They say that three is a magic number - and that's true when it comes to trikes. These three-wheeled machines are much loved for their style, comfort and stability but, whether you ride one because of its head-turning appeal or just like the look and feel, you'll need specialist trike insurance.
That's because standard cover rarely suits trikes. Different models can be classed as bikes or cars and many are custom-made, creating complications for riders and insurers alike. However, we can show you tailored trike insurance quotes from some of the UK's top providers in minutes. All we need is a few details about you and your ride.
Read on to learn how insurance for trikes works and why you're in safe hands with Entire Cover.
Frequently asked questions
Different trikes can be classed as bikes or cars and this distinction is important when it comes to getting yours insured. Broadly speaking, you can think of it like this:
- A three-wheeler with an open chassis and handlebars is classed as a bike (officially a motor tricycle). You'll need specialist trike insurance if this is the case - and that's just what this page is for.
- A three-wheeler with a steering wheel, manual gearing and closed chassis is classed as a car. These vehicles need specialist car insurance.
Absolutely you do! Whether your trike is standard, modified or custom-built, classed as a bike or car, you'll need insurance to ride it legally on UK roads. That means taking out third-party trike insurance as a minimum. If you're caught riding without cover, you risk getting a fine and points on your licence - a situation you really don't want to find yourself in.
The exception is if you declare your trike off the road with a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA.
You can! However, if you passed your car driving test after 19th January 2013 or you don't have a full car licence, there are some other requirements in order to ride trikes legally:
- You must be over 21 years old
- You must have a full motorcycle licence (an A1 motorcycle licence for trikes with up to 15Kw power output or a full category A motorcycle licence for more powerful trikes)
- You must have passed motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
You can, although it might be tricky if you don't go through specialist insurance providers.
Standard production trikes are generally easy to insure as they come with a spec sheet and insurance group classification. But things become less clear if you make modifications, order a custom trike or even build one yourself.
The good news is that we can find you custom trike insurance for almost any build or modification as long as your vehicle is road-legal. Just make sure that you mention every modification, otherwise your cover might not be valid. This is where being a real stickler for the details pays off!
The best trike insurance is cover that meets your needs, whatever they may be. Working that out means understanding the different levels of cover available:
Third-party insurance
This is the minimum level of trike insurance required by law. It only covers you for accidental damage to someone else's vehicle or property, not your own.
Third-party, fire and theft insurance
As well as third-party damage, this level of cover adds protection if your trike is damaged by fire or stolen.
Comprehensive insurance
Just like it sounds, comprehensive insurance offers the most cover of the three. That includes all the above features plus any accidental damage to your trike.
We're afraid that's hard for us to say without knowing all the details first. And it's not as if we're trying to fob you off - it's just that there are lots of factors that can affect your trike insurance cost, such as:
- The make, model and engine size of your trike
- Your age and driving experience
- The value of your trike
- Any previous claims and/or convictions
- The level of cover that you need
- Optional add-ons to your policy
- Any modifications to your trike
- Where you store your trike
- Any security measures that you're using
Always bear in mind that cheap trike insurance might not necessarily be the best option. Price is important (hello all the bargain hunters out there) but so is making sure that you get the right cover for your needs. We're here to help you to find the perfect balance by comparing quotes from lots of specialist insurance providers.
You've got two options: paying the full premium upfront or spreading it over monthly instalments.
Spreading the cost can be more manageable when taking out cover for your trike but bear in mind that you'll pay more overall. You'll see prices for both payment options with each quote to help you make your final decision.
We'll look at a range of different providers when you compare trike insurance online, so policy details can vary. You're generally likely to find cover including:
- Riding your trike in Europe for up to 90 days
- Protection of your no-claims bonus (if you have one)
- Riding other people's bikes (or trikes) with their permission
- Any extra vehicles that you own under a multi bike policy
Trike life doesn't end with your vehicle, of course. For extra reassurance on the road, you may want to add:
- Helmet and leathers cover
- Breakdown cover
- Personal accident cover
- Legal expenses cover
How do I compare trike insurance online through Entire Cover?
Shopping around for quotes can be a faff, especially when you need specialist cover for a three-wheeler. That's why we've tried to make our trike insurance comparison service as straightforward as possible.
All you need to do is to head to our online form and enter a few basic details about yourself and your trike. You'll get quotes from some of the UK's top insurance providers moments later, ready for you to choose the right policy.