorcycle club you belong to when requesting a quote. If you’re considering joining, check whether the insurance saving would outweigh the membership fee.
If you own other bikes or cars, we can arrange multi-bike or mixed-vehicle cover with one renewal date. Compare the combined premium and administration fees with the cost of separate policies, checking each vehicle’s cover, mileage allowance and excess.
Compare payment options and excesses
Alongside any discounts you might qualify for, you can also ask whether a higher voluntary excess would lower your quote. Where available, this means accepting a larger contribution towards a claim. Check the total applicable excess, including any compulsory amount. Only choose an increase you could afford, and weigh it against the actual premium saving.
Check your classic bike’s agreed value and cover
You can ask us to agree your classic bike’s value at no extra cost. For an insured total-loss claim, your settlement would be based on that agreed figure, less the applicable excess and subject to your policy’s terms.
Keep that valuation accurate, particularly after restoration work. Lowering it to chase a cheaper premium could leave you short following a loss. And check whether the quote includes cover for your accessories, spare parts, helmet and leathers, or whether you’d need to pay extra.
Consider laid-up cover for a stored classic bike
Declaring your bike SORN doesn’t insure it against theft or damage. If your bike isn’t going to be on the road for an extended period, perhaps during restoration, ask us about laid-up insurance.
Depending on the policy, laid-up cover can protect your stored motorcycle against fire, theft, storm and accidental damage. It excludes road use and third-party liability. You’ll need appropriate road cover before riding again.
If you’re storing it for winter, ask us whether switching to laid-up cover would save money. Any cancellation or amendment fees and the cost of arranging road cover again need to be included in that comparison.
Talk to us before your renewal
There’s no single saving that works for every classic bike. Your circumstances and the insurer’s terms will determine which changes make sense for you.
That’s where our experience in classic motorcycle insurance can help. Give us your expected mileage, storage details, club membership and information about your other vehicles. We’ll review your options and explain the costs alongside the cover, helping you find suitable cover at a competitive price.
Contact our team today to discuss your classic motorcycle insurance. We’ll help you choose a policy that supports your bike and your budget.
