Top Tips

Here are some top tips when it comes to insuring your motorcycle.

• First motorcycle insurance - You may not have any No claims bonus, but check for special introductory offers.
  
• 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? Is your broker GSIC compliant? It's a code of conduct for the selling of insurance. See 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.
  
• What is the highest level of excess charge you can afford to pay? If you opt to pay for the first £100 or £150 instead of the first £50 you can reduce the cost of your insurance. This indicates you are unlikely to make smaller claims and will only need assistance from your insurance company in the event of a major claim.
  
• Voluntary excess - Having extra excess on your policy can save you money off your insurance, but beware; it'll cost you if you claim.
  
• Can you restrict your cover to named riders? If you insure your vehicle for anyone to ride the cost will be understandably higher. The only instance where this may not be the case is if a lot of your named riders are young and inexperienced, in which case it may be better to insure for all riders.
  
• Do you really need a hire motorcycle if your bike goes in for repair?
  If you could possibly make do with public transport or lifts from family and friends for a few days then opting for a policy that does not provide a hire bike will reduce your quote.
  
• Can you live without those additional products that insurance companies offer? Think very carefully about if you really need them. Extra perks can mean higher policies.
  
• Security - If you live in a high risk area consider leaving your motorcycle in a garage overnight. If your vehicle is garaged your premiums will be significantly reduced. 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.
  
• Do you have the correct level of cover for your vehicle? If the trade value is not high then it may be worth going for Third Party Fire and Theft cover or just third party damage as opposed to Fully Comprehensive.
  
• Garages - If you live in a high risk area consider leaving your motorcycle or scooter in a garage overnight. If your vehicle is garaged your premiums will be significantly reduced.