Updated April 2026

Compare Motorcycle Insurance in Australia

Compare estimates from Australian motorcycle insurance providers side-by-side. Find cover for your road bike, cruiser, sports bike, or adventure tourer. 100% free.

Last reviewed: 5 April 2026
Highest Rated Featured Provider

Swann Insurance

4.2 / 5

One of Australia's best-known motorcycle insurance specialists, Swann has been covering riders for decades. Known for tailored policies and strong claims support - get a quote below.

Also compare
$400-$1,200
Avg. comprehensive premium/yr
CTP Required
Compulsory Third Party is mandatory
Up to 65%
No-claims bonus discount
~870,000
Registered motorcycles in Australia

What is Motorcycle Insurance?

How motorcycle insurance works in Australia and why every rider should have cover beyond CTP.

Motorcycle insurance protects you financially if your bike is damaged, stolen, or if you cause damage to someone else's property. While CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance is mandatory for all registered motorcycles in Australia, CTP only covers personal injury to other road users. It does not cover damage to your motorcycle, your riding gear, or other people's vehicles and property.

Without additional motorcycle insurance, you carry full financial responsibility for any property damage arising from an accident. A single at-fault collision could leave you with repair bills running into tens of thousands of dollars. For information on your obligations as a policyholder, see MoneySmart's car insurance guide, which also applies to motorcycles.

Riders face distinct risks compared to car drivers. Motorcycles are frequently targeted by thieves, are more exposed to weather and road hazards, and riders are statistically at greater risk of being involved in an accident. A full set of quality riding gear - helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves - can easily cost $2,000 to $6,000+, and many comprehensive policies provide gear cover.

When selecting comprehensive cover, you will generally choose between agreed value and market value. Agreed value fixes a payout amount at the start of the policy, which is especially useful for modified or rare bikes. Market value means the insurer pays what the bike is worth at the time of a claim.

For general guidance on insurance products in Australia, visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website.

Important: Motorcycles are among the most stolen vehicles in Australia. Even a basic Third Party Fire & Theft policy (from around $250/year) guards against theft while also covering damage you cause to other people's property.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance in Australia

Three main levels of voluntary motorcycle insurance are available to Australian riders, in addition to mandatory CTP.

Third Party Property Damage

From ~$150-$350/yr

Covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property. Your own bike is not covered for any damage, theft, or fire.

Third-party property damage
Your motorcycle - accidents
Your motorcycle - theft
Your motorcycle - fire
Riding gear cover
Most affordable voluntary option

Third Party, Fire & Theft

From ~$250-$550/yr

Adds protection for your bike if stolen or damaged by fire, on top of third party property cover. A popular mid-range choice.

Third-party property damage
Your motorcycle - accidents
Your motorcycle - theft
Your motorcycle - fire
Riding gear cover
Suited to mid-value bikes

Top Australian Motorcycle Insurance Providers

A detailed look at the most widely used motorcycle insurance providers across Australia.

Swann Insurance

Swann Insurance is one of Australia's leading motorcycle insurance specialists. They offer tailored policies with riding gear cover, agreed value options, and new bike replacement for comprehensive policyholders.

Motorcycle specialist
Riding gear cover included
Agreed value available
New bike replacement benefit
Shannons Insurance

Shannons is a well-known Australian insurer for motoring enthusiasts. They cover a wide range of motorcycles including classic, vintage, and performance bikes, with agreed value as standard on comprehensive policies.

Enthusiast-focused insurer
Agreed value as standard
Classic bikes covered
Multi-vehicle discount
QBE Insurance

QBE provides motorcycle insurance with comprehensive, third party fire and theft, and third party property damage options. Known for competitive pricing and flexible excess structures.

Competitive pricing
Flexible excess options
Agreed or market value
Multi-policy discount
AAMI

AAMI is one of Australia's most recognised insurance brands. Their motorcycle insurance includes a no-claims bonus discount, multi-policy savings, and an easy online claims process.

Well-known Australian brand
No-claims bonus discount
Multi-policy discount
24/7 claims line
Allianz

Allianz offers motorcycle cover with all three levels of protection. They provide agreed value on comprehensive policies and cover for accessories and riding gear up to nominated limits.

Agreed value available
Accessories cover
Riding gear cover
NCB protection option
Youi

Youi uses a personalised pricing model that factors in how you ride and store your motorcycle. This approach can reward low-risk riders with lower premiums.

Personalised pricing
Riding habits considered
Agreed or market value
Flexible cover options
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How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance

The best policy for you depends on your bike, how you ride, and the level of financial risk you are comfortable with.

