Motor insurance needs vary depending on whether you drive a family car, operate a work van, own a modified performance vehicle or ride a motorcycle. Some providers focus on mainstream car and van policies, while specialist brokers arrange cover for vehicles or drivers that may not fit a standard insurance profile.
Below are six UK insurance providers and brokers with different areas of focus, from specialist motorcycle and modified-car cover to broader personal and business insurance.
Carole Nash: Best for Access to Specialist Motorcycle Insurers
Carole Nash is a specialist UK insurance broker that has been arranging motorbike policies since 1985. Its wider product range includes classic and standard car insurance, performance car cover, van insurance, motorhome insurance, campervan insurance and travel insurance. These are separate products, but the breadth may appeal to households with different insurance needs.
Its main strength is its experience with motorcycles. Carole Nash arranges cover for classic bikes, modern superbikes, custom-built models, touring bikes, scooters, mopeds and trikes through a panel of motorcycle insurers. This gives riders access to insurers familiar with different types of motorcycles rather than relying solely on a general car insurer.
Carole Nash also offers multi-bike insurance, allowing eligible customers to insure up to four motorcycles under one policy, with one premium, renewal date and set of paperwork. That may suit someone with a commuter scooter and a weekend touring bike or a collection containing both modern and classic motorcycles.
Keith Michaels: Best for Modified and Specialist Cars
Keith Michaels Insurance is a specialist car insurance broker with more than 35 years of experience. Its services are designed for drivers and vehicles that may not fit comfortably within a standard car insurance policy, including modified, classic and otherwise unusual cars.
Its range includes cover for performance, prestige, modified, imported, classic and high-value cars, as well as specialist options for expatriates, convicted drivers and business users. Keith Michaels favours discussing individual circumstances directly, which may help customers explain modifications, vehicle use and driving history that do not fit neatly into a standard online quote form.
The broker is primarily focused on cars rather than motorcycles. Riders looking for bike insurance will therefore need to compare a dedicated motorcycle provider, while owners of modified or specialist cars may find Keith Michaels more relevant.
Autonet: Best for Straightforward Car and Van Cover
Autonet Insurance specialises in arranging car and van insurance through a range of UK insurance providers. Its service focuses on a straightforward quote process, instant cover and access to a 24-hour claims helpline.
Depending on the insurer and policy selected, customers may also be able to add breakdown cover, legal expenses cover, no-claims discount protection, replacement vehicle insurance or excess protection. This makes Autonet particularly relevant to car owners, van drivers and businesses that rely on commercial vehicles.
Autonet also offers business, landlord and lifestyle insurance, but these are separate products. Its current motor range centres on cars and vans rather than motorcycles, so riders should consider a specialist bike broker separately.
Aviva: Best for Managing Eligible Insurance and Financial Products Online
Aviva offers a broad motor range that includes car, multi-car, electric car, van, classic car, temporary car, motorhome and campervan insurance. It also provides home, travel and health insurance alongside savings, investment and pension products.
Eligible products can be viewed and managed through MyAviva, making the provider a practical option for customers who already hold more than one Aviva product. Eligible health insurance customers may also receive access to digital health services, although the exact benefits depend on the policy selected.
Aviva’s direct consumer motor range is primarily focused on cars and vans. It does not advertise direct motorcycle cover alongside its main consumer motor products, so riders should not assume that a standard Aviva policy will cover a motorbike.
LV=: Best for Established Car and Multi-Car Cover
LV= offers car, multi-car, electric car and van insurance alongside home, travel, pet and landlord cover. Its multi-car option may be useful for households with several cars registered at the same address.
Other services offered under the wider LV= brand include life insurance, investments, pensions and retirement products. However, customers should not assume that these services are automatically combined with LV= General Insurance under one policy or account.
The current LV= General Insurance range does not advertise new motorcycle cover. It is therefore more relevant to car and van drivers than riders seeking specialist bike insurance.
AXA UK: Best for Broad Personal and Business Insurance
AXA UK offers quotes and claims support across car, van, home, health, landlord and business insurance. Its broad product range makes it a practical option for customers who want to explore several types of personal or commercial cover through a familiar provider.
Its motor range focuses on cars and vans, including multi-car, electric car, personal van and courier van insurance. Depending on the policy, customers can also add features such as breakdown cover, legal cover, courtesy-car provision and personal injury protection. Existing customers can use an online account to manage policies, make certain changes and track eligible claims.
The different types of insurance remain separate products, so customers should not assume they will receive one combined quote or an automatic multi-product discount. AXA also does not advertise direct motorcycle insurance through its main UK consumer website, making it more relevant to car and van drivers than motorcyclists.
What to Compare Before You Buy Motor Insurance
Price is the obvious consideration, but it is rarely the only factor worth checking. Start by confirming that the provider covers your type of vehicle. A company that offers car or van insurance will not necessarily insure a motorcycle, while some specialist brokers only handle certain types of cars or drivers.
Check whether the policy pays an agreed value or market value, especially if you own a classic, modified or high-value vehicle. With agreed-value cover, the insurer accepts a specified value in advance, subject to the policy terms. Market-value cover bases the payout on what the vehicle is considered worth when a claim occurs.
Modifications and vehicle use must also be declared accurately. Engine upgrades, aftermarket exhausts, specialist wheels, custom bodywork and other changes may affect the available cover or premium. The same applies to whether the vehicle is used for commuting, business, leisure or travel abroad.
Storage and security can also influence the quote. Insurers may ask where the vehicle is kept overnight and whether it has an alarm, immobiliser, tracker or other approved security device. Giving incorrect information about storage, mileage or use could affect a future claim.
It is also worth comparing the compulsory and voluntary excess, breakdown assistance, legal expenses cover, courtesy-vehicle provision and European cover. The UK government’s guidance on vehicle insurance requirements explains the minimum legal cover required to use a vehicle on public roads.
Finally, consider whether a broker or direct insurer better suits your circumstances. Brokers may have access to several underwriters and can be useful for unusual vehicles or driving histories. A direct insurer may provide a simpler process when the vehicle and driver fit a standard risk profile.
Which One Is Right for You?
Aviva may suit customers who want to manage eligible insurance and financial products online, while Keith Michaels is more relevant to owners of modified, performance, imported or specialist cars. Autonet focuses on straightforward car and van cover, and LV= offers established car and multi-car products. AXA provides a broad selection of personal and business insurance, with its motor range centred on cars and vans.
For motorcycle owners, Carole Nash is the most relevant provider on this list. It arranges cover for classic bikes, modern superbikes, custom-built models, tourers, scooters, mopeds and trikes through a panel of motorcycle insurers. Its specialist experience and multi-bike option make it a strong starting point for riders comparing motorcycle cover.