Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-06-12
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Did you know motocycles have a 6.79% accident rate per million km traveled in 2021, far exceeding cars (1.65%) and taxis (2.04%)? That’s why the right insurance is essential. Discover how it differs from car insurance, explore coverage types, and learn what impacts premiums—Bowtie has all the info for worry-free rides!
What is Motorcycle Insurance? Is it the same as car insurance?
According to the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance, all motor vehicle owners must purchase Car Insurance from an authorized insurance company to cover liability for bodily injury to third parties when using the vehicle. For example, if you have a traffic accident while driving, causing injury or property damage to other persons or entities (i.e., third parties), motor vehicle insurance can provide coverage.
Since motorcycles are considered a type of motor vehicle under the law, they also require motor vehicle insurance.
The differences and comparisons between motorcycle insurance and car insurance are as follows:
| Motorcycle Insurance🏍️ | Car Insurance 🚗 | |
| Type of Vehicle Covered | Motorcycle | Private Car |
| Price | Cheaper💰 | More Expensive💰💰 |
| Commercial Use | Option for commercial motorcycle insurance available | Private cars are generally not for commercial use, so no such options |
| Types of Insurance | Mainly focuses on Third Party Liability Insurance (Third Party Insurance) , with fewer options for comprehensive motor insurance | More comprehensive options for both Third Party Liability Insurance and comprehensive motor insurance |
| Insurance Company Choices | Fewer companies offer coverage, so limited choices | More companies offer coverage, so more choices available |
Different Types of Motorcycle Insurance and Their Coverage
Right now, you’ll find three main types of motorcycle insurance on the market: 3 of them, including ‘Third Party Only Insurance ( TPO )’, ‘Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance ( TPFT )’, and ‘Comprehensive Motor Insurance ( COMP )’. Here’s a quick comparison of what each one covers:
| Third Party Liability Insurance ( TPO ) | Third Party Insurance (Fire and Theft / TPFT ) |
Comprehensive Motor Insurance ( COMP ) | ||
| Coverage Scope | Accidents causing injury to third parties and damage to their property |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Loss of the vehicle due to traffic accidents, fire, or theft |
❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Loss due to accidental damage | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
It’s worth noting that Third Party Liability Insurance might include legal fees, depending on your specific insurer’s coverage.
As for Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance and Comprehensive Motor Insurance, they could also cover towing costs from accidents. To find out if your motorcycle insurance includes these protections, be sure to review your policy details.
Who Can Get Insured? Can Holders of Learner’s Permits or P-Plates Apply?
As long as you are 18 years old or above, regardless of whether you hold a learner’s permit (learning driving license), P-license (provisional driving license), or a full driving license, you can purchase motorcycle insurance.
Since the licensing system for motorcycles differs from that for private cars, motorcycle candidates only need to pass the compulsory test to apply for a learner’s permit and can then ride a motorcycle for practice under the learner’s permit restrictions without violating any rules. Therefore, individuals with a motorcycle learner’s permit can use it to insure their motorcycle.
7 Key Factors Affecting Motorcycle Insurance Premiums
Like other types of insurance, motorcycle insurance premiums can be influenced by various factors. Here are some common ones:
1. Policyholder’s Age and Driving Experience (License Tenure)
If the policyholder is younger or has less license tenure, the insurance company may require a higher premium.
2. No Claim Bonus (NCB or NCD)
Similar to other vehicle insurance, motorcycle insurance also offers a No Claim Bonus. If the policyholder hasn’t made any claims in the past period, they can receive a certain percentage discount.
For motorcycles, the maximum No Claim Bonus is only 30%, whereas for private cars, it can go up to 60%.
3. Vehicle Performance/Power
Generally, the better the vehicle’s performance or the higher its power, the more expensive the premium will be.
4. Vehicle Usage
Motorcycle insurance is divided into private and commercial use, with commercial use typically incurring higher premiums.
5. Excess
Excess means that if the policyholder needs to make a claim, they must cover a portion of the costs themselves, and the insurance company will only reimburse the amount after deducting the excess. The higher the excess, the cheaper the premium will be.
6. Policyholder’s Occupation
Insurance companies may consider certain occupations as high-risk, potentially leading to higher premiums or additional clauses, such as restrictions on driving during work hours.
7. Driving Record
If the policyholder has been involved in a Traffic Accident , made insurance claims, or had serious traffic violations in the period before applying, the insurance company may charge a higher premium.
Motorcycle insurance can protect you against injuries to third parties and damage to their property caused by accidents, or losses to your vehicle due to traffic accidents, fire, or theft, but it won’t compensate for your personal injuries .
Accidents can range from minor to severe; for minor injuries, Outpatient Treatment might suffice, and the treatment costs could still be manageable. But if things get serious and surgery is needed, Health Insurance or Accident Insurance can step in to provide coverage, so you won’t have to foot the bill yourself!
Bowtie VHIS offers coverage for surgery and outpatient treatment costs, ranging from HK$420,000 to HK$10 million annually. For example, a 30-year-old non-smoking man insuring with Bowtie VHIS Flexi Regular could get premiums as low as HK$200 per month.
Want more coverage for yourself?
What Factors to Compare for the Best Motorcycle Insurance?
