| With recent news suggesting the number of people | | | | riding a different bike to that declared, or if it has |
| riding motorbikes without insurance is increasing, | | | | modifications that haven't been noted, there is a |
| coupled with the fact that bikers are roughly 30% | | | | good chance that the insurer won't pay up. Some |
| more likely to be involved in a crash than a car driver, | | | | providers may also require you declare what the |
| it has never been more important to ensure you are | | | | motorbike will be mainly used for (i.e. for work or just |
| covered properly when you start riding. | | | | leisure / commuting) and whether it will be stored in a |
| So what do you need to look out for to get the | | | | garage or out in the street. |
| best insurance quotes around? Firstly, it's highly | | | | With all your details straightened out, your next step |
| important to shop around. Make sure you check with | | | | is to work out what level of motorcycle insurance |
| lots of different motorcycle insurance providers - | | | | best suits your needs. There are three levels of |
| while many mainstream insurers will offer full cover | | | | motorcycle cover - third party; third party, fire and |
| on a 125cc bike for as much as 1500 pounds, a | | | | theft; and fully comprehensive. |
| specialist motorcycle insurer could go as low as 300 | | | | The lowest level of cover, third party, is the minimum |
| pounds for a learner motorcyclist. | | | | legal requirement of any vehicle on UK roads. It |
| How do these insurers come to these insurance | | | | basically covers any damages to other vehicles if you |
| quotes? As with pretty much any type of insurance | | | | are found to be responsible for an accident. It |
| quotes, the insurer needs detailed information about | | | | doesn't cover damages to your motorcycle. |
| the rider and the bike so they can get a better idea | | | | Third part fire and theft, or TPFT for short, covers |
| of your chances of needing to make a claim against | | | | the same as above plus the risk of damage caused |
| them. The higher the chance of a claim, the higher | | | | by fire and your bike being stolen. |
| your insurance quote will be. | | | | Fully comprehensive cover, typically the most |
| Regarding personal details, a motorcycle insurer will | | | | expensive level of insurance, as the name suggests |
| typically require you to give the usual details such as | | | | covers everything above, plus any damages incurred |
| your age, riding experience and where you live. This | | | | to your own motorbike. It's recommended in most |
| is so they can judge how likely you're going to have | | | | cases that fully comprehensive insurance is the best |
| an accident, or if you're in an area susceptible to high | | | | to go for, as it will cover you in all eventualities - |
| levels of theft. It's also worth noting that an older | | | | sod's law says something will usually happen if you're |
| rider, even if they are a learner, will probably get a | | | | not fully covered! |
| lower quote than a learner motorcyclist still in their | | | | So, now you're equipped with all the information you |
| teens. | | | | need, it's time to get out there and search as many |
| With the bike, you will need to declare the type of | | | | motorcycle insurance providers as you can to find |
| bike it is and any modifications made. If you were to | | | | the best deal for you! |
| be involved in a collision and you're insurer finds you're | | | | |