Get your bike insurance in gear

Get up to speed and ensure you have the right insurance to protect your Motorbike

Whether you’ve got a well loved moped that reliably gets you from A to B or a classic Harley Davidson that you’re just itching to let rip on the open road, most bikers love the feeling of the wind in their hair and the connection to the great outdoors.

Dedicated bikers saddle up come rain or come shine, but many of us only dust off our machines when the weather gets a bit warmer. A little sunshine reminds us of the joys of summer riding and can put us straight back in the driving seat.

Whenever and whatever you choose to ride, you have to have insurance. It’s the law.

Choosing your insurance cover depends on four things: how much you have to spend, the type of bike you have (a high performance model will cost more to insure), where you ride and where you live. Your riding history - how long you've been riding, any previous claims on motorcycle insurance or any convictions you've had will also have an impact on how steep your premiums might be.

Get up to speed with the options on offer and make sure you buy the policy that best suits your circumstances.

Third party cover is the cheapest. It’s the minimum that is required by law and only pays for damage that you cause to someone else or their vehicle. It does not cover the cost of repairing any damage to your bike.

The next step up is third party, fire and theft which protects you if your bike is stolen or destroyed by fire. This option is good for young riders and bikers owning lower value machines.

Fully comprehensive cover gives you the broadest protection and is the most expensive. It features the same cover as third party, fire and theft but will also cover the cost of repairing your damaged bike if you have an accident.

This kind of cover can be pricey but it’s often worth the extra money if you own a higher spec bike worth over £2,000.

Some insurance providers offer additional cover but not always as standard, so if you want any optional extras, check if you can pay more to have them included in your policy. They include things like insurance for your helmet, leathers and personal belongings, cover to travel in Europe, breakdown assistance or legal cover to help work things out after an accident.

Beware that modifications to your bike can affect your premium or a claim. And check any mileage, garaging or security restrictions on your policy – if you don’t stick to them, your provider could put the brakes on your claim.

There’s little doubt that motorbike riding can be expensive. But there are a few ways to keep down the cost of your insurance.

Soup up your security. If you can keep your bike in a garage or use an insurance-approved lock or alarm, immobiliser or data tag system you will find your premiums go down.

Reduce your risk of having an accident by taking an approved advanced riding course. Not only will this save you money, you could save your life or someone else’s.