Do I Really Need Insurance for My Quad Bike in the UK?
If you own or plan to own a quad bike or ATV, you may be wondering if it’s really necessary for you to have insurance. The answer to this question depends on whether you’re planning to use your bike off-road or on public roads. If you are using your quad bike solely on private land then you’re not required by law to have insurance but it’s still recommended so you’re covered for things like theft and damage. If you want the ability to ride your quad bike on public roads, then you’ll certainly need to have quad bike insurance in place.
Key points
What Type Of Insurance Do I Need For My Quad Bike?
- Off-road: If you plan to use your quad bike exclusively off-road i.e. not on public roads, then you can get cover that protects you for risks such as fire damage and theft. You should always check your policy for the exact details of what’s covered though.
- Third party only: Third party only insurance is the minimum level of cover you’ll need to make your quad bike legal to ride on public roads. This isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do to make a quad bike road legal though. You’ll also need to have a full UK driving licence, have licence on the front and rear of your bike and register it with the DVLA.
- Comprehensive – Comprehensive insurance will cover your quad bike or ATV for all types of accidents, even those you’re liable for. It usually includes fire damage and theft too.
- Additional cover – You can also get additional types of cover such as breakdown recovery and cover for your leathers and helmet.

Can I get motorbike insurance for my quad bike or ATV?
No, because quad bikes are specialist vehicles, you’ll need to get a dedicated quad bike insurance policy.
How much does quad bike insurance cost?
This will depend on a few factors. The main ones being –
- Your age
- Where the bike is kept
- How you plan to use it
- The age and value of the bike
Can I use my quad bike on public roads?
This will depend on whether your bike is considered safe enough to adhere to road safety standards. This means all mirrors, brakes and lights should be fully functional. You’ll also need to register your bike with the DVLA and have third party only insurance at minimum.
In Summary
If you want to use your quad bike on public roads, then you’ll need to have third party only insurance. If you plan to use your quad bike exclusively off-road or on private land, then you’re not obligated to have insurance but it’s still recommended so you’re covered for things like fire and theft.
Getting a lot of quotes from different insurance providers is always recommended so you can get the best price possible.
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