Motorcycle insurance guide...vroom vroom

To claim or not to claim?

If the damage to your bike is quite minor then you might be better paying for the repairs yourself. If you do make a claim you will have to pay the excess, you will lose your no claims discount and your premiums may go up. Take all these things into account before you decide what to do.

If you’re insuring your bike for the first time make sure that you do your research and fully understand the policy’s small print. Always read your insurers Product Disclosure Statement to understand when you will and won’t be covered.

But that’s not all, there are still plenty more ways for you to save on your bike insurance...

Save on your motorbike insurance

Prices are calculated based on several factors. If you’re looking for cheap cover there are many ways that you can reduce the cost of your premiums:

• Make and model: The type of bike you ride will affect how much you pay on your insurance. If your motorbike is very expensive or a particularly fast model, your premiums are likely to be higher. If you want to save mone then consider the type you buy.
  
  

• Safe driving and no claims: The longer you drive without making a claim, the lower your premiums will get. So drive safely out there.
  
  

• The age of all riders: The rider’s age makes a big difference to the cost of bike insurance premiums. If you are under 25 you will most likely have to pay more.
  
  

• Modifications and accessories added to the motorcycle: Modifications can be good and bad in terms of insurance premiums. If you modify your bike to make it safer or harder to steal then your premiums will go down. If you modify your bike to go faster, they are likely to go up! If low insurance costs is your priority then stick to a standard model where parts are easily replaceable.
  
  

• Don’t overestimate your kilometres: You pay less if you drive less, so don’t overestimate your ride time. Many bikers don't use their motorbike as their main form of transport. If you estimate based on your car mileage you could end up paying too much.
  
  

• Secure your motorbike: Bikes are easy targets, do your best to keep your bike in a safe location when you are not using it. The safer the place, the cheaper your premiums will be. Also it’s a good idea to fit your bike with an alarm and make sure it is padlocked.
  
  

• Excess: Excess is the first amount of money you have to pay when you make a claim. By increasing your excess you are able to decrease your monthly premiums. But remember that you will have to pay this amount in the event of a claim.
  
  

• Types of cover: There are 3 main types of cover.  The costs will vary between the level that you chose, but generally the third party polices will be cheaper than fully comprehensive policies.
  
  

• Me, myself and I: If you’re a lone rider, this will be much cheaper than insurance for passengers. But make sure if you do intend to take a passenger with you, even for a quick 5 minute ride, that you do have the adequate insurance at that time.

You can’t predict what‘s around the corner, so make sure motorbike insurance an essential piece of your kit.

Once you are insured …the open road awaits you people!