Practical guide
Your motorcycle insurance, explained simply
The types of insurance, what it costs on average, what makes it more or less expensive and what you need to arrange it. And if you buy your motorcycle from us, we guide you so you ride away with your insurance in force.
Is it compulsory?
Yes. In Spain every motorcycle or moped must have at least compulsory civil liability insurance in place in order to be ridden. Riding without insurance carries penalties, and even if you do not use the motorcycle, it must remain insured for as long as it has not been temporarily deregistered with the DGT.
Types of motorcycle insurance
Choose according to the value of your motorcycle and the peace of mind you want:
Third-party
from ~€200/year
The compulsory cover: civil liability for the damage you cause to others. The most economical option.
- Compulsory civil liability
- Damage to third parties
- Basic legal defence
Extended third-party
average ~€320/year
The most popular choice. Adds the most useful day-to-day cover to the basics.
- Everything in third-party
- Theft and fire
- Glass cover and roadside assistance
- Legal defence
Comprehensive
from ~€450–550/year
Maximum protection. Also covers damage to your own motorcycle, even when you are at fault (usually with an excess).
- Everything in extended third-party
- Damage to your own motorcycle
- With or without an excess
Indicative market prices (Spanish average). The actual premium depends on your profile and the insurer.
How much does it cost?
The average price of motorcycle insurance in Spain is around €326 a year, although there are big differences between one level of cover and another. These are the factors with the greatest influence on your premium:
- Make, model, engine size and power
- Age and market value of the motorcycle
- Age and years of experience of the rider
- Claims history (no-claims bonus)
- Kilometres you ride per year
- Where you usually park (garage vs. street)
- Use: city, road or mixed
- Extra cover you add to the policy
What you need to arrange it
Arranging insurance is quick and nowadays it is done 100% online. Have to hand:
- The motorcycle details: registration number or VIN, make, model and year (registration certificate and technical inspection card).
- Your driving licence (A, A2, A1, AM or B depending on the motorcycle).
- Your personal details and an account or card for payment.
Tip: compare several insurers before signing and arrange the insurance before collecting the motorcycle, so you ride insured from day one.
Buying your motorcycle from MotoDirecta?
We help you ride away without complications: we guide you with the insurance, handle the ownership transfer and, if you need it, arrange finance tailored to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is motorcycle insurance compulsory in Spain?
Yes. Riding a motorcycle or moped without at least compulsory civil liability insurance is prohibited and can lead to penalties. Even a motorcycle that is not being ridden must be insured unless it has been temporarily deregistered with the DGT.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost on average?
The average price is around €326 a year, but it varies a lot: third-party insurance starts at about €200 a year, extended third-party averages around €320, and comprehensive cover (normally with an excess) can exceed €500 a year. The amount depends on the motorcycle, the rider and the cover.
What is the difference between third-party, extended third-party and comprehensive?
Third-party insurance covers the damage you cause to other people or vehicles (civil liability). Extended third-party adds cover such as theft, fire, glass, roadside assistance and legal defence. Comprehensive cover also includes damage to your own motorcycle even when the accident is your fault (often with an excess).
Which factors make insurance more or less expensive?
The make, model, engine size, power, age and value of the motorcycle; the rider’s age and experience; the claims history; the kilometres you ride per year; where you usually park; the type of use (city, road) and any extra cover you take out.
What do I need to take out insurance?
The motorcycle details (registration number or VIN, make, model and year, which appear on the registration certificate and technical inspection card), your driving licence and your personal and payment details. Nowadays it can be arranged 100% online in a few minutes.
Can I take out insurance before collecting the motorcycle?
Yes, and it is the recommended approach: the motorcycle must be insured from the moment it is yours and is going to be ridden. If you buy the motorcycle from us, we coordinate the handover so you leave with your insurance already in force.
