Motorcycle Insurance Austria 2025: Complete Guide for Riders

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Important Notice: Motorcycle liability insurance is legally required in Austria. This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual insurance advice.

Motorcycle Insurance in Austria: What You Need to Know

Motorcycle insurance is mandatory for every rider in Austria. But what coverage do you really need? In this guide, you'll learn everything about the different types of insurance, costs, and money-saving tips.

The Three Types of Coverage

1. Liability Insurance (Mandatory)

Motorcycle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is legally required and covers damage you cause to other road users.

What's covered?

• Personal injury to third parties
• Property damage to others
• Financial losses

Recommended coverage: At least €20 million

2. Partial Comprehensive (Teilkasko)

Partial comprehensive insurance extends your protection to include certain risks that aren't your fault.

Covered damages:

• Theft of the entire motorcycle
• Animal collision (wildlife damage)
• Natural disasters (storm, hail, flooding)
• Glass breakage
• Fire and explosion
• Electrical short circuits

Recommended for: Motorcycles 3-8 years old

3. Full Comprehensive (Vollkasko)

Full comprehensive insurance offers the most complete protection and is especially worthwhile for new or valuable motorcycles.

Additionally covered beyond partial:

• Self-caused accidents
• Vandalism
• Parking damage
• Damage by unknown third parties

Recommended for: Motorcycles under 3 years or high-value models

Insurance Type	Coverage	Recommended For
Liability	Damage to third parties	All (legally required)
Partial Comprehensive	+ Theft, natural hazards, glass	Motorcycles 3-8 years
Full Comprehensive	+ Own accidents, vandalism	New & valuable motorcycles

These recommendations are general guidelines. The optimal insurance depends on your individual situation.

What Affects the Insurance Premium?

Factor	Impact
Insurance type	Liability cheapest, Partial middle, Full most expensive
Motorcycle list price	More expensive bike = higher premium
Engine power (kW/HP)	More power = higher risk = higher premium
Bonus-Malus level	Claim-free years are rewarded with lower premiums
Deductible	Higher deductible = lower premium
Storage location	Garage may provide a discount

Price Example: BMW R 1250 GS

Parameter	Value
Model	BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
Coverage	Liability + Full Comprehensive
Insurance sum	€20 million
Deductible	€350
Monthly premium	€215 - €265

Prices vary by provider and individual factors. As of December 2025.

Winter Break: Save During the Cold Season

Many motorcyclists only use their bikes during warm weather. During winter months, you can save on premiums:

Option 1: Deposit Your License Plates

• Return your plates to the registration office
• Receive a premium refund for winter months
• The motorcycle cannot be used during this period
• Important: Requires planning, not available at short notice

Option 2: Winter Discount Without Plate Return

• Many insurers offer winter discounts
• Plates stay mounted
• More flexible, but usually smaller savings
• Ideal for spontaneous winter Sunday rides

Registration Costs in Austria 2025

When registering a motorcycle for the first time, these costs apply:

Item	Cost
Official fees	€178.00
Processing fee	€65.60
License plate	€13.00
Inspection sticker	€2.30
Registration certificate (optional)	€29.50
Total approx.	€299.50

Tips for Switching Insurance

When to Switch?

• Check annually if your insurance is still competitive
• Note the cancellation period (usually 1-3 months before contract end)
• Best time: Before the season in spring

What to Look For?

1. Coverage amount: At least €20M for liability
2. Deductible: Higher deductible = lower premium, but more out-of-pocket in claims
3. Additional services: Breakdown assistance, roadside help, Mallorca policy
4. Reviews: Other customers' experiences with claims handling

Frequently Asked Questions

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory?

Yes, liability insurance is legally required in Austria for all motorized vehicles. Without valid insurance, you cannot participate in road traffic.

Is comprehensive coverage worth it for older motorcycles?

Generally not. For motorcycles over 5-8 years old, full comprehensive premiums often exceed the vehicle's current value. Partial comprehensive can still make sense to cover theft and natural damage.

How does the Bonus-Malus system work?

Austria uses a system of levels (0-18). At level 0, you pay the lowest premium; at level 18, the highest. Each claim-free year improves your level; each claim worsens it.

Can I transfer my car insurance rating to my motorcycle?

The Bonus-Malus level from your car can be transferred to your motorcycle under certain conditions. Ask your insurer about this option.

What to do in case of an accident?

1. Secure the accident scene
2. Provide first aid / call emergency services
3. Notify police (mandatory for personal injury)
4. Exchange information (names, insurance details)
5. Take photos
6. Inform your insurance company

Conclusion

Good motorcycle insurance protects you from financial risks and is legally required in Austria. Through comparison shopping, you can save up to €400 per year. Use the winter break to reduce premiums, and check annually whether your insurance still fits your needs.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute insurance advice. All information about prices, benefits, and terms is non-binding and may change at any time. For binding information, please contact the respective insurance providers directly. CheckEverything.at assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information.