Independent motorcycle insurance brokerage
Run your own FCA-authorised brokerage from a small office, serving local and specialist riders.
- £10k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
8,071 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 66220 “Activities of insurance agents and brokers”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small brokerage with its own FCA authorisation, arranging motorcycle insurance for riders. You deal directly with insurers and can specialise, for example in classic bikes, high-performance bikes, or young and returning riders.
Your first three steps
- Speak to an FCA-experienced compliance consultant about what authorisation would involve, and the cost and timescale
- Draw up a business plan, choose a speciality, and approach insurers about agency terms
- Look at affordable office or serviced desk options near a busy riding area, and plan how to reach local dealers and clubs
Who pays
Riders paying for cover, who may pay a broker fee, and insurers who pay commission on policies placed. Bike dealers and clubs can become regular sources of referrals.
How it makes money
Commission from insurers and any broker fees you disclose to customers, with renewals building over time. Add-ons like breakdown cover or gear cover may bring extra income where permitted.
Skills that help
- Insurance knowledge or willingness to study for it
- Sales and customer service
- Organised record keeping and compliance
- Networking with dealers and clubs
Watch out for
- You must be FCA-authorised to arrange insurance, so check the application process, fees and how long it takes before you commit money
- Check professional indemnity insurance requirements, capital rules and ongoing compliance duties
- Check data protection and complaints handling obligations, and whether you need to join the Financial Ombudsman Service process
- Check public liability and employer's liability insurance if customers visit or you hire staff
- Income takes time to build, so plan for several months with little revenue
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: independent motorcycle insurance brokerage
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to set up a motorcycle insurance brokerage?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £10,000 to £30,000, depending on your office, systems and the FCA application. Check the application process, fees and how long it takes before you commit any money.
What authorisation do I need to arrange motorcycle insurance?
You must be FCA-authorised to arrange insurance, so check the application process, fees and timing. Also check professional indemnity insurance requirements, capital rules, ongoing compliance duties, and complaints handling, including Financial Ombudsman Service obligations.
How much can an independent motorcycle insurance broker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on policies placed, commission and any broker fees. Income takes time to build, so plan for several months with little revenue. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week.
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