A motorcycle breakdown is a different experience from breaking down in a car. You’re more exposed, your options are more limited, and standard policies might not cover you.
That’s where dedicated motorcycle breakdown cover comes in.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what motorcycle breakdown cover actually includes, why two-wheelers need their own protection, and why frequent riders, in particular, should be thinking about cover.
What is motorcycle breakdown cover?
Motorcycle breakdown cover is a type of roadside assistance designed for bikes, mopeds, and scooters. It covers you when your motorcycle breaks down at the roadside, at home, or while travelling further afield, and is separate from the breakdown cover that car owners may take out.
Why two-wheelers need specialist breakdown cover
Standard car breakdown policies, including those bundled with car insurance, might not include motorcycles by default. This is because there can be challenges associated with recovering a motorcycle that some car breakdown policies and technicians simply aren’t equipped to handle.
Motorcycles often require specialist recovery equipment and trained technicians who understand them. A flatbed or standard tow won’t always work, and the bike needs to be secured correctly to avoid damage during transport.
There’s also a safety element. A broken-down car might give you some shelter if it has stopped in a safe area, but a broken-down motorcycle can leave you exposed at the roadside.
What does motorcycle breakdown cover include?
Cover varies between providers, but motorcycle breakdown policies typically can include:
- Roadside assistance from trained technicians, available 24/7
- Recovery to a local garage if the motorcycle can’t be fixed at the roadside
- Cover at home, for when the motorcycle won’t start on your own driveway or residential street
- National recovery to any UK destination if the motorcycle can’t be repaired locally the same day
- Onward travel arrangements, including alternative transport or accommodation if you’re stranded
What separates motorcycle-specific cover from a generic policy is how recovery is handled. Proper motorcycle breakdown cover makes sure your bike is transported safely with the right equipment.
Is motorcycle breakdown cover worth it?
The answer will depend on how you use your motorcycle.
If your motorcycle is your primary way of getting around and you often use it for commuting, running errands, and socialising, then motorcycle breakdown cover could be a wise decision.
If you ride mainly on weekends or for fun, it’s still worth considering, as a single tow from a recovery truck to a garage may end up costing more than an annual policy – and you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of being stranded.
Riders who cover short, infrequent distances and have good mechanical knowledge may feel less reliant on cover, but whether motorcycle breakdown cover is worthwhile will come down to the individual.
The motorcycle commuting essentials
Checking the status of your insurance and breakdown cover can give you peace of mind before your next ride. Consider reviewing the following:
- Confirm you have breakdown cover in place, and that it includes your specific bike and bike type, such as a scooter or moped
- Save your provider’s number as a contact, and download their app if they have one
- Check the policy covers your route, especially if it crosses into different regions or includes motorways
- Know whether your cover includes onward travel, recovery to a garage, or help in arranging alternative transport and accommodation
- Carrying a basic toolkit including a tyre pressure gauge, sealant, and a phone charger can take the stress out of a breakdown
- Check tyre conditions and chain tension every week to reduce the chance of a preventable breakdown
Optional add-ons worth considering
Depending on the provider you choose for your breakdown policy, you may be able to build out your cover with extras, such as:
- European cover: You may consider this essential if you take your bike across the Channel. Age limits might apply, so check the small print.
- Multi-vehicle cover: This type of coverage could allow you to cover your bike alongside a car or van on a single policy, which can be simpler to manage and offer more value for money.
- Business use cover: if you use your bike for deliveries, courier work, or other business purposes, you may need to explore specific cover.
- Cover at home: Some policies only activate after you’ve left home. This add-on closes that gap for bikes that fail to start before you’ve even begun your journey.
How to sign up for motorcycle breakdown cover or add a motorcycle to your existing policy
If you’re taking out a standalone policy, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor cover to your specific bike and how you plan to use it.
Alternatively, some providers offer multi-vehicle policies that bring bikes, cars, and vans under one policy – so it’s worth checking if you already have car cover in place.
It’s important to remember that adding a new vehicle to a policy isn’t automatic, and you need to list your motorcycle correctly, as different types of bikes will have separate profiles and options.
Before choosing a policy, check what’s included, whether it covers your type of motorcycle, and what level of recovery support is available if you break down.