Cheapest Bike Insurance Cover

1. Many bike insurance providers offer optional extras such as legal expenses, breakdown cover and a courtesy car, which is useful if you have a crash. You could opt out of purchasing these optional extras to keep your premiums down. But you should first carefully consider the consequences before making your decision.

2. It’s common knowledge that adding performance enhancing modifications to a bike can dramatically increase the cost of bike insurance, especially if you own an already powerful bike like a Ducati 1198 or a Yamaha YZF R1. However, it is also important to know that any modifications even if they are cosmetic can considerably increase the cost of cover. If your bike does have any modifications always inform your insurance provider. This will ensure your bike is fully covered and reduce the risk that any claims will be made invalid due to non-disclosure.

3. Many people every year are literally throwing money away, why? Because they don’t bother to compare bike insurance quotes to get the best deal. Even though your insurance provider may have reduced your premiums this does not mean you are getting the best deal on the market. When your policy is up for renewal have a look around and get a few quotes. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for Ducati bike insurance for an 1198 or cover for a second hand scooter, you can still save money.

4. When you first start riding it can be tempting to buy the most expensive and powerful bike you can afford. But in the beginning you can save lots of money if you purchase a older less powerful bike. Once you have a couple of year riding experience and no claims under your belt you can buy a more expensive machine.

5. If you do buy a cheaper bike which isn’t worth that much you could consider buying third party only bike insurance. Fully comprehensive insurance is often more expensive, so you could save by going for third party fire and theft. However this does mean reducing your cover.

6. Most bike insurers allow you to ride in the EU for up to 90 days every year. If you do intend on riding abroad you should discuss what precautions you can take in terms of security to keep your premiums low.

7. Ducati bike insurance is expensive and this is the case for many desirable makes and models. There are many approved alarms and immobilisers which can help reduce the cost of bike insurance. Thatcham is one alarm make which can help you to save 10%. It can be well worth the extra investment over the long term.

8. In some cases you can save a considerable amount on bike insurance if you ride less than 3,000 miles a year, particularly if it is only for social reasons. Before taking out bike insurance carefully consider how much you will use your bike, you could save quite a lot of cash.

9. If you have a garage or back garden make sure you inform your provider of where you intend on keeping it. Insurance providers base the amount you pay for your bike insurance on risk assessment the less risky you appear to be the less you pay. So any precautions you can take could help.

10. Depending on what type of bike you own whether it is a classic Harley Davidson motorbike or a brand new Ducati superbike using a specialist bike insurance provider can help you save. To compare UK bike insurance quotes from all the top providers use Buyability’s insurance comparison tool.

Guest Article by Carlan Li

When buying a second hand motorbike it does not matter whether it is a Ducati, BMW or a little Vespa you should be careful. In some cases people have bought motorbike insurance in the UK only for it to be invalid and have their bike taken away.

When you are looking over the bike try to look for serial numbers, if you can see some have been scratched off this is sign the bike could be stolen. If the bike does have a VIN or serial number on it you can check with your local police station to see if it has been reported. The best way to ensure a bike is not stolen is to check all paper work is in order. This includes service history, past MOT documents and V5 log book from the DVLA.

Criminals have many ways of concealing the true identity of a bike. One of which is called “Ringing”. This is where a stolen bike actually has the identity of another. If a criminal buys a Ducati all they have to do is buy a frame for an identical make from a breaker with a log book, they then buy a new number plate and transfer the VIN number from the legal frame on to the stolen bike.

The best way to spot if the bike is a Ringer is to check the VIN number on the bike, if it looks like it has been tampered with it is probably stolen. This is often overlooked as the owner apparently has a valid V5 document. In this is instance if you bought Ducati bike insurance for this vehicle and it was later found to be owned by someone else the police could take it away from you. As a result you would probably lose the money you paid for the bike and insurance cover. 

If you want to check if a bike is stolen you can compare the registration number with the tax disc if they are different the bike is probably stolen. If the engine number, VIN or MOT documents are missing this is another telling sign.

Nowadays you can conduct online data checks to see if a bike is stolen. If you are thinking about buying a second hand bike be vigilant and ensure you don’t buy it or bike insurance until you are absolutely satisfied the bike is not stolen.

Guest Article by Carlan LI

What is a motorbike insurance policy?

An insurance policy is an agreement between you and an insurance provider like Hastings Direct or ebike insurance. This agreement is binding and in return for you paying the provider a premium they cover you against various circumstances, such as for example fire and theft.

What type of bike insurance do I need?

By law in the UK if you use your bike on public roads you must have at least third party insurance. This insures you against damaging a third party’s property. Lots of bikers buy third party bike insurance because it is cheaper and can help keep premiums down, especially if you own an expensive Ducati or Harley Davidson. In most cases fire and theft is also provided. However, this kind of policy does not cover damage to your own property. So if you have a crash you will have to pay for the damage yourself.

If you want to cover yourself for damage against your own bike you need to take out fully comprehensive bike insurance, which is usually more expensive. In this case it is not uncommon to agree to pay for the first £200 or so, which can reduce your premium. This is known as excess.

It doesn’t matter whether you are buying Ducati bike insurance or Harley bike insurance the documents you legally need to cover yourself will be the same. A cover note is a temporary letter which is given to you when you first take out insurance. This letter does not outline in detail the terms of your cover, but basically proves you have insurance should you be stopped by the police or have an accident. You will also be given by your UK bike insurance provider a certificate of insurance. This is a very important document as this is the official proof of your insurance policy. You will also use your certificate to obtain road tax for your motorbike.

Other documents include a policy schedule which details your coverage. An endorsement form which outlines modifications made to your policy applicable to you personally. You will also be given standard terms and conditions from your provider.

Buying bike insurance can be very complicated and it pays to shop around and compare bike insurance cover.

Guest Article by Carlan Li