Bikers urged to get correct motorcycle insurance

23rd November, 2006

Motorcycle insurance is set to increase in popularity as the importance of motorbikes in cutting congestion was highlighted in the Queen's Speech this year. In the draft road transport bill, councils will be allowed to create local road pricing schemes similar to the congestion charge in London. As a result, motorbike use is set to grow as the current draft of the proposed law states that motorcyclists and car drivers will face different charges because of "the lower congestion impact of motorcycles".

It states: "In an idealised road pricing scheme, prices should vary between classes of vehicle with those causing more congestion or environmental costs paying more." Jeff Stone, spokesman for the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), said: "This is a vindication of all the hard work we have put in over the past six years. "We have seen a 45 per cent increase in motorcycle use in London over the past ten years so people have already recognised the benefits for themselves, the Queen's Speech now endorses this trend."

Prospective motorcyclists are warned that jumping on a motorbike is far more complicated than simply buying a bike, passing the test and getting motorbike insurance. First of all a provisional licence must be obtained and a compulsory basic training (CBT) course must be undertaken. On passing that, motorcyclists must be insured and can practice on the roads before taking the full practical and theory tests.

When applying for motorbike insurance it is essential that motorcyclists tell the motorbike insurance company the type of bike and the size of the engine, although learners are limited to 125cc. As with car insurance, the cost of motorcycle insurance depends on a motorcyclist's age, address and type of motorbike. As well as comprehensive, third party and third party fire & theft, motorcyclists should consider pillion passenger insurance.

Mr Stone added: "In London there has been a massive increase in popularity. Elsewhere motorcycle sales are quite buoyant. There is now a realisation that people can avoid congestion and save time. Generally, we are seeing two kinds of motorcyclists. Enthusiasts who maybe only ride at the weekend and treat it as a social thing as well as people who ride motorbikes to commute and don't really consider themselves as motorcyclists."

When organising motorbike insurance it is important to tell the insurance company how often the bike is used, whether it is stored during the winter months, any modifications which have been made to the bike as well as the security measures taken to increase protection from theft. As with all insurance products, the cost of motorcycle insurance can be reduced if you have a good driving record and take precautions against theft.