Motorcycle Insurance FAQS

If you wish to get in contact with us by telephone, please call the appropriate line:

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 0344 225 1349

CLAIM NOTIFICATION LINE: 0345 872 3611

QUOTE LINE: 0345 872 3614

If you wish to get in contact via email, please send your enquiry to contactus@devittinsurance.com.

Our CUSTOMER SERVICE line is open:

8.30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday

9am to 1pm, Saturday

Our CLAIM NOTIFICATION LINE is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Our QUOTE LINE opening hours are:

8.30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday

9am to 5pm, Saturday

There are a number of different ways you can submit your documents to us from our online portal, sending them by email or posting them directly to us. Documents we have requested from you to verify your insurance must be submitted within 7 days of the date your policy start date.

Just decide on the level of cover you need, any optional extras you may require and we’ll offer you our best price from a carefully selected panel of UK insurers.

You can get a quote within minutes by filling in our online form or speaking with one of our UK-based, helpful customer service agents by calling our quote line on 0345 872 3614. We aim to provide insurance for you on the same day, offering you peace of mind that you’re insured before you ride off.

You will need to have certain information ready to complete the relevant questions we will ask you. This includes your motorcycle details, licence type/dates, annual mileage, occupation, postcode, security, No Claim Bonus and dates/details of any accidents and/or convictions you or any rider has experienced in the last five years (regardless of vehicle type and regardless whether deemed the rider’s fault or not). If you have any questions about your insurance, simply pick up the phone or drop us a question online via our Contact Us page.

The key is that all your details provide a low risk of accident or theft to the insurer; motorcycle insurance companies will look at a large range of ‘risk’ factors when calculating the premium.

We help arrange cover for various types of motorcycle from scooters and mopeds to sports bikes and tourers, from manufacturers such as BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha.

If your bike has been changed in any way since it came from the factory, you’ll need to let us know.

Any extras you have added to the vehicle that don’t effect performance are known as Accessories and will include things like heated grips, panniers, Scott oilers etc.

Where component parts have been replaced or tweaked for a better ride, faster turning or straight line speed – these are classed as Modifications. They can include aftermarket exhaust systems, uprated rear shocks, rear sets changed, power commander, steering damper etc. Again you must let us/your insurer know as they will be likely to affect the premium you are quoted.

Important note: When you are entering details for a bike insurance quote, be aware of ASSUMED QUESTIONS, as most comparisons will default to assume there are no modifications.  In these instances, we suggest that you give us a call so we can add the modifications you have to your quote; we are well placed to accept a wide range of modifications.

If your bike is deemed classic, unique, cherished, one of a kind, or collectable, then you may want to arrange agreed value to ensure the value of the bike is pre agreed, to avoid issues in the event of a claim, on request. Insurers may require an upfront agreement on the value by requesting a declaration, photos and any supporting documentation.

If agreed, in the event of the claim, the insurer will use the ‘agreed value’ to settle your claim, rather than assume a market value (which may be less than you valued the motorcycle at).

The MID (Motor Insurance Database) is a central database that holds every insured vehicle in the UK. It is automatically updated when your motorbike insurance is taken out but can take a couple of days to show that your bike is insured.

It is not updated over weekends and bank holidays, so this may increase the time it takes to appear as insured. If you have received your insurance documents (in particular, your certificate of insurance) then this should be enough to help prove that you are insured for the interim. Check your own vehicle on the MID here.

Yes, it doesn’t matter if you own the motorcycle or not when looking for a quote. We recommend getting an insurance quote before you purchase the bike to make sure you are aware of the premium cost and terms. You can even purchase the policy in advance, so long as you are the registered owner when the policy starts. Please note, our quote premium and terms are valid for 30 days.

You can still get a quote if you do not know the registration details of the motorcycle, however you cannot purchase a policy until the registration number has been provided.

Yes, if your licence entitles you to carry pillions (this is normally when you have passed your Full Motorcycle test) and you have advised us you would like to, this can be included on your policy, subject to insurer terms.

If you were to take up the policy starting on the same day you purchase the policy, cover will start immediately after payment has been taken.

This is dependent on what category of write off the bike is deemed to be. The perceived value of the motorcycle can be affected due to a previous write off.  Please call us on 0345 872 3614 and we’ll be pleased to help.

We can cover a maximum of 4 riders on our motorcycle policies including the policy holder. Please note, these riders must be individually specified and acceptable. Your premium is likely to be affected depending on their details and the increased usage of the motorcycle.

