General Advice for Bikers Seeking Insurance

Riding a bike without insurance is breaking the law. The Motorcycle may be becoming more and more popular with the fashion conscious and more practical with the young, but insurance companies are not big fans. Accidents rates are alarmingly high, particularly with young riders.

When looking for motorcycle insurance quotes, you need to think carefully about what you want to be covered. One thing that is important is that you take the time to research the market, and get as many quotes as possible, so that you have the best chance of finding the most appropriate and best value deal. Look at the details on the insurance policy carefully, to find out what you are getting for your premiums. Remember that accidents can happen at any time of day, as can thefts, so you should expect your insurance company to have a call centre open 24 hours a day to enable your call to be taken and your claim to be processed as quickly as possible.

When you go for your quote, you should ask about personal possessions cover. You might also want legal expenses cover should you have to fight claims for personal injury or loss of earnings. Then there is personal accident cover, which is set up to insure you against injuries caused directly from an accident. You ideally want something that includes free call out charges and labour, although you should expect to pay for parts. Your quote should allow you the opportunity to pay your premiums monthly, rather than having to pay all of your insurance in one go. The monthly premiums should be collectable by direct debit. By spreading your payments over a year you can make the cover more affordable.

It is important to know how insurance companies evaluate risk in relation to motorbike insurance. There are a number of factors which affect the price you are quoted, including:

• The area you live in
• Your occupation
• What use you have for the vehicle
• Your age
• Your past driving record
• Whether or not the vehicle is garaged overnight
• Whether or not security devices are fitted to the vehicle
• The cost of repair or replacement of the vehicle
• The performance of the vehicle
• The likelihood that it will be stolen

Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done about any of these factors. On no account should information be withheld or false information given to the insurance company as the policy will be invalidated immediately the truth is known. There are some legitimate ways to reduce the costs however, as outlined in the following pages of this guide.

Other Advice

1. No Claims Bonus - The best way to bring down your insurance premium is to keep you nose clean and earn some 'No Claims Bonus', even if it means a year or two on a lower cc bike. Two years 'No Claims Bonus' may make the dream of a top sports bike possible.

2. Security - Use an insurance approved lock and alarm combination. Alarms are useful, but more and more thieves are stealing bikes by lifting them into a van. Attaching your bike to an immobile object with an insurance approved lock will deter most thieves.

3. Limit Mileage - If you ride under 5000 miles a year, some insurers will give extra discounts, however if you ride over this, be pre-pared to pay the difference or have your claim kicked out!

4. Voluntary excess - Having extra excess on your policy can save you money off your insurance, but beware; it'll cost you if you claim.

5. Shop around - Different brokers have different deals for different riders, some brokers give extra discounts on-line. Check out magazines and ask friends.

- Ask how much excess is on the policy; don't get a nasty surprise at claim time.

- Are legal expenses (you'll need it if you have an accident, so make sure it's included at the start) included in the price? Don't get stung for an extra £20 on top of your insurance.

- Is your broker GSIC compliant? It's a code of conduct for the selling of insurance. Check out, www.gsic.co.uk

- A cheaper policy can equal low cover with lots of policy restriction. Ask what garaging; mileage and security restrictions are on the policy.