Travel Insurance

 From: Brian Whiting - Wales

This maybe something that you might consider not worth taking as you never run out of petrol or breakdown at home.

However it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected. A few years ago in Spain I dropped my bike and broke off the footrest hanger. Not wishing to spend the rest of the holiday with only one stirrup, I made a phone call to my breakdown company in the UK and later that day a van arrived to take my bike to Santander, where repairs could be done to put me back on the road in comfort again.

Biking Abroad? Read the fine print

From: Ian Donnelly - Scotland

At this time of year many of our thoughts turn to holidays abroad, whether by bike or by air, and the prospect of riding in the sunshine is very attractive. But what if you should have an accident? even if it’s not your fault? Will your insurance cover you?

The first option is taking your own bike. Most insurers now cover riding in EC and some other countries automatically on your policy, BUT, check it carefully. European law forces insurers to provide third party cover for other countries but in many cases that is all the cover they provide. If you want your usual fully comprehensive cover to apply abroad then in many cases you have to inform them of your trip and obtain a “green card” – just like the old days. Many insurers provide this service for free – check before you go, and don’t accept a verbal assurance, get it in writing.

The second option is to fly and hire. I’ve done this many times, from renting a GL1800 for two weeks in America/Canada to hiring a little scooter for the day to buzz around a Greek island. Make sure you ask the right questions and read the fine print.

But, what if you get hurt, will your travel insurance* pay for your treatment? An air ambulance home can run to many thousands of pounds.

I've had a look at the travel policies of half-a-dozen popular insurance companies – it’s a real eye-opener! You have to be careful, if you read the “summary of cover” that most of them supply it doesn’t even mention motorcycles. You have to read the full policy and you’ll usually find something under exclusions or activities. Here’s what I found:

Halifax: Under 125cc only, license required, helmet required (even if that’s not local law)
Sainsbury’s: as per the Halifax
Churchill: license required, cover for over 100cc only, no mention of helmets
The AA: license and helmet required, no engine size limit
Direct Line: helmet required, and full UK bike license – even for a moped
Norwich Union: under 125cc only, full license required, no cover as a passenger.

As you can see, a real variety of terms and conditions. The advice is read the full policy and make sure your circumstances are covered. One other important point – I am not an expert, do not take what you read here as a recommendation for any company or policy, I certainly won’t be responsible for any errors herein. That’s a good example of the legalese involved in insurance.

* Webmaster: This refers to medical cover which is a separate thing from normal bike cover and in most cases can be supplied by your current insurer. It is always advisable to obtain such cover as otherwise the costs for medical treatment can be enormous.