The cost of an Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) competition licence and registration will be subject to a modest increase in 2026 as new-and-improved personal accident insurance becomes integrated into the annual fee as standard.
The decision to set the competition licence fee at £98, the new-for-2026 national trial registration at £50, and the club trial registration at £35 for a full season of ACU competition reflects the national governing body of British motorcycle sport’s commitment to improving rider protection and simplifying how insurance is delivered across its permitted events.
The current insurance model requires organisers to pay for personal accident cover, a cost that is reflected in riders’ event entry fees.
The decision to introduce a new approach in 2026 comes after a two-year review of insurance and safety arrangements across all ACU activity. It also marks the start of a new partnership between the ACU and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance that will bring increased value and support for riders, organisers and officials.
Central to the new-and-improved personal accident insurance benefits the ACU has secured for its riders in 2026 is hospitalisation payments that will now begin after 72 hours in hospital, rather than the previous 14-day threshold. These payments will be paid daily up to a maximum of £2,000 per hospital stay.
As well as this, public liability cover of £40 million will remain in place for all competitive events run under an ACU permit. These insurance benefits do not apply to non-ACU competitions.
Matthew Edwards-Wear, CEO of the Auto-Cycle Union, said: “Introducing a modest competition licence and registration fee increase is necessary to provide the best insurance package currently available within UK motorcycle sport.
“We are proud the ACU is there for riders if they suffer an injury at one of our permitted events and the benefits that come with the latest personal accident insurance package we’ve secured for 2026 is proof of that commitment.
“Bringing the personal accident payment – which amounts to £20 for an entire season – into the rider licence or registration fee also helps organisers by reducing their event costs and admin. With costs increasing in other areas of motorcycle sport, it’s important the ACU family supports those that do such a great job when organising the events we all compete in.”
To give additional support to its riders, the ACU has also confirmed an extension to the validity of its 2025 competition licences and registrations. These will now expire after 31 January 2026.
Renewals for 2026 ACU licences and registrations will open on 10 November 2025, with auto renewals coming into effect on 31 January 2026. Renewals can be actioned on the ACU stand at Motorcycle Live (15-23 November). Licensing telephone support is available on 01788 566400 or by e-mailing the ACU team below.
• The ACU will be reintroducing a plastic licence card for officials that attend seminars this winter. If this initiative is successful, the organisation will consider rolling out similar licence cards to competitors from the 2027 renewal.