MOTORBIKE INSURANCE: A PRIMER
05 December 2011 - MCE Insurance

You may own a classic Norton, a mod-tastic Vespa or a heavyweight Harley, but there are certain things you must always consider when picking the right insurance for your ride.

Motorbikes have long been associated with the freedom of the open road, but before you can enjoy the thrill of roaring down the highway on your ‘iron horse’, you need to think carefully about insurance. Insurance is one of the biggest expenses when owning a motorbike but thankfully motorbike cover for any bike and any age can be obtained from MCE Insurance

You may own a classic Norton, a mod-tastic Vespa or a heavyweight Harley, but there are certain things you must always consider when picking the right insurance for your ride

Being As Free As A Bird Is A Risky Business

Compared with driving a car, riding a motorbike is a very exciting and liberating experience, but it is also a risky business. You will need to take this into regard when purchasing motorbike insurance. And purchase it you must, because it’s against the law to ride even a moped without cover. You will find insurance companies keep large files on the safety statistics of the various styles and models of motorbikes and that’s before they determine the lifestyle of the owners and put together a profile of risk. The right policy for your individual needs is out there but you’ll need to shop around to get the best deal and find exactly what covers what. Your best bet is to start with an online price-comparison service to compare insurers.

Get Your Motor Running

Upon your application for a quote with an insurance company you will be given a choice between three options of cover. These are either fully comprehensive, third party, or third party, fire and theft. Depending on the cover you require the price will vary, but additional individual factors will be considered when determining your insurance quote based on a profile of risk.

Make and Model: Specific bikes come with specific risks, make sure you know yours. Expensive motorbikes cost more for insurers to repair or replace, so up go your premiums.

As a rule of thumb, the bigger the engine, the bigger the risk of accidents, leading to a hike in insurance costs. If you want to insure a classic bike (those at least 20 years old), be warned parts are hard to replace, so specialist insurance companies might be a better option if you don’t want to pay through the nose.

Miles Covered: Limiting your riding will limit the amount you pay on your policy. Using your bike on the weekend for purposes of pleasure rather than for commuting to work every day, carries less risk in the eyes of the insurer because the roads aren’t as busy.

Occupation: Your occupation is relevant to a motorbike insurance company, because if you make your living through sport or dancing, your insurance company might have to pay out more in the event of a crash.

Security: Is vehicle theft in your area an issue? Will your bike be safely stored in a garage? Does your bike have an immobiliser or alarm? These are all determining factors when considering your final quote price and lowering your premiums.

Previous Driving Convictions And Claims: Safe driving makes financial sense, because if you’ve got a history of convictions and claims, the price just went up. Additionally, it may be unfair but it’s a fact, female motorcyclists, scooter owners and younger riders are treated differently by some insurers.

Bike Share? If you want to include anyone else as a named rider on the policy, be warned, your 18-year old nephew could prove very expensive.

No Claims Bonus: If your No Claims Bonus has accrued over the years, you’re onto a winner, because your premiums just went down.

Hit The Highway: Once you’re covered, you can hit the highway like a bat out of hell, safe in the knowledge you can enjoy the open road and fresh air with the added benefit that only peace of mind can bring.

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