The insurers we work with may provide a variety of rating discounts in recognition of security devices used, with some providing up to 15% off the premium. These are already included in the price that you will be shown during the quotation process. Depending on the style of the motorcycle, the use of security devices may not necessarily result in a reduced premium but could instead influence the ability to provide a quote.

No, the course is taken as an alternative to receiving a fixed penalty and points on your licence. You do not need to inform us.

Unfortunately not, we only currently offer 12-month annual policies. If you take out an annual policy and then cancel it, there could potentially be a refund of premium depending on how long you have been on cover. Since your insurance is a contract, any cancellation will be subject to a cancellation fee too; however, cancellation fees can be refunded if you return to us within 12 months*

*Must return to Devitt directly within 12 months to be applicable for a refunded cancellation fee.

Yes we can, subject to underwriting criteria and an additional charge. Please call us on 0345 872 3614 and we can help to arrange that for you

Yes, we can accept a quotation up to 30 days in advance of the inception date. Policies cannot be taken up earlier than 30 days. You can get a quote earlier than 30 days to give you an indication of the premium, but this quote will not be guaranteed for any longer than the 30 day period. A new quotation may present a different price.

Yes, we are able to arrange policies on foreign licences although requirements can vary. We suggest calling us to discuss on 0345 872 3614. However, please note that we can only provide cover to UK residents.

If your bike is not on the online list of motorcycles, we suggest calling us to discuss on 0345 872 3614 as we still may be able to cover it.

Yes, we take all claims into account; accidents or losses whether fault or not fault on any vehicle.

Yes, failure to do so could invalidate your insurance.

Yes, we can cover non-standard motorcycles and similar vehicles subject to underwriting criteria. We are able to cover the following:

Imported scooters / mopeds / motorcycles

Modified and custom bikes

Multi bike policies

Classic bikes and modern classic bikes

Trikes

Quad bikes

Blood running

CBT only holders (Compulsory Basic Training)

Please call us on 0345 872 3614 to discuss.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide cover for the following:

Mobility scooters (although you are often able to cover mobility scooters as an extension of a home contents insurance policy.)

Bicycles (although you are often able to cover bicycles as an extension of a home contents insurance policy.)

Food delivery

Track days

Yes, if provided, it would be for Third party only cover and the motorcycle must be insured in its own right. Provision of this extra cover is subject to criteria, please check your certificate of motor insurance for your underwriter’s terms.

It may be allowed for a named rider, subject to criteria and insurer.  Please call us on 0345 872 3614.

Yes, we can add business use to your motorcycle insurance policy, but it is subject to underwriting criteria and your specific requirements. We cannot cover for food delivery but incidental business use can be considered. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

The three different levels of cover we offer are:

Comprehensive (Comp):

Comprehensive insurance policies provide a range of cover from damage to others property/vehicle, to damage to your vehicle/property caused by an accident, theft or fire. Cover may vary between insurers, so it’s important that you understand exactly what is included in the policy before you buy.

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT):

Third party fire and theft-only insurance covers damage to others’ property/vehicle, plus your motorcycle in the event of a fire or theft. In the event of an accident that isn’t your fault, you may be able to claim through the insurance of the other individual involved.

Third Party Only cover (TPO):

This is the minimum insurance requirement for motorcycles in the UK, and it provides the minimum level of cover. Third Party Only insurance covers damage to others’ property/vehicle only. This means you/your vehicle won’t be covered in the event of any accident or incident, unless you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, in which case you may be able to claim through the insurance of the other individual involved. It can be handy for those on a budget, but it also means that you could be out of pocket should you ever need to make a claim.

An excess is the sum the insurer will require you to contribute to towards a claim to repair damage or replace your motorcycle.

A compulsory excess is the minimum excess the insurer will accept as the contribution towards a claim to repair or replace the vehicle. Almost all third party fire & theft or comprehensive policies will apply a compulsory excess. In addition, if you request – the level of excess may be increased in exchange for a reduction in premium.

A voluntary excess is an extra amount that you agree to pay towards a claim, in addition to the compulsory excess. Various levels of voluntary excess can be selected, usually in £50 increments from £50 to £500 – and in recognition of this; it may decrease your premium.

We have the following optional extras available on our policies (click on the links to learn more):

Legal Expenses cover

4 levels of breakdown cover: Roadside, Recovery, At Home and Onward Travel plus EU cover. Find out more about our RAC Breakdown here.

Personal Accident cover

Helmet and Leathers cover

Combined Personal Accident, Helmet and Leathers

Yes, you can choose to add any of our optional extras at any time. Simply call us on 0345 872 3614 to include additional cover on your policy. Please note that adding optional extras during your policy term will incur additional costs.

