To define motorbike insurance let's first break it down into its separate parts. Motorbikes are defined as any two wheeled vehicle that is powered by a mechanical engine (it can also include those 3 wheeled vehicles that have two of their wheels on the same axle). Insurance is cover provided by a financial body for which a premium is paid, in case of the event of loss or damage incurred by or due to the actions of the insured person.
Motorcycle insurance became compulsory for all motorcycles in the UK through the Road Traffic Act in 1988, with 3 basic levels of cover to choose from. The highest level of cover is provided by Comprehensive motorbike insurance and covers any loss or damage to the motorcycle and anyone directly affected by an accident, whether accidental or intentional.
The second level of cover is known as Third Party Fire and Theft, and is often shortened to TPFT. This means that in the event of an accident caused by the policyholder, any third parties affected will have their costs - including repairs to property and medical bills - covered by the insurance company. The policyholder will not have their personal costs covered. However you will still be able to claim in the case of theft or fire damage.
Finally, there is the most basic type of insurance policy known as the Third Party Only policy. This type of policy covers only the motorcyclist, along with any pillion riders and the damage to property. It does not include costs of repair work done on the motorcycle or replacement if it is stolen.
Obviously as a biker it is most beneficial to have the required coverage for peace of mind at the lowest possible price, and there are a number of steps you can take to try to reduce your insurance premium. The most effective method is through the no claims bonus, where your insurer will provide a discount based on the number of years you have gone without needing to make a claim. The more years no claim bonus, the bigger the discount - in some cases as high as 50%.
Other methods of reducing motorbike insurance include a limited mileage discount, where the rider agrees to use their motorbike for a particularly low amount per year (by taking public transport from time to time, for example). Avoiding high powered sports or racing bikes and the risks they pose will also be looked upon favourably by the insurer, while investing in security for your motorcycle, such as a padlock or immobiliser, will further reduce your risk to the insurer and so lower your bike insurance premium.
Motorcycle insurance became compulsory for all motorcycles in the UK through the Road Traffic Act in 1988, with 3 basic levels of cover to choose from. The highest level of cover is provided by Comprehensive motorbike insurance and covers any loss or damage to the motorcycle and anyone directly affected by an accident, whether accidental or intentional.
The second level of cover is known as Third Party Fire and Theft, and is often shortened to TPFT. This means that in the event of an accident caused by the policyholder, any third parties affected will have their costs - including repairs to property and medical bills - covered by the insurance company. The policyholder will not have their personal costs covered. However you will still be able to claim in the case of theft or fire damage.
Finally, there is the most basic type of insurance policy known as the Third Party Only policy. This type of policy covers only the motorcyclist, along with any pillion riders and the damage to property. It does not include costs of repair work done on the motorcycle or replacement if it is stolen.
Obviously as a biker it is most beneficial to have the required coverage for peace of mind at the lowest possible price, and there are a number of steps you can take to try to reduce your insurance premium. The most effective method is through the no claims bonus, where your insurer will provide a discount based on the number of years you have gone without needing to make a claim. The more years no claim bonus, the bigger the discount - in some cases as high as 50%.
Other methods of reducing motorbike insurance include a limited mileage discount, where the rider agrees to use their motorbike for a particularly low amount per year (by taking public transport from time to time, for example). Avoiding high powered sports or racing bikes and the risks they pose will also be looked upon favourably by the insurer, while investing in security for your motorcycle, such as a padlock or immobiliser, will further reduce your risk to the insurer and so lower your bike insurance premium.
About the Author:
Raphael Waterstone writes more about UK bike insurance at Motorbike Insurance Online, where you can find articles and resources on various subjects such as Yamaha insurance
