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

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

Need tourer bike insurance?

The latest bike from Ducati is the Multistrada MTS1200 S. This bike has been hotly anticipated in the bike world from down at the local pubs to internet forums and out on the open road; bikers everywhere have been talking about the beast. It will be a tourer to rival the BMW’s R1200GS, but will have the looks of the Ducati Monster with an exposed engine and frame work. The Multistarda is capable of producing 148bhp at a top speed that is slightly unimaginable for a tourer. When you get on a tourer you expect comfort and style, not speed.

Guest Article by Louise Goldstein