Motorcycle Insurance Questions
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Questions
Q - I recently
purchased a Honda Fireblade Category C write-off
which I am repairing. Should I tell my insurers
that it's a Category C and what would happen
if I make a claim?
A - Most insurers will not have
any issues with its write-off status, as long
as the bike has been repaired to comply with
construction and use regulations. If the bike
remains standard then you should not see an
increase in premiums but you should be open
and declare it to your insurance company.
If a bike is written off it value will be
reduced by 10-15%.
Q -Should
I tell my insurance company if I have any
aftermarket accessories fitted?
A - It depends on the modification
but it always better to declare than not,
otherwise you may not be insured in the event
of a claim. Insurance companies operate on
the principle of 'good faith'. Modifications
such as exhaust, performance air filter or
any performance enhancements should always
be notified.
Q -Will
I get charged more if I use my bike for commuting?
A - Not usually but some insurers
offer discounts for low mileage policies,
you may get 25% off for less than 2000 miles
per annum. When getting a quote ask for a
quote for high and low mileage to compare.
Q -Can I
insure more than one bike on my policy?
A - Yes but you will have to
shop around and specifically ask, not all
insurers offer this.
Q -If I
have more than one rider on my policy can
I cover both my bikes?
A - Usually no. If it is a multibike
policy then you are only allowed one rider,
which is the policyholder.
Q - Do I
need to disclose any car accidents when insuring
my motorcycle?
A - In a word YES. If yo udo
not diclose it and subsequently claim then
your insurance will be null and void.
Q - What
is a total loss clause?
A - A clause in an insurance
policy where the insurer can cancel the policy
after they have paid out following a write-off.
Not all insurers have such a policy.
Q - Following
a recent bike accident the insurance company
wrote-off my bike. However, I would like to
buy the bike back from the insurance company
and repair the bike myself. Is this possible?
A - When a bike is written-off,
it is grouped into one of fouur categories,
A, B, C or D. If it is category C or D you
stand a chance of getting the bike back to
repair yourself. However, category A and B
cannot be repaired. You should contact the
insurance company and express an interest
when you submit the claim form.
Q - Following
a bike accident, my insurer appointed a solicitor
miles from where I live and I have heard nothing
from them. I would prefer to use a bike-specialist
solicitor much more local to where I live,
where do I stand?
A - You have freedom of choice
to instruct a solicitor of your choosing and
cannot be restricted to the solicitor appointed
by your insurance company.
Q - My mate
and I swapped bikes for a recent ride-out
but unfortunately my mate (on my bike) crashed
into the back of me at a pedestrian crossing,
am I insured?
A - You are covered third party
only providing you have fully comprehensive
cover but this only covers damage to a third
party. As your mate was riding your bike and
it was his fault, ironically, the insurance
will only cover the damage to his bike. Providing
he was negligent, you can sue him in the small
claims court.
Q - I have
just sold my bike and don't intend to ride
for another 12 months, what happens to my
no claims bonus?
A - It is valid for a period
of 2 years from the time your policy lapsed.
You should also ask for the proof as you will
need it when you want to insure your next
bike.
Q - I recently
had my bike stolen but because I wasn't the
registered keeper and the bike was nicked
from my rear garden when I told the insurance
company the bike was garaged, they have refused
to pay out. Where do I stand?
A - An insurance policy is a
contract of good faith between you and the
insurance company. They have to provide cover
based on the information you provide to them
over the phone, if the information is false,
misleading or untre then they are within their
rights in refusing to pay out. Obviously,
they do not have time to visit every customer
a nd verify the information.
Q - Can
I insure my trackday bike for theft?
A - Your bike will have to be
taxed and tested but you can opt for a 'daytime
MOT', thus you will not have to fit lights.
You must have a horn that omits a continuous
sound (it must be electric), you don't even
require a rear reflector, however, make sure
you state you wish to have a daytime MOT prior
to the test. The certificate will then be
stamped daytime use only.
Q - How
old does a bike have to be before it is a
classic, I would like to take advantage of
the classic policies out there?
A - There are different definitions
of the word 'classic' accross the insurance
market, it pays to shop around and get several
different quotes. Some Companies define a
classic to be 15 years and some 20 years.
Classic policies can be good value if your
useage is limited and you only use it to go
to shows and rallies. Excesses can be as low
as £50. However, check the policy for
mileage limitation and whether the bike has
to be garaged, the policy will also probably
not allow commuting. A classic policy may
also not accrue no claims bonus.
Q - I don't
have a motorcycle at the moment but plan on
buying one soon, who can I arrange insurance
with so I am insured when test riding a bike?
A - As far as we are aware,
no one offers such insurance, you could ask
the garage or if it is a private seller, to
add you to their policy for the test.
