How To Keep The Cost Of Your Motorbike Insurance Down
Mark Bartley
Two wheels are often better, cheaper and more convenient than four, and with more congestion on the UK’s roads and rising fuel prices, the popularity of motorcycling has increased. Yet more riders are finding that insurance costs can take up a considerable proportion of the overall running costs that come with having a motorbike. While the financial advantages of riding a motorbike can mean lower parking charges, less problems in traffic and quicker journey times, there are plenty of ways you can save more on insurance and in other ways by choosing what bike you ride and how you insure it.
Commonly the smaller the engine size of motorcycle, the cheaper it will be to insure. Ask yourself if you really need a big bike when a smaller engine could still give great performance but come with a lower insurance price. It can make a huge difference by selecting a lower engine size. Some riders find that riding a scooter most of the time in urban areas will outperform a larger motorbike with regards to fuel economy and ease of use. A scooter will attract a smaller insurance premium than a big super sports bike and probably be more useful when filtering through traffic and turning in narrow streets.
If a big bike is really what you’re after then consider choosing an older model in order to save money on motorbike insurance. Just a few years on a motorcycle could lead to significant savings on a model that looks and runs as if it were newly purchased. Likewise, your own age could be a factor in getting a good deal on motorbike insurance, as older riders are considered by insurance companies to be lower risk. Female riders especially can often be considered to be less likely to be involved in situations where claims are made.
If you’ve been riding a scooter or motorcycle without any claims for many years, then remember to keep your renewal notices. If you are changing insurer you will need copies of these to prove that you can qualify for a no-claims bonus. This rewards careful riders with what can often be a significant discount on their insurance. They’ll be seen as less likely to make a claim and therefore a lower risk by most insurers.
A variety of extra services and features can be offered with a motorcycle insurance policy. Ask yourself: do you really need all of them? Be assertive and don’t let the insurance company push them onto you. If the insurer won’t give you a discount for foregoing some extra features that come with the policy, then try another who will. Motorbikes can be a lot easier to steal than cars. Make sure you have a decent lock and chain for your bike, and if possible store it overnight in a garage or private drive. Bikes left overnight on the street are more likely to attract a higher insurance premium. Having a bike stolen is not just a hassle; it can be major inconvenience trying to get another one even when the insurance company can pay out on a claim.
There is a great range of insurance companies that specialise in motorbike cover, but even when you take steps to lower the price of your policy, costs between insurers can vary. It pays to shop around, as prices can differ significantly between insurer. Comparing online is probably the easiest and quickest way to look at the different policies and costs, and benefit from low cost motorcycle insurance.
Mark offers information and facts on different insurance policies and help like how to compare car insurance quotes and compare home insurance quotes.