Key Takeaways
- Fitting a Sold Secure Gold or Thatcham-approved device can reduce your motorcycle insurance premium by 5% to 30%.
- The most insurance-effective combination is a heavy-duty chain lock plus an alarmed disc lock — used together, not separately.
- Around one in five UK motorcyclists has had their bike stolen at some point, making security devices essential, not optional.
- GPS trackers don’t just deter theft — they help recover your bike, preventing a total loss claim that would raise your future premiums.
- Always declare all fitted security devices to your insurer honestly — under-declaration can invalidate your claim.
Did you know that securing your motorcycle with Thatcham/Sold Secure certified devices can get you a discount on your motorcycle insurance premium? The fact is, they do.
Using insurance-approved motorbike security devices can get you a discount of 5%-30%. Choose any of the best motorcycle security devices for insurance and discuss with your insurance agent about discounts.
Thatcham and Sold Secure are two organizations that categorize, test, and certify motorcycle security devices. Sold Secure certification may be more effective in lowering your motorcycle insurance premium.
Motorcycle Security Devices can Lower Motorcycle Insurance Cost
How Many Motorcycles Are Stolen in the UK Each Year?
Motorcycles are significantly more likely to be stolen than cars — and the numbers make for sobering reading. According to data supplied to MCN by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), 15,832 motorcycles were stolen in the first eight months of 2024 alone — a figure that represents a 7.9% year-on-year improvement, but still means roughly 60 bikes stolen every single day across the UK.
Worryingly, only around 16% of stolen motorcycles are ever recovered — meaning that if your bike is taken, there is an 84% chance you will never see it again. A 2024 survey of 1,000 British riders by insurer Carole Nash found that one in five motorcyclists has experienced motorcycle theft at some point in their riding life.
These statistics explain why insurers treat motorcycle security so seriously. The more resistance your bike puts up, the lower the statistical risk — and the better your insurance premium reflects that.
The same holds true for classic motorcycle insurance and electric motorcycle insurance.
Where Are Motorcycles Most Likely to Be Stolen in the UK?
Motorcycle theft in the UK is heavily concentrated in specific regions — and if you live or park in one of them, your insurer almost certainly knows. Based on police recorded crime data cross-referenced with DVLA registration figures, the highest-risk areas in England are:
| Region | Stolen Bikes per 1,000 Registered |
|---|---|
| Greater London | 8.5 |
| Nottinghamshire | 5.42 |
| West Midlands | 4.95 |
| Greater Manchester | Above national average |
| West Yorkshire | Above national average |
If you live or commute in any of these areas, fitting the highest-rated security devices available is not just good practice — it may be a specific condition of your insurance policy. Riders in lower-risk rural areas may find their insurer more flexible, but certified security devices are still strongly recommended regardless of location.
One important fact that surprises many riders: the majority of motorcycle thefts happen at the owner’s home address, not in car parks or on the street. Fitting a quality ground anchor in your driveway or garage — and using it every time — remains one of the single most effective steps you can take.
Insurers Prefer Alarmed Locks and Thick Heavy-Duty Chains
There is a general preference for alarmed locks and thick, heavy-duty chains among motorcycle insurers.
Physical deterrence is the key. Alarmed locks and thick chains pose substantial resistance to thieves. Since professional bike thieves are known to use angle grinders and bolt cutters, these two are top motorcycle security devices.
Another advantage of an alarmed lock and thick chain is the time it takes to remove/unlock. Thieves can’t spend much time in the process.
Secure Markings and Trackers for Lowering Premiums
Secure markings and trackers can reduce motorcycle insurance premiums in two ways; by reducing the risk of theft and increasing the chances of recovery of stolen bikes.
They also have a deterrence effect and improved recovery rates. If your stolen bike is not recovered and you have to make a total loss claim, it can increase your future premiums. So, in this way, recovering your bike with the help of trackers and secure markings can reduce future bike insurance premiums.
The Layered Security Approach: What Insurers and Police Actually Recommend
No single security device provides complete protection. What the Metropolitan Police, insurance professionals, and motorcycle security experts consistently recommend is a layered approach — combining multiple device types so that a thief must defeat several different barriers rather than just one.
Think of it this way: a disc lock alone takes seconds to defeat with the right tools. A chain alone can be lifted with a van. But a bike that has a disc lock, a heavy chain secured to a ground anchor, a cover obscuring the model, and a hidden GPS tracker is a far more demanding target — and most opportunist thieves will simply move on.
A practical layered setup looks like this:
- Layer 1 — Physical deterrence: A Sold Secure Gold alarmed disc lock (e.g. Abus Granit Detecto XPlus 8077 or Xena XX15). Prevents the wheel turning and triggers an alarm on movement.
- Layer 2 — Anchoring: A heavy-duty chain (e.g. Almax Series IV or Pragmasis Protector 19mm) secured through the frame and rear wheel to a ground anchor bolted into your driveway or garage floor.
- Layer 3 — Concealment: A quality motorcycle cover. Thieves often scout locations before returning — if they cannot identify the make and model, your bike is a less attractive target.
