You own a classic bike, right? It’s a piece of living history, not just a way to get to work. An historic motorcycle is much more than adequate transport: it’s part of the country’s motoring heritage, incorporating the engineering innovation of the past and carrying significant cultural associations. You can’t just pop down to a dealer and buy another identikit Ariel Red Hunter, or Velo Venom, or Triumph Hurricane off the shelf. And that’s why – in part – specialist insurance is essential for your vintage or classic bike.
Unlike mainstream policies that treat every vehicle as just another machine on the road, specialist insurance recognises the unique value of old bikes and the particular needs of their owners. So we’ve asked specialist Peter James Insurance to share their insights into the industry – and how you can avoid common pitfalls when it comes to insuring your P&J.
You’re probably familiar with Peter James Insurance from the company’s activity in the classic and vintage motorcycle community. They don’t just offer tailored cover that reflects the reality of owning and riding these machines, but also directly support the owners’ clubs and organisations that keep our motorcycling heritage alive.
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So… how can standard insurance fall short? Many owners of historic motorcycles, especially if this is the first old bike you’ve owned, can assume a mainstream motorcycle policy will provide adequate cover. But most mainstream insurers design their policies with modern, everyday-use motorcycles in mind.
That means the type of policy typically offered on a price comparison site might:
-Not take into account the appreciating value of classic and vintage machines
-Exclude cover for shows, events, or non-competitive road runs like the Banbury Run, central to the classic motorcycle scene
-Lack flexibility when it comes to limited-mileage policies, agreed valuations, or cover for spares and tools
-Fail to recognise the uniqueness of ownership, from sourcing rare parts to the community involvement of club memberships
This can leave classic motorcycle owners vulnerable. Suppose your bike were to be stolen, damaged, or written off under a standard policy. In that case, the payout may be far below the bike’s actual value, making replacement or restoration impossible. Alternatively, you could be out enjoying your motorcycle at shows and events without realising that inadvertently you might not have adequate coverage for that activity.
Specialist insurance exists precisely to bridge this gap, to cater for the unique risks and lifestyles of classic and vintage motorcycle riders. A specialist policy from a provider like Peter James Insurance not only protects the machine but also safeguards the passion, time, and investment of its owner. Additionally, if you’re a member of a partner club, you get access to a range of additional benefits that aren’t available on the broader market. These could include:
-Agreed value policies. Instead of relying on book prices that underestimate a historic bike’s worth, specialist policies agree a valuation upfront, so owners know exactly what will be paid out if the worst happens
-Cover for shows and events. Historic motorcycles are often taken to rallies, exhibitions and club meets so specialist policies cover these
-Limited mileage flexibility. Many classic bikes are not used daily, and a specialist policy will reflect this with reduced premiums for limited use
-Helmet and clothing cover. This recognises that rider gear for classic bikes can be just as costly and important as the motorcycle itself
These features are not afterthoughts — they are core elements of a policy built around the riding life of an old bike enthusiast. If you’re a member of a partner club, you also benefit from an insurance policy that has been tailored to the specific needs identified by the club. Peter James maintain a constant communication with clubs who feedback and instruct us on what their policies need to include. This means you can concentrate on getting the most out of your classic bike, with complete peace of mind.
You’ll see that many major UK bike clubs have chosen Peter James as their partner – Norton, AJS, Ariel, Royal Enfield and the VMCC among them. With decades of experience, the company has become a trusted authority in the world of specialist vehicle insurance, particularly for classic and vintage motorcycles. Peter James Insurance feel that insuring a 1950s BSA, a 1960s Triumph or a rare Vincent is very different from insuring a modern commuter bike or tourer. So their policies reflect these differences. The company has also played a pioneering role in supporting the clubs and communities that are the lifeblood of the classic motorcycle world.
So their tailored club insurance schemes go beyond standard offerings by delivering benefits not only to members but to the clubs themselves:
-Exclusive member benefits. Club members enjoy tailored premiums, enhanced cover options, and perks explicitly designed for enthusiasts
-Financial support. Through commission arrangements, Peter James Insurance provides vital funding to owners’ clubs, helping them organise events, publish magazines, invest in new member services and continue their work in preserving motorcycling history
-Strengthening community ties. By backing clubs financially and practically, Peter James Insurance ensures these organisations remain strong hubs of knowledge, support, and camaraderie – ultimately enhancing your ownership experience
This support is not a token gesture; it’s a commitment to ensuring the classic motorcycle scene continues to thrive for generations to come. Of course, it’s in the business’ interests to help maintain a strong and healthy historic scene.
The key message for old bike owners is that specialist insurance is not a luxury — it is a necessity for anyone who owns a classic or vintage motorcycle. Standard policies cannot provide the protection, recognition, or support that historic machines and their riders need.
With their tailored cover, unique benefits, and unwavering support for owners’ clubs, Peter James Insurance has reshaped the landscape of specialist motorcycle insurance. Their passionate team say they set the standard for protecting classic bikes, and are committed to ensuring that the clubs and communities that celebrate them continue to thrive.
Owning a classic or vintage motorcycle is about more than riding. It’s about the stewardship of a piece of motorcycling history and being a part of a vibrant and supportive community. These bikes connect us to an era of craftsmanship, style, and engineering that deserves to be preserved and celebrated, but they also connect us to people.
Without the safety net of specialist insurance, owners risk losing not only their investment but also a piece of heritage that may never be recovered. Peter James Insurance offer owners peace of mind, knowing that both their motorcycle and their community are protected.
