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

Yamaha has been making motorbikes for over 50 years and has produced hundreds of makes and models. Buyability allows you to obtain and compare the best Yamaha bike insurance quotes quickly and easily online. Buyability’s quotes detail key insurance policy features such as excess, monthly repayments, total price and legal cover.

Below you will find two quotes for Yamaha bike insurance. Buyability used two distinct models for our quotes. The first of which is the Yamaha YZF – R6, this is a powerful 600cc motorbike and the second is a Yamaha Aerox Race Replica, which is mainly ridden by people who have just passed their test.

The first quote gathered for Yamaha bike insurance was for the YZF – R6, 2008 model 599cc.

Yamaha Bike Insurance Criteria

• Make/Model: Yamaha YZF – 600, 2008
• Ownership: Bike not Bought Yet
• Price: £7,300 new
• Motorbike Use: Social with Commuting to Work
• Annual Mileage: 8,000
• Security: Chain and Padlock
• Alarm: Yamaha Cyclelok YM 600
• Type of Insurance Cover: Comprehensive
• Voluntary Excess: £250
• No Claims Bonus: 3 years
• Where is the Motorbike Kept: Driveway
• Age: 29

The three best Yamaha bike insurance quotes came from ebike insure, Swinton Bikes and insurance4my.com.

Coming in third place with a price of £1,020.64 is insurance4my.com. Its key features are a total excess requirement of £500. This policy does not provide you with a courtesy vehicle and legal cover is £19.50 extra. Second place goes to Swinton Bikes with an annual premium of £946.03. The best quote that came in using our Buyability Yamaha bike insurance comparison tool was from ebike insurance with a premium of only £770.93. The good thing about this policy is the excess is £450 and legal cover is included.

The next quote compiled was for the Yamaha Aerox Race Replica, 49cc, 2008 model.

Yamaha Bike Insurance Criteria

• Make/Model: Yamaha Aerox Race Replica
• Ownership: Bike not Bought Yet
• Price: £2,199 new
• Motorbike Use: Social
• Annual Mileage: 5,000
• Security: Chain and Padlock
• Alarm: Yamaha Smartlock
• Type of Insurance Cover: Comprehensive
• Voluntary Excess: £250
• No Claims Bonus: 0 years
• Where is the Motorbike Kept: Driveway
• Age: 17

In third place, insurance4my.com gave a quote of £1092.49. The total excess is £700 and there is no legal cover or courtesy vehicle. In second place ebike insurance gave a Yamaha bike insurance quote of £1050.23. Coming in first place with a quote of £842.35 is Swinton Bikes. However this quote did not include legal cover or a courtesy vehicle.

Get a Yamaha bike insurance quote now!

Guest Article by Carlan Li