- Layer 4 — Tracking: A Thatcham-approved GPS tracker. If the first three layers are defeated, a tracker gives police a live location and dramatically improves recovery chances.
When you speak to your insurer, ask specifically which combination of devices they recognise and what discount structure applies. Many insurers offer incremental reductions for each certified layer you add — so it is worth asking for the full breakdown.
Quick Comparison: Top Insurance-Approved Motorcycle Security Devices
| Product | Type | Certification | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abus Granit Detecto XPlus 8077 | Alarmed Disc Lock | Thatcham + Sold Secure Gold | 13.5mm bolt; 100dB 3D sensor alarm | Premium all-round disc lock |
| Oxford Monster Alarmed Disc Lock | Alarmed Disc Lock | Sold Secure Gold | 100dB alarm; hardened steel body | Best value alarmed disc lock |
| Xena XX15 Alarmed Disc Lock | Alarmed Disc Lock | Thatcham + Sold Secure Gold | 14mm carbide pin; 120dB alarm | Loudest alarm; stainless build |
| Almax Series IV Chain | Chain Lock | Sold Secure Gold + Thatcham | 19mm hardened steel links | Highest security; home use |
| Pragmasis Protector 19mm Chain | Chain Lock | Sold Secure Gold + Secured by Design | Hardened boron steel; hand bolt-crop proof | High-risk areas; police preferred |
| Oxford Monster Chain Lock | Chain Lock | Sold Secure Gold | 14–14.5mm Ni-Cro-Mo hex chain | Best value heavy chain |
Certification key: Sold Secure Gold = the standard most UK insurers recognise for premium discounts. Thatcham approval = widely accepted by major insurers. “Secured by Design” = the UK police preferred specification.
Find some alarm locks and chain lock suggestions below.
Top Motorcycle Alarm Locks
These are some of the top alarm motorcycle locks.
Abus Granit Detecto XPlus 8077
The Abus Granit Detecto XPlus 8077 is a premium motorcycle disc lock with Thatcham approval and Sold Secure Gold rating. Its 13.5mm hardened steel bolt resists cutting attempts while the integrated 3D position sensor triggers a 100dB alarm if tampered with. The double-bolted locking mechanism provides exceptional security, making it highly regarded by insurance companies and motorcyclists alike.
Oxford Monster Alarmed Disc Lock
The Oxford Boss Alarm Disc Lock is a popular choice, holding Sold Secure Powered Cycle (Motorcycle) Gold approval. It is also often cited as Thatcham-approved. This robust alarmed lock features a piercing 100dB alarm and a hardened steel body and shackle to deter theft, making it a highly effective and insurance-recognized security device for motorcycles.
Xena XX15 Alarmed Disc Lock
The Xena XX15 Alarmed Disc Lock is a high-security motorcycle lock featuring a 14mm carbide-reinforced pin and a 120dB alarm triggered by shock and motion sensors. It is Thatcham and Sold Secure Gold approved, offering robust stainless-steel construction, double-locking, and excellent resistance to physical and environmental attacks.
Chain Locks
These are some of the best motorcycle lock and chain options.
Almax Series IV Chain
The Almax Series IV Chain is an insurance-approved, heavy-duty motorcycle security chain with 19mm hardened steel links. It holds Sold Secure Gold and Thatcham approval, offering outstanding resistance to bolt croppers and angle grinders. Its robust build makes it ideal for high-risk areas and home use, providing maximum theft deterrence.
Pragmasis Protector 19mm Chain
The Pragmasis Protector 19mm Chain is Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold approved and meets the police-preferred Secured by Design standard. Made from hardened boron steel, it is virtually impossible to bolt-crop by hand and offers outstanding resistance to all common attack methods, making it ideal for high-risk motorcycle security.
Oxford Monster Chain Lock
The Oxford Monster Chain Lock is Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold approved, featuring a robust 14–14.5mm Ni-Cro-Mo hex alloy steel chain and an ultra-strong padlock with a hardened boron steel casing. Its double locking mechanism and durable construction offer excellent resistance to attack, making it highly trusted for motorcycle security.
Types of Motorcycle Security Devices
These are the top types of motorcycle security devices.
Chain Locks and Anchors
Chain locks are one of the most secure security devices. It prevents both opportunities and professional thieves. If you use a thick, heavy-duty motorcycle chain lock, cutting it even with a grinder will take some time.
Pair chain locks with anchors to further reinforce security. Fix a ground anchor at the parking place.
Ball-Joint Locks
Like a chain lock, the ball-joint lock is like a metal rope with a lock to secure your bike. These locks can withstand significant pressure. You can wrap it around your motorcycle tire or frame. Ball-joint locks are particularly useful when you lock your motorcycle around a fixed pole, etc.
Brake Disc Locks
As the name suggests, brake disc locks are attached to motorcycle brake discs. This prevents brake disc movement hence making the motorcycle immobile. Some brake disc locks produce noise when broken, thus increasing deterrence.
U-Shackle (D-Locks)
U-shackles or D-locks are made with hardened thick curved steel rods. These are compact, resistant to grinder, and easy to carry.
