In France, a motorcycle or scooter is stolen every ten minutes and, despite an overall decrease of -12% in thefts in 2024, the average cost of a theft claim has jumped by 40% according to Moto Magazine. The most targeted models remain the BMW R1250GS, Yamaha Tracer 7/9, and the famous Yamaha TMax scooter.
In this context, motorcycle insurance is not just a mandatory step: it is your best financial shield against theft, damage, and disputes related to the use of a two-wheeler.
Legal Framework of Motorcycle Insurance: Mandatory Liability #
Since 1958, all motor vehicles must be covered at least by liability insurance ( Insurance Code, art. L211-1). The law applies even if the motorcycle remains in the garage: the simple “risk of custody” is enough to engage your responsibility.
What are the penalties for lack of insurance for my motorcycle? #
Driving (or simply owning) an uninsured motorcycle is an offense: fixed fine of 500 € or, in court, up to 3,750 € fine, license suspension (3 years max) and possible confiscation of the vehicle. The Compulsory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO) then compensates the victim… and turns against you.
Motorcycle Insurance Plans #
Before choosing, assess the value of your two-wheeler, its exposure to theft risk, and your budget. Insurers offer three main plans:
| Plan | Included Coverage | For Which Profile? |
|---|---|---|
| Third Party (RC) | Liability only | Small engines, old motorcycles, or low residual value |
| Intermediate | RC + theft/fire (often glass breakage, collision) | Regular use, parking in the city or risk area |
| All Risks | All accident damage + intermediate coverage + natural/technological disasters, storm & attack | New, high-end motorcycles or daily use |
Optional but Strategic Guarantees to Add to Your Motorcycle Insurance #
- Theft & Fire: compensates the real or agreed value; SRA anti-theft or GPS tracker often required (and can reduce your deductible).
- All Accident Damage: repairs or reimburses the motorcycle even if you are responsible.
- Driver’s Personal Coverage: essential for your own medical expenses, loss of income, or disability/death capital (RC only covers third parties).
- Equipment & Accessories: helmet, airbag, top-case, tuning parts – variable ceilings.
- 0 Mile Assistance: home breakdown service and towing included.
- Legal Protection: covers lawyer and expert fees.
- “Seasonality” Option: reduced contribution during 3 to 6 months of immobilization (wintering) without contract termination.
With your Invoxia GPS tracker, you benefit from a discount on your insurance and the deductible offered with our partners Solly Azar and AMDM.
Another good reason to equip yourself with a GPS tracker and complete your motorcycle insurance for full protection!
Bonus-Malus: Reward or Penalty for Your History #
The reduction-increase coefficient (CRM) starts at 1.00. Each year without a responsible accident lowers it by 5% (0.95; 0.90; up to 0.50), while a responsible claim increases it by 25% (ceiling 3.50), as indicated by Service-public. The motorcycle CRM is completely separate from the car CRM: you do not transfer your car bonus, even if some insurers offer a “multi-contract” discount.
Seven Factors Influencing Your Premium #
- Power and Engine Size (the more powerful, the more expensive).
- Parking Location and local theft rate.
- Age and Experience (license A or A2).
- Annual Mileage and use (work, leisure, track).
- Claims History over five years.
- Anti-theft Equipment (alarm, SRA chain, tracker).
- Subscribed Options (enhanced driver coverage, premium assistance).
Optimizing these parameters (e.g., closed box, controlled mileage) can reduce the bill by 10 to 30%.
Top 10 Most Stolen Motorcycles in 2024 #
| Rank | Model (motorcycle) | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW R 1250 GS / GSA | Average value: 25,000 € |
| 2 | Yamaha Tracer 7 | Highly sought-after road trail |
| 3 | BMW R 1250 RT | High-end GT |
| 4 | Yamaha Tracer 9 GT / GT+ | Road trail 890 cc |
| 5 | Yamaha MT-09 | 3-cylinder roadster |
| 6 | Yamaha MT-10 | 998 cc version |
| 7 | BMW S1000RR | 207 hp superbike |
| 8 | Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Mid-size trail |
| 9 | KTM Duke 125 | A1 / 125 license |
| 10 | Yamaha MT-07 | 689 cc roadster |
Source: Mutuelle des Motards – 2024 ranking
Choosing (and Negotiating) Your Motorcycle Insurance: How-To #
- Assess the market value of your machine: if it exceeds 8,000 €, an “all risks” remains relevant.
- List your uses (home-work, weekend, travel), then compare at least three quotes: watch for deductibles, compensation ceilings, and exclusions (alcohol, drugs, derestriction).
- Consider securing against theft: SRA mechanical anti-theft devices, fixed anchoring, alarm, or GPS tracker can lower the premium by up to 20%.
- Review your contract annually: is your bonus increasing? Is your mileage decreasing? Let them know or change insurers (the Hamon law allows termination after 12 months of seniority).
In Case of a Claim: Reflexes to Adopt #
- Secure the area and assist victims.
- Fill out an amicable report (deadline: 5 days) or file a complaint within 2 days in case of theft.
- Report the claim via your insurer’s app or Client Space.
- Wait for the expertise (mandatory for theft, fire, major damage).
- Receive compensation: generally within 30 days for an unrecovered theft, 15 days after agreement on repair estimate.
Quick FAQ #
Do I need to insure an immobilized motorcycle? Yes: the liability obligation persists as long as the vehicle is in a condition to circulate.
Can I suspend my contract in winter? Yes, the “seasonality” option freezes certain coverages and reduces the contribution while maintaining the RC.
Does my car bonus transfer? No, car and motorcycle CRMs are independent, even if an insurer may offer a group discount.
What is the amount of the fine? 500 € (750 € to pay) in fixed; up to 3,750 € and license suspension in criminal court.
Between the legal obligation of liability and the economic reality of an average theft over 10,000 €, motorcycle insurance is an essential lever to protect your wallet. A well-calibrated plan (third party, intermediate, or all risks), adapted theft and driver guarantees, and some anti-theft precautions drastically reduce your financial exposure. Compare, secure, renegotiate: it’s the key to riding free… and covered! 🏍️💨