AXA exits the motorcycle insurance market: Is your renewal affected?

Having trouble renewing your AXA-underwritten motorcycle insurance policy? Here's why.

As of March 2024, AXA has exited the motorcycle insurance market. Riders with existing policies will remain covered until their policy ends. But those looking to renew their AXA-underwritten motorcycle insurance policy will not be able to do so going forward.

Previously, AXA underwrote motorcycle insurance policies sold by brokers in the UK; AXA didn't sell motorcycle insurance policies directly to consumers. Those needing a renewal can contact their existing broker or get quote via NimbleFins below. The comparison panel includes Bikesure, Devitt, Lexham and Carole Nash, among others—all companies that have confirmed they can still offer cover despite AXA's exit:

As AXA was a large player, there is some concern that brokers specializing in motorcycles could have trouble sourcing cover for their customers.

And AXA isn't the only big underwriter to leave the UK motorcycle insurance market lately—in July 2023, Zurich stopped writing bike policies and subsequently Zenith stopped writing policies for high-risk machines like the Vespa GTS.

Why did AXA exit the motorcycle insurance market?

In December 2023, Alan Zweibrucker became the new retail chief executive, and in January 2024 Matt Field took up the role of retail intermediaries director. Shortly after these personal changes, in February 2024 it was announced that AXA was exiting the motorcycle insurance market.

Erin Yurday, Founder of NimbleFins, said "It's a shame for consumers that AXA has exited the motorcycle insurance market, as they were a significant underwriter in that space. Without AXA, their competitors will surely be rubbing their hands with joy, but consumers are likely to face a more difficult time getting cheap cover. Not only will there be less appetite in the marketplace, but competitors will have an easier time raising prices.

"Further, this news might come as a shock to many motorcyclists when it comes time to renew their policy, and they can't. Many motorcycle insurance policies sold by other companies like Carole Nash are actually underwritten by AXA. As a result, customers may be unaware that AXA is their underwriter. Riders who currently have an AXA-underwritten policy will not be able to renew their policy from March 2024."

If you're unable to renew your AXA motorcycle insurance policy, we can help you compare alternative quotes below: