Do you need a green slip for your motorcycle? Unfortunately, motorcycle greenslips can be expensive because riding a motorcycle is risky. Riders have a relatively higher chance of being seriously injured or dying. We explain how green slip prices are set and how much it costs to buy green slips for motorcycles in metro and rural areas.
Why are green slips for motorcycles expensive?
First, there are few motorcycle riders compared to drivers, but they are more likely to be hurt on the roads.
At June 2021, there were 6.8 million light vehicles, but only one quarter of a million (260,570) motorcycles registered in NSW.
- Drivers made up 34% of all serious injuries.
- Motorcyclists experienced 23% of all serious injuries (yet only 3.8% of registered light vehicles).
Second, motorcycle riders were disproportionately more likely to die on the roads in the year to May 2022.
- Drivers were 46.8% of deaths.
- Motorcyclists were 18.4% of deaths (yet only 3.8% of registered light vehicles).
In fact, the second most deaths after drivers in the year to May 2022 are motorcyclists. The age group most likely to die on the roads is 30-39, followed by 60-69 year olds.
These risks of riding a motorcycle are reflected in regulated green slip prices.
How are greenslip prices set for motorcycles?
Insurers determine the prices of green slips for motorcycles on the basis of engine capacity (including electric). As well, they use geographic (rating) region, claims history, driving record, rider age and whether there is a pillion passenger.
State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) sets five classifications of engine capacity:
- Under 225cc and electric motorcycles
- 226cc to 725cc
- 726cc to 1125cc
- 1126cc to 1325cc
- Over 1325cc.
Find more information on how insurers set greenslip prices.
How much does a motorcycle greenslip cost?
The cost of a motorcycle greenslip depends on whether you are a “good” or “bad” rider (your record as a safe and lawful rider) and where you live. In fact, metro prices are much higher than rural prices because that’s where most serious injuries occur.
Remember, insurer prices are competitive for motorcycle green slips so it’s worth comparing prices.
Metro motorcycle prices
These are the prices of a motorcycle green slip for a good, fully insured male rider, 45, in the metro area:
| Engine size | Metro price range | Difference | Highest price | Lowest price |
| Under 225cc/electric | $108-$144 | $36 | 33% more | 25% less |
| 226cc to 725cc | $311-$427 | $116 | 37% more | 27% less |
| 726cc to 1125cc | $431-$605 | $174 | 40% more | 29% less |
| 1126cc to 1325cc | $672-$928 | $256 | 38% more | 28% less |
| Over 1325cc | $483-$640 | $157 | 33% more | 25% less |
The most expensive motorcycle green slip in a metro area is for the second most powerful engine, 1126cc to 1325cc. You can pay up to $256 (or 38%) more for a greenslip.
Always use the greenslips.com.au calculator because you can save up to 29% on your motorcycle greenslip by buying the cheapest one. Alternatively, you can pay up to 40% more for the most expensive greenslip.
Country motorcycle prices
These are the prices of a motorcycle green slip for exactly the same rider in a country area:
| Engine size | Country price range | Difference | Highest price | Lowest price |
| Under 225cc/electric | $77-$103 | $26 | 34% more | 25% less |
| 226cc to 725cc | $173-$237 | $64 | 37% more | 27% less |
| 726cc to 1125cc | $306-$402 | $96 | 31% more | 24% less |
| 1126cc to 1325cc | $422-$579 | $157 | 37% more | 27% less |
| Over 1325cc | $609-$793 | $184 | 30% more | 23% less |
The most expensive green slip is for the most powerful engine, over 1325cc. You can pay up to $184 (or 30%) more for a motorcycle greenslip.
By using the greenslips.com.au calculator, you can save up to 27% on your greenslip by buying the cheapest one. Alternatively, you can pay up to 37% more for the most expensive greenslip.
Can novice motorcycle riders choose any engine size?
No, novice motorcyclists don’t have a wide choice of engine sizes. Motorcycles that are approved for L, P1 and P2 riders have these features:
- Engine capacity of 660ml or less
- Power-to-weight ratio of 150 kw per tonnes or less
- Power up to 25 kw or less for electric motorcycles
- On the Approved motorcycles for novice riders list.
Are all green slips for motorcycles the same?
All greenslips for motorcycles (and other vehicles) must offer the same cover by law.
None of the insurers offers At-Fault Driver Cover as an extra feature with motorcycle green slips in NSW. (Only one insurer now offers this for other vehicles.)
To find the cheapest green slips for motorcycles in NSW, go to the greenslips.com.au Calculator.
your opinion matters: