Motorcycle riders in france face significant rises in insurance fees

WE LOOK AT HOW AGE AND WHERE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IMPACT COSTS Insurance policies covering motorcyclists in France are rising significantly in 2025, with policies set to cost on average 9%

more than in 2024.  A combination of high accident figures, increased repair costs, and more expensive spare parts are all contributing to the higher fees, said insurance company LeLynx who

published the findings. This annual increase is significantly higher than in 2024, which saw prices rise by 3% compared to the year before. In 2023, they rose by 5%. The higher fees coincide

with mandatory roadworthiness tests for two-wheel vehicles, which is gradually applying to most such vehicles in France.  YOUNG MOTORCYCLISTS HIT HARDEST  Average costs for motorcycle

insurance were €423 in 2024, however this does not tell the full story.  Different models of course affect prices, with more expensive vehicles facing higher costs, however the profile of

the owner was the biggest factor affecting costs. For motorcyclists under 25, the average cost was €741, compared to €376 for those above 25. Head of insurance company LeLynx Arthur Martiano

said the reasons were straightforward: “less experience, more claims, and therefore more risk for insurers.”  Motorcyclists are also more likely to obtain fully-comprehensive insurance

policies – 60%, compared to 51% of four-wheel drivers, and 38% of scooter owners.  Scooter owners often face higher insurance costs – even for third-party cover only – compared to

motorcycles because they are predominantly driven in cities by younger people.  Read more: Graph: See how French road fatality figures compare to previous years REGIONAL FACTORS  Regional

factors can also affect prices, with motorcyclists from certain areas facing higher costs. In another study, LeLynx found that the three regions with highest average insurance cost were the

Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, and Corsica.  For Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur this was due to the lack of available secure parking (see below), as well as a

higher rate of accidents in the areas.  In Corsica, a high mortality rate for two-wheel drivers is behind the figure. In comparison the two cheapest regions were Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and

Nouvelle-Aquitaine.  PARKING SECURITY IS BEST WAY TO LOWER COSTS  One major factor that can reduce costs – even for younger motorcyclists who do not have years of no claims bonuses to back

them up – is where the vehicle is parked.  Policy costs can be slashed by around €150 if the vehicle is parked in an individual closed garage compared to a shared car-park. On the other

hand, costs can increase rapidly if the vehicle is parked on the side of the road.  Again however, this can unfairly affect younger two-wheeled vehicle owners – only 4% of motorbikes are

parked on the side of the road, whereas 15% of scooters (predominantly driven by younger people in cities) are, mostly due to a lack of available space.