As holding some form of motorbike insurance is a legal requirement before a motorbike can be taken out and used on a public road, the policy holder will always be entitled to at least some form of cover. However, depending on which type of insurance policy is taken out depends on how in depth the cover provided is.

The lowest and most basic form of motorbike insurance is Third Party only. This, by law, is the minimum amount of motorbike insurance cover needed to use a motorbike off private land. Generally a relatively inexpensive insurance, it covers the policy holder in the event they are involved in accident with another party and the other party claims against them. This claim could be for repairs to their motorbike, or a replacement if the repairs prove to be not financially viable or it is written off, or for injuries sustained as a result of the accident. Whilst holding Third Party motorbike insurance means the insurance company will pay for these claims, they will not pay out for anything above and beyond this. Therefore, any claims made by the policy holder, whether it is for medical expenses or repairs to their motorbike, will not be accepted and refused immediately.

The second level of motorbike insurance cover available is Third Party, Fire and Theft. Providing the same level of cover as Third Party insurance, Third Party, Fire and Theft also provides the policy holder with protection should their motorbike be stolen or damaged, whether superficially or damaged beyond repair, by fire. Although fire and theft are covered, insurance companies stipulate that all reasonable measures must be in place to reduce the risk of either happening. For example, a motorbike should not be left unattended in an open place with the keys in the ignition, nor should it be left outside overnight without any obvious means of security device attached or installed. If a claim was made and the said measurers were not in place, most insurance companies will consider the insurance policy to be null and void and will therefore refuse to pay.

The most extensive level of motorbike insurance available is Fully Comprehensive. This cover provides the policy holder, in essence, with cover in the event of any accident or incident happening to them or their motorbike. Whilst it comes with a more substantial price tag than Third Party and Third Party, Fire and Theft options, a Fully Comprehensive policy provides all of those points mentioned in the two lower insurance options, as well claims made for their own selves and motorbikes. A prime example would be an accident involving two people where both motorbikes and persons were injured. Whereas a Third Party, Fire and Theft policy would simply pay for any claims made by the other party, a Fully Comprehensive policy would provide monies to aid with medical costs and repairs to the policy holders motorbike.

Depending on which level of cover is taken out depends solely on the individual. Those who own expensive motorbikes or ride regularly will generally opt for Fully Comprehensive insurance, whilst younger riders, for their first years of riding, may choose cheaper, lower cover insurance.