Compare 125cc Bike Insurance Quotes

You need 125cc motorbike insurance because it’s a legal requirement to ride on UK roads — even with a provisional licence and CBT. But legality aside, it also protects you financially if something goes wrong.

A 125cc motorbike is often a stepping stone — the first bike many riders use to build confidence, learn the roads, and get a taste of freedom. But even smaller bikes can be involved in accidents, stolen from outside your home, or damaged beyond repair. That’s where insurance comes in. It doesn’t just satisfy the law — it helps shield you from unexpected costs that could otherwise wipe out your savings.

Most riders start with third party cover, which meets the minimum legal standard. It covers damage or injury caused to others but won’t protect your bike. It’s basic, and for a 125cc machine, often the cheapest. But if your bike has any value — or if you’re riding in busy areas — you may want to look at Third Party, Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive, which includes cover for your own bike too.

And here’s something many new riders don’t realise: even if you’re parking up in a sleepy village or just popping to work, the risk is still there. A minor bump, vandalism, or an uninsured driver could leave you footing the bill unless your cover matches your use case.

If you’re riding on L-plates with a CBT, insurance is mandatory. But even after you pass your test, it’s not something to drop — if anything, upgrading cover becomes more important as your riding habits evolve.

Even the best motorbike insurance policies come with exclusions. Knowing what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is — so you’re not caught off guard if you need to claim.

One of the most common misunderstandings among 125cc riders — especially newer ones — is assuming “comprehensive” means everything is covered. It doesn’t. Comprehensive policies vary between insurers, and certain events or situations are typically excluded across the board.

Here are some of the most common exclusions:

• Riding without a valid licence or CBT – If you haven’t met the legal requirements for riding a 125cc, your cover may be invalid altogether.
• Using the bike for business or courier work – Standard policies usually only cover social, domestic, or commuting use. Delivery riding often requires specialist courier or food delivery insurance.
• Modifications not declared – If you’ve added aftermarket parts or performance upgrades and didn’t tell your insurer, any claim could be rejected.
• Wear and tear or mechanical failure – Insurance isn’t a substitute for maintenance. Issues like worn tyres or engine failure typically aren’t covered.
• Racing, stunts, or track days – These are considered high-risk and are almost always excluded from standard policies.
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs – Any claim made under these circumstances is likely to be declined.

It’s also worth checking whether add-ons like pillion passenger cover or helmet and leathers protection are included automatically — often they’re not. And if you lend your bike to a friend who’s not on the policy? You could be personally liable for any damage or injury.

Always read the policy wording carefully. Exclusions aren’t just legal boilerplate — they’re the rules that define whether your insurance will help when you need it most.