Motorbike Articles

Top Ten Motorcycle Insurance Tips

Passionate about your motorcycle? Make sure you protect it!

Motorcycling is a passion. Those who indulge are passionate about everything to do with it – the motorcycles, the leathers, the magazines, the insurance… Ok, so maybe passion is not a word usually associated with insurance but insurance is, like it or not, a necessary element of biking. Without it, you can't legally ride on a public road.

So let's take a look at how you can make insuring your motorcycle a bit more bearable. Motorcycle insurance specialist, Devitt, provides ten ways to make sure you are getting the right insurance for your motorcycle and at the right premium.

1. Type of cover - The minimum legal requirement is "Third Party Only". This covers you for damage you cause to someone else and their property. It might be worth considering if the value of your motorcycle is not high. Then there is "Third Party Fire and Theft", which additionally includes cover for fire and theft and "Comprehensive" which includes cover for damage to your motorcycle irrespective of whose fault the accident was.
2. Excesses - A Compulsory Excess is an amount you have to pay towards the total cost of any claim you make for damage or theft. In addition to a Compulsory Excess, you may be able to add a Voluntary Excess in exchange for a reduced premium. But remember, you'll have to pay the combined amount.
3. No Claim Discount - Most companies will offer a "No claim discount" (NCD) for every year you do not make a claim which could save you money on your premium. For an additional premium, you can protect a maximum No Claim Discount.
4. Riding abroad - A Green Card is no longer required to ride in EU Countries and many insurers include up to 90 days European cover. But you should inform your broker or insurer if you plan to travel abroad to ensure you have the cover you need.
5. Modifications - Despite popular belief, most common modifications actually have little or no affect on premiums but you MUST tell your broker or insurer about it otherwise you risk having problems in the event of a claim.
6. Training courses - There are various advanced training courses that are available which may help to reduce your premium, a good example is Bikesafe, where depending on the insurer you could save up to 10% on your premium.
7. Security - A Thatcham approved alarm and immobiliser may secure you a further discount of up to 10%, whilst also providing some extra peace of mind.
8. Optional extras - You may be offered Legal Expenses Insurance (which covers costs incurred if you become involved in claims for personal injury or loss of earnings) Personal Accident cover (which could provide up to £10,000 for injury) and Breakdown cover. All of these are likely to cost you more, but generally well worth purchasing.
9. Mileage and Garaging - If you do less than 3,000 miles a year on your motorcycle you may be entitled to a discount of up to 10%. But make sure you are honest about this, as with everything dishonesty will only cost you more in the long run. In addition, if you store your motorcycle in a garage you may also be entitled to a discount which could range from 5% to 10% depending on individual circumstances.
10. Specialist provider - Finally, the best advice is to arrange your insurance through a specialist provider who thoroughly understands biking and the insurance risks involved and will be able to advise you fully on all these elements.

More Motorcycle Insurance Top Tips

By Chris Bottle, track-day addict and Devitt Head of Marketing

1. Consider using a specialist broker, one who thoroughly understands biking and the insurance risks involved. Many of the people working in motorcycle insurance, like Chris, share a genuine passion for motorcycles.
2. Be honest and answer any questions truthfully. There's no point trying to get a lower premium by saying you keep your motorcycle in a garage if you don't. If you lie, you risk having a claim turned down for 'non-disclosure'.
3. Shop around. Brokers and insurers can change their rates from year to year. Don't automatically assume your renewal is the best price.