🏍️ New or High-Value Bike

  • Comprehensive cover is typically the most appropriate choice
  • Agreed value provides certainty about the payout if the bike is a total loss
  • Check whether riding gear cover is included or available as an extra
  • If you are still paying off finance, the lender will likely require comprehensive

🔧 Older or Budget Bike

  • If comprehensive premiums exceed 10 - 15% of the bike's value, TPFT may be more practical
  • Third Party Fire & Theft guards against theft while covering third-party property damage
  • Think about whether you could afford to replace the bike without insurance
  • Even basic third party property damage cover protects against liability

🌤️ Weekend or Seasonal Rider

  • Some insurers provide limited-use or low-mileage discounts for occasional riders
  • Comprehensive cover may still be worthwhile for a bike stored for extended periods
  • Keeping the bike in a locked garage can reduce premiums noticeably
  • Ask about lay-up cover options if the bike is off the road for part of the year

Premium cost - get estimates from at least 3 - 4 providers. Motorcycle insurance prices can vary substantially between insurers.
Excess amount - check the standard excess plus any age-related or voluntary excess. Under-25 rider excess can be significant.
Agreed vs market value - especially important for modified, rare, or imported motorcycles.
Riding gear cover - check whether helmets, jackets, boots, and gloves are covered and up to what limit.
Exclusions - read the PDS for exclusions relating to track days, pillion passengers, and modifications.
Claims process - can you lodge claims online? Check CHOICE for satisfaction ratings.
No-claims bonus - does the insurer offer NCB protection? Can you transfer NCB from another provider or vehicle?

Australian Motorcycle Insurance Providers Compared

A side-by-side comparison of providers offering motorcycle insurance in Australia.

Provider Cover Types Online Quotes Best For
Swann Insurance Comp, TPFT, TP Motorcycle specialist
Shannons Comp, TPFT Enthusiast bikes
QBE Comp, TPFT, TP Competitive pricing
AAMI Comp, TPFT, TP All-rounder
Allianz Comp, TPFT, TP Multi-policy
Youi Comp, TPFT, TP Personalised pricing

Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with the provider before purchasing. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

A breakdown of what each level of motorcycle insurance typically includes in Australia.

Feature Third Party TPFT Comprehensive
Damage to other people's property
Theft of your motorcycle
Fire damage to your motorcycle
Accidental damage to your motorcycle
Storm & natural disaster damage
Vandalism
Riding gear cover Some policies
Accessories & modifications If declared

Common Exclusions

What motorcycle insurance typically does not cover in Australia.

🏁 Racing & Track Days

Almost all standard policies exclude racing, competition, and track day use. Certain providers sell separate track day cover as an optional extra. Always confirm before heading to the circuit.

🚳 Unlicensed Riding

Claims will be declined if the rider does not hold a valid motorcycle licence for the class of bike, or if a learner or provisional rider breaches their licence conditions, including LAMS restrictions.

🔧 Undisclosed Modifications

Aftermarket changes such as exhaust systems, engine tuning, or suspension upgrades that have not been disclosed to the insurer may void your cover. Always inform your insurer of modifications when purchasing or renewing.

🍺 Impaired Riding

Riding while affected by alcohol or drugs will void your cover. If your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit at the time of an incident, your claim will almost certainly be refused.

⚙️ Mechanical & Electrical Breakdown

Insurance does not cover mechanical or electrical failures. Wear and tear is also excluded. Extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance is available separately for these situations.

🏔️ Off-Road Use (Some Policies)

Certain policies do not cover off-road riding unless the motorcycle is registered for both on-road and off-road use. Review your PDS if you regularly ride trails, fire roads, or unsealed surfaces.

What Affects Your Motorcycle Insurance Premium

The primary factors Australian insurers use when calculating your premium.

🏍️

Bike Type & Engine Size

Sports bikes and high-powered machines attract higher premiums due to elevated accident statistics. A 1000cc supersport can cost 2 - 3 times more to insure than a 300cc commuter. LAMS-approved bikes are typically the cheapest to cover.

👤

Your Age & Experience

Riders under 25 pay considerably more. Holding a full licence for several years with a claims-free record leads to significantly lower premiums.

📍

Location

Metro areas like Sydney and Melbourne attract higher premiums due to increased theft and accident rates. Regional and rural areas may offer lower premiums, though this varies by postcode.

🔒

Security

Storing your bike in a locked garage, using disc locks or chains, fitting an alarm, or installing a GPS tracker can all help lower your premium. How and where you park your bike overnight matters significantly.

No-Claims Bonus

Most Australian insurers offer up to 60 - 65% discount after 5+ claim-free years. A single at-fault claim can reset your discount, although NCB protection may be available for an extra cost.

