How risky is motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is considered “high risk” for factors you may not think about everyday. Remove the stereotype about a typical biker with long hair and a cutthroat and angry attitude. No matter what age, size, or type of personality, motor bikes are dangerous and that’s the primary reason they are labeled “high risk.”

People love the thrill and adrenaline rush of cruising at high speeds down a highway with only two wheels supporting your weight. They love the feeling of the air crashing against the side of their face. However, too often people go too fast and lose control of their bike. The accidents are tragic and often deadly.

But for most motorcycle drivers, a bike is a respected and safe way to commute for work or enjoy a ride on a sunny weekend afternoon. People who drive their motor bike without regard to anybody else are the bad apple in the bunch.

Insurance companies understand that and are willing to adjust premiums individually based on several factors. It will not change the perception that motor bikes are “high risk,” but the agencies will change their opinion somewhat based on the driver.

Do not be fooled. Passing the driving test and earning your license does not make you an expert on a bike. It only makes you qualified, but never an expert of the vehicle. A lot of riders disregard that common knowledge and automatically feel like experts on the road. No wonder why their premiums are so high.

Take an approved motorcycle training course. These courses are designed to teach safety and the proper ways to handle your bike. The courses are not only benefitted to the driver, but also go a long way in showing the insurance company you plan on driving safe and know what you are doing.

Insurance companies also like to reward drivers with clean driving records. Have you been in your fair share of accidents and received your fair share of tickets? Chances are insurance companies are not going to be pleased and award you with a cheap premium. Your history pays off and it will if it’s clean.

Premiums will also raise no matter how clean the driving record is or how much experience the driver features, due to the fact that bikes are easy to steal. They are out in the open and many thieves view them as cheap and easy snags. So unless you have a tracking device or other security features, an insurance provider is going to stay hesitant on your investment.

Take the necessary steps if you really want to own a motor bike. Gain the experience; work on your driving record and plant tracking devices on the bike in case of theft. Do all these important steps and you will see a much cheaper premium.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Motorcycle Insurance information portal