There have been a number of motorbike insurance increases and these are due, says insurance giant Aviva, to more motorcyclists carrying pillion passengers.

Aviva says that the motorbike insurance increases are coming as a direct result of more claims by pillion passengers against the motorcyclist. The insurance leader reckons that there has been a 57% increase in bodily injury claims against motorcyclists since 2005.

And the motorbike insurance increases of around 51% in the same period, can be directly attributed say Aviva to the more litigious nature of motorcycle passengers.

As Aviva point out, the number of motorcycle accidents in the UK is still a major worry for the authorities, road safety groups and police force, another major factor behind the recent motorbike insurance increases. Motorcyclists account for nearly 35% of deaths on UK roads, yet only account for 1% of the overall traffic.

Aviva motoring expert Nigel Bartram, said:
“These are certainly sobering statistics. We believe that the upturn in bike claims, particularly bodily injury claims, is a consequence of more riders opting to carry pillion passengers. Congestion and fuel costs are certainly issues of concern for all motorists, so taking the bike out rather than the car can save on time and money.

“However, carrying a passenger can affect the way a bike handles in relation to stopping distance, cornering and steering, so we are advising riders to take extra care, and to seek expert help if not completely confident.
“Now that summer is here more bikers will be taking to the roads. We are trying to raise awareness that, whilst biking can be a liberating and extremely enjoyable experience, it is still a vulnerable activity that requires acute awareness of risks and hazards that are associated with travelling on two wheels.”

A medical expert added his opinion. Team manager for Casualty Reduction at Norfolk County Council, Iain Temperton, said:
“It is a sad fact that a large proportion of rider fatalities in Norfolk are caused by rider error. Carrying a passenger can make the challenge of riding a bike more difficult and I would urge all riders to take any opportunity to enhance their skills. Courses are available via local Constabularies or local authority Road Safety teams.”

Aviva Insurance advise that all motorcyclists should make key checks before they opt to take pillion passengers out on the road.

These include making sure that the passenger is using a satisfactory helmet and clothing. The motorcyclist has a crash helmet which is a British Standards approved model and wears clothing that is safe and protective on a motorcycle. Secondly, that the motorcyclist ensures that their bike is equipped to take a pillion passenger safely, and that it is set in terms of suspension, tyres and mirrors, and other vital adjustments.

Because only when the statistics improve, will motorbike insurance increases slowdown.

Guest Article by Neil Camp