🛣️

Usage & Mileage

Daily commuters generally pay more than weekend-only riders. Some insurers provide limited-use discounts if you ride below a set number of kilometres each year.

Motorcycle Insurance Cost Guide 2026

Indicative annual comprehensive premiums by motorcycle type for a rider aged 30 - 50 with a clean record in Australia.

Commuter / Naked (LAMS)
$400-$750
$400-$750/yr
Cruiser / Tourer
$450-$900
$450-$900/yr
Adventure / Dual Sport
$500-$1,000
$500-$1,000/yr
Sports / Supersport
$1,000-$3,000
$1,000-$3,000/yr
Young Rider (Under 25)
$1,500-$4,000+
$1,500-$4,000+/yr

Disclaimer: These figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available data and general market observations as of early 2026. Actual premiums will vary depending on your specific circumstances. These are not quotes.

How to Save on Motorcycle Insurance

Practical approaches to reducing your motorcycle insurance premium in Australia.

1

Compare Multiple Estimates

Premiums differ significantly between providers. Collecting 3 - 4 estimates takes only a few minutes and could save you hundreds per year.

2

Increase Your Excess

Opting for a higher voluntary excess brings down your premium. Just make sure you can comfortably cover the excess if you need to claim.

3

Invest in Security

Disc locks, heavy-duty chains, alarms, and GPS trackers can all reduce your premium. Storing the bike in a locked garage helps even more.

4

Pay Annually

Monthly payments usually include fees and interest that add 5 - 10% to the total cost. Paying upfront for the full year saves money.

5

Protect Your No-Claims Bonus

A discount of up to 65% is available after 5+ claim-free years. Think carefully about whether small claims are worth the impact on your NCB.

6

Bundle Your Policies

Many Australian insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you hold motorcycle, car, home, or contents insurance together.

7

Limit Named Riders

Restricting your policy to named riders only (rather than any rider) can reduce your premium, especially if all listed riders are over 25.

8

Choose the Right Cover Level

If your bike is worth under $3,000, Third Party Fire & Theft may be a more cost-effective option than comprehensive cover.

Switching & Renewal

How to switch motorcycle insurance providers and what to review at renewal time.

Get New Estimates

Begin comparing estimates from other providers 2 - 4 weeks before your renewal date. Have your current policy details on hand for accurate comparisons.

Compare Like-for-Like

Make sure you are comparing the same level of cover, excess amounts, and agreed/market value. Check that riding gear cover and accessories are included if you require them.

Set Up New Policy

Arrange the new policy to start on the same day your current one expires. Avoid any gap in cover - even a single day uninsured is a risk.

Cancel Old Policy

Contact your current insurer to cancel. Most policies can be cancelled at any time without penalty. Confirm your no-claims bonus transfer in writing.

How to Make a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

Steps to follow if you need to lodge a claim on your motorcycle insurance.

1

Ensure Safety

Move to a safe location. Call 000 if anyone is injured or if there is a dangerous situation. For non-emergencies, contact police through your local station or Policelink.

2

Document Everything

Photograph all damage, the scene, and any other vehicles involved. Collect contact and insurance details from all other parties.

3

Contact Your Insurer

Lodge your claim as soon as possible. Most insurers provide 24/7 claims lines and online claim forms for convenience.

4

Assessment

An assessor will inspect the damage. Your insurer will let you know whether the bike will be repaired or declared a total loss.

5

Resolution

Once the claim is approved, repairs are arranged or a payout is made. You pay your excess. Keep records of all communications with your insurer.

Australian Motorcycle Insurance Information

Key factors that shape motorcycle insurance across Australia's states and territories.

Understanding Your Product Disclosure Statement

What to review in your motorcycle insurance PDS before committing to a policy.

What's Covered

The PDS sets out exactly which events and types of damage are covered. For motorcycle insurance, confirm whether riding gear, accessories, and pillion-related incidents are included.

What's Excluded

Look for exclusions specific to motorcycles: track days, racing, off-road use, unlicensed riders, and undisclosed modifications are common items to check carefully.

Excess Amounts

Review the standard excess, any age-related excess (under 25), the voluntary excess you have selected, and whether natural disaster claims carry a separate excess amount.

Claims Process

The PDS outlines how to lodge a claim, the timeframes involved, and what documentation you will need. Familiarising yourself with this before you need it saves time during a stressful situation. For dispute resolution, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles insurance complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motorcycle insurance in Australia.