Alarm Systems and GPS Tracking
Top-of-the-line motorcycle security products, alarm systems and GPS tracking deter theft and increase recovery chances.
Motorcycle insurance companies consider alarm locks and chain locks the top security devices. If your motorcycle has GPS tracking, a stolen bike may be recovered quickly.
In a Nutshell
Motorcycle insurance and safety devices go hand in hand. Using reliable and certified motorcycle security devices helps you protect your motorcycle and possibly lower your insurance premium.
When shopping for motorcycle security devices, choose Thatcham or Sold Secure certified devices. Prefer alarm locks and thick, heavy-duty chain locks.
What to Tell Your Insurer About Your Security Devices
When you take out or renew your motorcycle insurance policy, you should declare every certified security device you have fitted — not just one. Some riders assume that declaring multiple devices makes no difference, but many UK insurers do offer incremental discounts for each additional Sold Secure or Thatcham-approved device, particularly when you combine physical locks with a GPS tracker.
More importantly, under-declaring your security setup can cause complications at the claim stage. If you declare that your bike was secured with a specific device and your insurer later determines that the device was not fitted or not in use at the time of theft, your claim could be affected.
Here is a straightforward approach to getting the best outcome:
- List every certified device you own — disc lock, chain, tracker, alarm — before speaking to your insurer.
- Ask your insurer for the exact discount percentage for each device type and get them to confirm it in your policy documentation.
- Ask whether combinations attract a higher discount — many insurers reward layered security more generously than any single device alone.
- Keep receipts and photos of your security devices — this removes any doubt during a claim that the equipment was genuinely purchased and fitted.
Being transparent with your insurer is always the right approach. Accurate declarations protect your claim, give you the best available premium, and mean there are no surprises if the worst happens.
Frequently Asked Questions: Motorcycle Security Devices and Insurance UK
Which motorcycle security certification is best for getting an insurance discount in the UK — Thatcham or Sold Secure?
Both Thatcham and Sold Secure certifications are recognised by UK motorcycle insurers, but Sold Secure is generally the more widely accepted standard specifically for locking devices. Sold Secure rates products at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels — most UK insurers require at least Sold Secure Gold for a meaningful premium discount. Thatcham approval carries particular weight for alarm systems and GPS trackers. If you are unsure which certification your insurer accepts, ask them directly before purchasing — and get the answer confirmed in writing.
How much can a motorcycle security device actually reduce my insurance premium in the UK?
Fitting a certified security device can typically reduce your motorcycle insurance premium by 5% to 30%, depending on your insurer, your bike’s value, and the type of device fitted. Alarmed disc locks and heavy-duty chain locks tend to deliver the largest single-device discounts. GPS trackers provide a smaller direct discount but significant indirect savings — a recovered bike avoids a total loss claim, which would otherwise push your future premiums higher. Always ask your insurer for the exact figure before buying, and confirm it is documented on your policy schedule.
Does where I park my motorcycle overnight affect my insurance premium?
Yes — significantly. Where you store your motorcycle overnight is one of the primary factors insurers use to calculate your premium. Keeping your bike in a locked garage with a ground anchor is viewed most favourably. Street parking in known theft hotspots — particularly Greater London, Nottinghamshire, and the West Midlands — attracts higher premiums. Some insurers also ask whether your storage location is covered by CCTV. It is important to declare your parking location accurately: providing incorrect details to secure a lower premium can invalidate your entire policy if you ever need to make a claim.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I fit a new security device after my policy has started?
Yes, you should inform your insurer. Adding a Sold Secure or Thatcham-approved security device during your policy term may reduce your remaining premium or improve your coverage terms. More practically, if you need to make a theft claim and the device you used was not declared on your policy, it could complicate the process. Keep your receipt and a photo of the device fitted to your bike, notify your insurer promptly, and ask them to update your policy schedule in writing. The phone call takes five minutes and protects you fully.
Are GPS trackers worth buying for motorcycle security, and do they lower my insurance premium?
GPS trackers are worth buying for two distinct reasons: deterrence and recovery. A visible tracker warning sticker deters opportunist thieves who prefer an easy target. If your bike is stolen despite other security measures, a live GPS location gives police a realistic chance of recovering it quickly and undamaged. Most UK motorcycle insurers will offer a discount for a Thatcham-approved tracker — though the immediate premium reduction is typically smaller than for a physical lock or chain. The bigger financial benefit is indirect: recovering your bike before it is stripped or exported means no total loss claim, and no total loss claim means your future premiums stay lower. For any motorcycle worth more than £3,000, a Thatcham-approved tracker is strongly recommended by both insurers and police alike.
About the Author
This article was written by the Maximo Moto editorial team — UK-based motorcycle gear specialists with direct experience across motorcycle apparel, safety equipment, and rider resources. Maximo Moto supplies CE-approved motorcycle jackets, suits, gloves, boots, and helmets to riders across the United Kingdom. For questions about motorcycle gear or security, contact us here.
Last updated: March 2026