When choosing motorcycle insurance, there are several factors to consider, such as:
- Premiums
- Coverage scope
- Types of insurance offered
- Your budget
- How easy it is to apply with the insurer
- The insurer’s efficiency in issuing policies
Suppose the vehicle and policyholder details are as follows:
Third Party Liability Insurance Price Comparison
Bowtie has selected 4 companies that offer instant online quotes for comparison:
|
|
Insurance Company A | Insurance Company B | Insurance Company C | Insurance Company D | |
| Premium (One Year) | HK$1,635 | HK$1,555 | HK$1,460 | HK$1,333 | |
| Coverage | Third Party Liability Insurance | Third Party Liability Insurance | Third Party Liability Insurance | Third Party Liability Insurance | |
| Sum Insured | Third Party Liability – Personal Injury and Death | HK$100 million | HK$100 million | HK$100 million | HK$100 million |
| Third Party Liability – Property Damage | HK$750,000 | HK$750,000 | HK$750,000 | HK$750,000 | |
| Excess | Third Party Property Damage | HK$3,000 | HK$0 | HK$5,000 | HK$0 |
| Unnamed Driver | HK$3,000 | HK$0 | HK$0 | HK$0 | |
| Inexperienced Driver (New License Holder) | HK$3,000 | HK$0 | HK$5,000 | HK$0 | |
| Young Driver | HK$3,000 | HK$0 | HK$5,000 | HK$0 | |
Third Party Insurance (Fire and Theft) and Comprehensive Motor Insurance
| Insurance Company A | |||
| Premium (One Year) | HK$5,147 | HK$7,311 | |
| Coverage | Third Party Insurance (Fire and Theft) |
Comprehensive Motor Insurance | |
| Sum Insured | Third Party Liability – Personal Injury | HK$100 million | HK$100 million |
| Third Party Liability – Property Damage | HK$750,000 | HK$750,000 | |
| Deductible | Third Party Property Damage | HK$3,000 | HK$3,000 |
| Unnamed Driver | HK$3,000 | HK$3,000 | |
| Inexperienced Driver (New License Holder) | HK$3,000 | HK$3,000 | |
| Young Driver | HK$3,000 | HK$3,000 | |
How Affordable Can Motorcycle Insurance Get?
Insurance company C states on its website that its motorcycle insurance price can be as low as HK$888; another insurance company also states on its website that its motorcycle insurance price can be as low as HK$899. However, motorcycle insurance prices depend on multiple factors, and to enjoy the lowest price, you might need to meet several conditions at once – it’s not always straightforward!
What Documents and Info Do You Need for Motorcycle Insurance Quotes?
When applying for motorcycle insurance, you’ll need to bring along the following documents:
- Hong Kong ID card
- Driving license of the named driver
- Vehicle registration document (commonly known as the vehicle log book)
- No-claims discount certificate (if applicable)
You’ll also need to declare details like the motorcycle’s intended use, your past driving record, and whether other named drivers will be registered for the vehicle.
If you’re just getting a quote, you generally only need to provide your personal details and information about the vehicle you’re insuring.
2 Things That Might Stop You from Getting Motorcycle Insurance
-
Poor Driving Record
If your driving record has been less than stellar in the time leading up to your application, you might find insurers turning you down flat – even if you’re willing to pay a higher premium.
-
Previously Declined or Cancelled Coverage
Generally, if you’ve been declined or had a policy cancelled in the past year, it could be tough to find new coverage. You might have to negotiate with insurers one by one to see if a heftier premium could sway them.
4 Situations That Could Void Your Motorcycle Insurance
1. Modifying Your Motorcycle
Hong Kong law has strict rules on vehicle modifications, and if you’ve altered your motorcycle without reporting it, you could not only break the law but also violate your insurance terms. Plus, mods can change the bike’s performance and value, potentially making your insurance invalid.
2. Not Disclosing Your Driving Record Accurately
When applying for motorcycle insurance, you must provide your driving record to the insurer honestly – skimping on the details could invalidate your policy.
3. Not Reporting the Vehicle’s Actual Use
If the real purpose of your motorcycle differs from what you declared – like saying it’s for personal use but then using it commercially – your policy might be voided.
4. Accidents Involving Excluded Risks or Liabilities
If an accident involves things like speeding, drunk driving, driving without a license, operating during a suspension, or carrying passengers with only a provisional license, these are typically excluded risks. Your policy could be void, and the insurer might not pay out – though they usually compensate third parties and then seek reimbursement from you.
FAQs About Motorcycle Insurance
1. Is third-party insurance or comprehensive insurance better?
Actually, Third Party Insurance or comprehensive insurance is better depending on your budget and needs—it’s not one-size-fits-all. Third-party insurance is cheaper than comprehensive, but with lower premiums, it offers less protection for your vehicle. For instance, if your motorcycle is unfortunately damaged by fire or stolen, third-party insurance won’t cover it, while comprehensive insurance would provide compensation.
If you’re on a tight budget and feel your vehicle doesn’t need extra coverage, or if it’s an older second-hand bike with lower value, third-party insurance might be the way to go.
On the flip side, if you’re worried about theft or other accidents, and you own a new or high-value motorcycle with the budget to match, comprehensive insurance could be the smarter choice.
2. What is a no-claims discount?
Just like with other auto insurance, motorcycle insurance includes a no-claims discount. If you haven’t made any claims due to accidents in the past year, the insurance company will offer a discount on your renewal premium.
For motorcycles, here’s how the no-claims discount typically works:
| Previous Claims Record | No-Claims Discount |
| First year of policy | 0% |
| First renewal | 10% |
| Second renewal | 20% |
| Third year and beyond renewals | 30% (maximum discount) |
If you do make a claim, the no-claims discount will reset to 0% for the next renewal.
3. What is an excess?
Excess, also known as the deductible, is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when making a claim.
For example, if your motorcycle policy has an excess of HK$1,000 and you need to claim HK$10,000 due to an accident, you’ll be responsible for the HK$1,000, and the insurance company will only cover the remaining HK$9,000.
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