Is motorcycle insurance compulsory in Australia?
CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance is mandatory for all registered motorcycles. CTP covers personal injury to other road users. However, comprehensive, third party property damage, and third party fire and theft insurance are all voluntary. Without voluntary cover, you are liable for damage to your own bike and other people's property.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost in Australia?
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance typically costs $400 - $1,200 per year for a standard rider aged 30 - 50. Sports bikes and supersports can run $1,000 - $3,000+ because of higher accident risk. Cruisers and commuter bikes tend to sit between $400 and $900 per year. Young riders under 25 can expect $1,500 - $4,000+.
What types of motorcycle insurance are available?
Three main voluntary types: Third Party Property Damage (covers damage to others' property, from ~$150 - $350/yr), Third Party Fire & Theft (adds fire and theft cover for your bike, from ~$250 - $550/yr), and Comprehensive (full cover for your bike in accidents, from ~$400 - $1,200/yr). CTP is separate and compulsory.
What is CTP insurance and do I need it?
CTP (Compulsory Third Party) or green slip insurance is mandatory for all registered motorcycles. It covers personal injuries to other road users in an accident. The system is managed differently in each state. CTP does not cover property damage, your own bike, or your riding gear.
Are sports bikes more expensive to insure?
Yes, substantially. Sports and supersport bikes (e.g. 600cc - 1000cc+ sport bikes) typically cost 50 - 100% more to insure than equivalent cruisers or commuter bikes, reflecting their higher accident frequency and severity statistics.
Does motorcycle insurance cover my riding gear?
Some comprehensive policies include cover for riding gear (helmet, jacket, boots, gloves) - typically between $2,000 and $5,000. Not all policies include this as standard, so check your Product Disclosure Statement. Quality riding gear can cost $2,000 - $6,000+.
Am I covered if I lend my motorcycle to someone?
It depends on your policy terms. Some policies cover any licensed rider with your permission, while others only cover named riders. Unnamed riders may face a higher excess. Always review your policy wording and let your insurer know if another person regularly rides your bike.
Does motorcycle insurance cover track days?
In most cases, no. Standard motorcycle insurance policies exclude racing, track days, and competitive events. Some providers sell separate track day cover as an add-on. If you ride on a track, check your policy or speak to your insurer about specific options.
What is an agreed value policy?
Agreed value locks in a specific payout amount when you take out the policy. If your bike is stolen or written off, you receive the agreed amount minus your excess. This is especially valuable for modified, rare, or imported motorcycles where market value may not reflect the bike's actual worth.
How can I lower my motorcycle insurance premium?
Compare estimates from several providers, protect your no-claims bonus, increase your excess, install approved security devices, store the bike in a locked garage, restrict to named riders only, pay annually instead of monthly, and consider limiting your yearly mileage.
How does LAMS affect insurance?
The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) limits learner and provisional riders to lower-powered bikes. LAMS-approved motorcycles generally attract lower insurance premiums because of their reduced engine capacity and performance. Once you upgrade to a non-LAMS bike, expect higher premiums.
What happens if my motorcycle is written off?
You receive a payout of either the agreed value or market value (depending on your policy), minus your excess. The insurer typically takes ownership of the wreck. If you owe more on finance than the bike is worth, GAP insurance can cover that difference.

Glossary of Motorcycle Insurance Terms

Agreed Value
A set amount agreed between you and the insurer when you take out the policy. This is the amount paid if the bike is written off or stolen, minus excess.
Market Value
The estimated retail value of your motorcycle at the time of a claim, taking into account age, condition, and mileage.
Excess
The amount you pay out of pocket when making a claim. May include standard, voluntary, age-related, and natural disaster excess components.
No-Claims Bonus (NCB)
A discount on your premium earned for each year without an at-fault claim. Most Australian insurers offer up to 60 - 65% discount after 5+ claim-free years.
CTP (Compulsory Third Party)
Mandatory insurance covering personal injury to other road users. Managed by each state and territory government. Does not cover property damage.
Third Party Property Damage
Voluntary cover for damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property. Does not cover your own motorcycle.
Comprehensive
The most complete level of voluntary cover. Covers your motorcycle and third-party damage from accidents, theft, fire, storm, and more.
Riding Gear Cover
Cover for your helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. Typically included in comprehensive policies up to a set limit ($2,000 - $5,000).
PDS (Product Disclosure Statement)
The legal document from your insurer detailing exactly what is and is not covered, your obligations, and how to make a claim.
Write-Off
When the cost to repair the motorcycle exceeds its value (or a set proportion of its value). The insurer pays the agreed or market value instead of repairing.
LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme)
An Australian scheme restricting learner and provisional riders to motorcycles meeting specific power-to-weight ratio limits. LAMS bikes are generally cheaper to insure due to their lower performance.

Motorcycle Insurance by Brand

Find insurance information specific to your motorcycle's make. Compare cover options, popular models, and estimated premiums for every major brand sold in Australia.

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