This can sometimes be called No Claims Bonus (NCB) but it means the same thing. Your NCD is a reduction in the premium charged for insurance when no claim has been made during an agreed preceding period. Your no claims discount goes up each consecutive year in which you do not make a claim. NCD can be moved across insurers and most insurers will ask for No claims discount proof – to lock in the discount you were entitled to on your previous policy.

No Claims Discount can only be used on one policy at a time

Yes you can, but you normally need to have earned a minimum of four years No Claims Discount (NCD). This usually, as a minimum, protects your NCD against one claim per year. This can vary from insurer to insurer and sometimes allow more claims in a specified period. However, any claim against you will still be taken into account and insurers may increase your premium when quoting despite your level of NCD remaining the same.

Yes, all claims, including fault, non-fault and claims in other vehicle types must be disclosed to insurers.

You must use your No Claims Discount within two years of expiry of your last policy to prevent it expiring. However, some insurers may allow longer subject to their terms or we may be able to consider previous riding history or apply introductory NCDs. Please call us on 0345 872 3614 and we’ll do everything we can to help you.

Unfortunately not, only motorcycle No Claims Discount may be used on motorcycle policies.

If you advise that you have one or more years No Claims Discount, once your policy is active, you need to get proof of your NCD from your previous insurer across to us within the first 14 days of your policy start date. There are various ways that you can submit this to us. Use our handy form here to submit your documents either on desktop computer, tablet or mobile. You can even take a photo of it on your mobile and upload it straight to us. Alternatively, you can email them to contactus@devittinsurance.com.

Multi bike insurance allows you to insure multiple bikes on one policy, reflecting your NCD across them all. It can be a cheaper way to insure more than one bike.

If you would like to get a multi bike insurance quote, you can get a quote online here or simply call us today on 0345 872 3614.

No, you will need to cancel your motorcycle policy and take out a new policy for the new vehicles. Please call us on 0345 872 3614.

Yes, but this will depend on how long you’ve had your insurance policy, how long the insurer has been covering your for. As your insurance cover is an annual contract it will be subject to a cancellation fee.

Yes, failure to do so could invalidate your insurance. Please call us on 0344 225 1349.

Yes, subject to underwriting criteria. Please call us on 0344 225 1349.

Yes, failure to do so could invalidate your insurance. Please call us on 0344 225 1349.

If a Direct Debit payment is missed, we will automatically apply to take the payment a second time approximately seven days later. If this does not clear the second time we will chase for the payment.

Simply give us a call on 0344 225 1349 and we can update this all for you.

Give us a call on 0344 225 1349 and we can either look to process a change of motorcycle or arrange to cancel your policy for you.

If you are travelling within the EU our policies provide you with cover for any temporary trip not exceeding 90 days. Please check your policy booklet and ensure you take your insurance certificate and claim helpline number with you on your travels.

Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, the Republic of Ireland, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino and the Vatican City, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

If you are aware of any accident or loss by you or a third party, you must report the incident as soon as possible by calling our claim line on 0345 872 3611. It is important to note that all accidents, thefts, attempted thefts and malicious damage incidents should be reported, even if you aren’t going to make a claim.

The first thing to do if you have had an accident that wasn’t your fault is to call our claim line on 0345 872 3611. If you have legal expenses cover, once it has been reported, a solicitor will be instructed to act upon your behalf. They will attempt to claim compensation from the negligent third party for any injuries sustained and any other uninsured losses.

If your insurer recovers the cost of the claim from the third party, your NCD will not be affected. If your insurer is unable to recover the cost of the claim from a third party your NCD may not be affected if you have purchased NCD protection – please refer to your insurance policy booklet and insurance policy schedule for further details. However, it may be affected whilst insurers/solicitors are establishing which party is at fault.

Once you have reported a claim, your insurer, solicitor and repairer will be instructed. If you need to track the progress, just contact the following:

Status of claim: Insurer

Repair: Insurer (applies to comprehensive and third party fire and theft cover when the motorcycle has been stolen or damaged by fire)

Personal injury: Solicitor dealing with claim

Loan vehicle: Vehicle hire company

Your claim will be passed directly to your insurer and all claims whether theft or accident related are dealt with accordingly. In cases of theft, the insurer will try and recover what was stolen, which may result in the claim taking a little longer to settle.

If what was stolen is recovered but damaged as a result of the theft or attempted theft, the repair cost will be covered by your policy (unless you have third party only cover) although you will need to contribute any policy excess that may apply.

This will depend on how you have set your policy up – whether it’s on auto renew and whether you paid for your policy in full at inception or if you opted to pay by financed direct debits. You will receive your renewal invitation 21 days before your policy renewal date.

