How Much Is It to Insure a 50cc Moped?

If you’ve recently bought, or are thinking about buying, a 50cc moped, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to insure one. Whether you’re a commuter looking for a cheap and nimble option or a teenager getting their first taste of the road, it's important to understand the ins and outs of moped or scooter insurance.

Here, we'll cover everything you need to know, from typical costs to factors that influence the price of your moped and scooter insurance, and how to secure the best deal.

In This Guide:

How much does it cost to insure a 50cc moped?
Types of 50cc moped insurance and what they cover
What affects the cost of 50cc moped insurance?
How to lower your 50cc moped insurance costs
Other costs to consider when riding a 50cc moped
Find the best insurance deal for your 50cc moped
FAQs

How much does it cost to insure a 50cc moped?

First things first, let's get to the burning question: How much does moped and scooter insurance typically cost?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as scooter and moped insurance premiums vary depending on a wide range of factors. However, we can give you some ballpark figures so that you have an idea of what to expect.

Insurance for a 50cc moped in the UK is typically around £831* per year for a standard policy. Younger riders (aged 16 to 19) could potentially be quoted a higher amount due to their limited experience and higher risk profile.

On the other hand, more experienced riders with a clean driving record may see slightly lower premiums if they qualify for discounts such as a no-claims discount.

*Based on 181 of the cheapest premiums shown to customers between 15/06/24 and 25/06/25.

Types of 50cc moped insurance and what they cover

When selecting insurance for your 50cc moped, you’ll usually choose between three main types: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive cover. Each offers different levels of protection:

Third-party insurance: This is the legal minimum required to ride on UK roads. It’s usually the cheapest option and covers damage or injury caused to other people, vehicles, or property. However, it won’t cover any damage to your own moped, so if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll have to pay for your own repairs.
Third-party fire and theft: These policies include everything in a third-party policy but also add protection if your moped is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive moped or scooter insurance offers the highest level of protection. It includes all the above, plus cover for damage to your own moped — even if the accident is your fault. Surprisingly, comprehensive cover can sometimes be cheaper than third-party cover for younger riders, as insurers may see these riders as more cautious and less risky.

If you opt for fire and theft or comprehensive insurance, it may also cover theft, attempted theft, vandalism, fire damage, and sometimes personal accident benefits or legal expenses.

Alongside these, you may also be offered optional extras, such as:

Breakdown cover
Helmet and protective clothing cover
Pillion passenger cover

It's essential to note that if you use your moped for deliveries, you may need a different type of insurance. So, always check the small print.

What affects the cost of 50cc moped insurance?

Several factors affect the cost of scooter and moped insurance. Let's take a look at some of the most prominent:

Age and experience

Younger and inexperienced riders generally face the highest premiums. If you’ve only just completed your compulsory basic training (CBT) and are under 20, you are unfortunately more likely to get higher quotes from insurance providers.
Riders over 25 with a clean driving record and some no-claims bonus history tend to pay significantly less.

Location

Where you live plays a significant role in determining your insurance premium. If you're based in a busy urban area with higher crime or accident rates, insurers may consider you at greater risk, which typically results in higher costs. On the other hand, those living in quieter, low-crime rural or suburban areas are often offered lower premiums, as the likelihood of theft or collision is reduced.

No-claims bonus

A no-claims bonus (NCB) is a discount that builds over time if you don’t make any claims. A strong no-claims discount can significantly reduce insurance costs for a 50cc vehicle over the years, although it's essential to double-check that your insurer offers this benefit.
Some insurers allow you to carry over an NCB from car insurance to moped insurance. However, this isn't guaranteed, so always check to see if it's possible with your insurer.

Vehicle security and storage

The location and storage of your moped can significantly impact your premium. Keeping your moped in a locked garage or fitting an approved security device (for example, an alarm, immobiliser, or tracker) reduces the risk to your moped or scooter, and therefore also reduces your premiums.

Annual mileage

From the perspective of insurance providers, the fewer miles you ride, the lower the risk. If you use your moped infrequently and keep annual mileage under 3000 miles, you will likely be offered lower premiums.

How to lower your 50cc moped insurance costs

If you need more affordable insurance, there are plenty of ways to get your costs down. Here are a few of the most surefire ways to lower your risk and reduce your premium:

Take a CBT course

You need to complete compulsory basic training to legally ride a 50cc on UK roads if you don’t hold a full motorbike licence. Some insurers offer discounts to riders who complete the course to a high standard or have taken additional training.

Add security measures

Beefing up your moped’s security reduces the risk of theft. Even simple measures can help, such as:

Disc lock or D-lock
Chain lock
Alarm and immobiliser
GPS tracker
Secure overnight storage

Choose the right insurance level

It may be tempting to go for the cheapest policy, but this isn’t always cost-effective in the long run.

For example, if your moped is worth £1500 and you choose third-party cover, you won’t be able to claim for damage to your own vehicle. If you’re involved in a collision, you could end up out of pocket.

Compare the cost of all three main levels of cover and weigh this against the potential costs of things like repairs and maintenance.

Pay annually instead of monthly

Paying your insurance annually in one lump sum is usually cheaper than paying in monthly instalments. Monthly payments often include interest or admin fees. So, if you can afford the upfront cost, it's usually cost-effective to do so.

Other costs to consider when riding a 50cc moped

In addition to insurance, owning a moped comes with other running costs:

Road tax: Currently £26 per annum for most 50cc mopeds.
MOT: Mopeds over three years old require an annual MOT.
Fuel: 50cc mopeds are very fuel-efficient, but you do still need to fill the tank occasionally.
Maintenance and repairs: Budget for oil, brake pads, tyres, and occasional servicing.
Breakdown cover: This is optional, but advisable, especially if you use your moped daily.

Find the best insurance deal for your 50cc moped

To get the best deal on your 50cc moped insurance, it’s important to compare quotes from a wide range of providers. Prices can vary significantly, even for identical levels of cover. Use a comparison site like MoneyExpert to explore different insurers, policy levels, and optional extras. Tailor your quote based on your circumstances, and consider any added benefits like helmet cover or breakdown assistance. Don’t just look at the headline price - consider the overall value of the cover, including excesses and exclusions.

FAQs

Is insurance cheaper for electric 50cc mopeds?

Electric mopeds can be cheaper to insure, but not always. While they’re often quieter, slower, and used for short distances, they’re also sometimes more expensive to repair or replace. Some insurers may view them as lower risk due to fewer moving parts and reduced speed, but it varies by provider. Always compare quotes for both petrol and electric models before deciding.

Do I need insurance for a moped with an engine size under 50cc?

Yes. In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have at least third-party insurance to ride any moped on public roads, regardless of engine size. You also need valid tax and an annual MOT if the moped is over three years old.

What happens if I ride without insurance?

Riding without insurance is a serious offence. You could face a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on your licence. If the case goes to court, you might be fined an unlimited amount and potentially disqualified from riding. Your moped could also be seized and destroyed. It’s never worth the risk to ride without insurance, so always make sure you’re properly covered.