Motorcycle insurance costs are not as simple as 1, 2, 3 – A, B, C. In fact, motorcycle insurance is quite complicated and involves several factors that will weigh in on your expect cost. Here’s what you need to know:
Motorcycle insurance covers a driver against two basic events – accident and theft. Third party insurance for motorcycles is compulsory despite most claims involving motor bikes occurring as “solo events.” This happens because the driver is usually on their own when an accident occurs and generally presents no pose of danger to third parties or other vehicles.
Compulsory insure for motorcycles is usually low, however fire and theft are not taken into account. Motor bikes are easy to steal and insurance companies are timid when covering such a hot commodity. Expect high premiums if you wish to cover theft and fire.
Insurance companies are also hesitant to provide accident coverage. Motor bikes are quite dangerous in regard to accidents. Motorcycle drivers are put in danger because they do not wear a seat belt and their entire body is exposed in the open. If they collide with another force, the odds of that force being more powerful are quite high. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents usually leave the driver in critical and sometimes fatal care.
Insurance companies must remain objective, and not take every motorcycle policy to the extreme. When calculating costs, the insurance company will factor into the driver’s age, experience on a motorcycle, and size of bike and engine.
While the driver’s age and riding experience is import, the insurance company cares more about past speeding and driving offenses as well as number of accidents the driver was involved in. If the number is low, the premium will be cheaper. Car and motorcycle insurance really pays off for drivers who are careful on the road.
However, the most important factor when calculating a premium is the amount of use the bike will receive. If the bike is used everyday, a premium will remain high. But if the bike is designed more for a hobby, something to take out on the weekend or on holidays, then expect to receive a much lower premium.
Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Motorcycle Insurance information portal
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