If you’re unsure if your policy is on auto renew – just give us a call and we can confirm that for you, or you will be able to check on your renewal invitation.

If you are not on auto renew:

If you have received your renewal letter from us and wish to pay in full you can renew your policy online here or you can give us a call and one of our friendly agents can get that sorted for you. If you pay by financed direct debit and are not on auto renew, we will need to get that set up again for you. Please get in touch on 0345 872 3607.

If you are on auto-renew:

If you have agreed to set auto-renewal on your policy, you won’t need to do anything and your previous payment method will be used. If your payment details have changed from the original set up, or your method of payment has expired, you need to let us know, or your payment will fail and you could be left without cover.

If you do not want to renew your policy, please call us on 0344 225 1349.

Once your renewal has been processed, we will send all of your documents to you by email or post as specified. Your new annual policy will then start from your new renewal date.

Yes, subject to underwriting criteria. Please call us on 0344 225 1349 and we’ll be pleased to assist.

Simply give us a call on 0344 225 1349 and we’ll be happy to help.

You will receive your renewal document approximately 21 days in advance of your renewal date via either email or post, whichever your chosen receipt option upon inception.

You should always check the details of your policy renewal. Insurers can sometimes update their excesses or endorsements. If you are unhappy with any changes made on your renewal, please contact us to discuss and we can try to find a resolution that suits you.

Give us a call on 0344 225 1349, prior to the renewal date and we can cancel the renewal for you.

To cancel your policy please call us directly on 0344 225 1349 and speak to one of our Customer Service Agents.

When you take out an insurance policy, you agree to an annual contract with terms and conditions agreed. If you cancel your contract early then a fee will apply to cover administration costs of the policy.

If you were to cancel a policy with us and then take out another policy directly with us within 12 months (not through a comparison site), we will refund a portion or all of your fee. All you have to do is call us directly on 0344 225 1349 and speak to one of our customer service agents.

This is transferable across products, so if you cancel your motorcycle insurance because you’ve sold your bike, and you’re going to start using a car, you can get your cancellation fee for bike insurance refunded when you take out car insurance.

You have a statutory right to cancel your policy within 14 days either from the day of purchase or renewal of the policy, or the day on which you receive your policy or renewal documentation, whichever is the later. We will return any premium paid less a reduced administration fee and any premium charge for the number of days for which insurance cover has been provided. However, please be aware that no refund will be due if a claim involving the total loss of your motorcycle has been made during that period.

After the 14 day cooling off period you can still cancel your policy at any time by letting us know. Provided that no claim has occurred in the current period of insurance, your insurer will calculate the premium for the period they have been insuring you and a rebate will be allowed in accordance with the scale shown in your policy booklet. Cancellations are subject to an administration fee.

Whilst we will make every effort to maintain the highest standards, we recognise that there may be occasions when we fail to satisfy the particular requirements of our customers. We therefore have in place procedures to investigate and remedy any area of concern.

In such circumstances we promise:

• To try and resolve the complaint within 3 working days and write to you confirming if we have done so;
• To acknowledge any formal complaints promptly;
• To respond fully to your concern or complaint within four weeks or less. If for any reason this is not possible, we will write to you to explain why we have been unable to conclude the matter quickly. If we have been unable to resolve your complaint in eight weeks, we will write to you explaining the reason as to why this has not been possible. We will also advise you of your right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (if applicable).

In the event of any complaint please contact us quoting your reference number and/or your policy number. You can give details of your complaint:

In writing to: Devitt Insurance Services Limited, North House, St Edwards Way, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PP, or,

By telephone: 0344 225 1349

By Email: Please click Contact us and submit your complaint via email from there.

The member of staff receiving your communication will try to resolve your complaint immediately. If they cannot, or further investigation is required, we promise to inform you of this within 3 business days. In the event that your complaint has not been resolved within 3 business days, this will be escalated to our internal complaints department in Glasgow who will carry out an independent investigation and aim to respond within 8 weeks of escalation. The complaints team will either issue you with a final response letter detailing the outcome of their investigation and their decision, or a letter confirming when they anticipate to have concluded their investigation. Whilst they are investigating your complaint, they will keep in regular contact with you.

If you still feel that we have not been able to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, after this process you may have the right (subject to eligibility) to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service; the address is:

The Financial Ombudsman Service Exchange Tower London E14 9SR

Telephone: 0800 0234 567 (from landline)

Telephone: 0300 123 9 123 (from mobile)

Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Whether or not you make a complaint to us and/or refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, your statutory right to take legal action will not be affected.