Five Questions About: Motorbike insurance

Is motorbike insurance like car cover but with fewer wheels?

As with car insurance, the age and gender of the driver and the make and model of the vehicle are the key factors in calculating the price. But motorbike policies are then underwritten on a more personalised basis to reflect the specific risks. Claims lines also tend to be run by fellow motorcyclists.

Will the premiums make my eyes pop?

If you're a young male with a powerful bike, expect to get clobbered in the same way as a young man driving a fast car. Some policies are designed for commuters on modest machines so, if you can lower your risk profile, you'll save a stack.

How else do I get a lower price?

Look for discounts for enhanced security – you can trim 10 per cent off the premium with Thatcham-approved immobilisers, ground anchors and locks. Ditto if you take an advanced rider course from the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the British Motorcyclists' Federation.

Do men and women pay the same?

According to MoneySupermarket, a fifth of new motorcyclists are women. As with car insurance, they've traditionally paid less. But from December 2012, thanks to an EU ruling, it will be illegal for insurers to discriminate on the basis of gender.

Where's the best place to buy?

Specialist brokers are a good bet. As well as covering road bikes, they quote for off-road machines, road-legal quad bikes, "classic" bikes over 10 years old and customised machines.

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