Insurance....yet Again!

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by johne, Jan 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM.

  1. johne

    johne Standing on the shoulders of dwarves.

    Jan 16, 2020
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    Where the Wolds meet the sea
    #1 johne, Jan 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
    Question: For those fortunate enough to own several bikes. Excluding multi bike policies. Do you have a bike (or bikes) that you only ride very occasionally and therefore cover very low annual mileage and perhaps only ride that particular bike on a handful of occasions during a year? In which case, do you have a specific insurance policy which covers you for perhaps just a month or two? I know you can get these, but when I've tried to go on the comparison sites and find one, comparison sites aren't really set up to look for that. Rather than contacting loads of individual companies, I wondered if you guys had already done the legwork on this one and what you advice might be? I'm thinking along the lines of doing less than 1000 miles (perhaps less than 500) per annum and using the bike for 4 ~ 6 months a year maximum.

    For those of you who remember them, I wish they'd bring back the old Norwich Union rider Policies. :)
     
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  2. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
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    I would suggest you contact your existing insurers first. If the 'occasional' bike is smaller and of less value than your main bike it may be very little to add a second bike.
    Generally insuring a bike separately for 4 - 6 months is going to cost more than 50% of the annual premium.

    If you are looking at a 'classic' bike then approaching a classic insurer could be worthwhile, while an annual policy they generally have a very low excess, restricted mileage and of course cover for the rest of the year when the bike is off the road.
     
  3. TonyG

    TonyG Noble Member

    Dec 1, 2016
    825
    443
    Bucks
    Not really answering your question as I do have a multibike policy but I used to have 3 bikes, smallest was a 1986 Honda GB500tt and I restricted the mileage to about 2000 miles a year. Sold it last year and it made no difference to my annual renewal. I don't think you will get a decent deal nowadays like the old Norwich Union ones.
     
  4. Dan Zulu

    Dan Zulu Member

    Oct 16, 2024
    30
    13
    Washington
    When the bikes are not being ridden are they insured against theft and fire under a homeowner's policy? If not, I would keep the comprehensive coverage on it all year.

    Also, how would vehicle registration work? In my state it would be very expensive to cancel and renew registration during the year. Without proof of insurance it could not stay registered.

    My annual comprehensive policy for a 2012 Tiger 1050 is only $200 USD. Is yours drastically more?
     
  5. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
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    Hi Dan Zulu,
    The system in the UK is very different to the states, Firstly there is no cover for motor vehicles under a household or homeowners policy.

    The registration system is also different in the UK we have a registration document which is valid for long as one keeps the vehicle. If and when it is used on the road one has to have a vehicle excise license and have insurance cover on the vehicle. VED (Vehicle excise Duty) can be obtained for any length of time be it a month or a year so it is quite common for bikes in the UK to be licensed for the summer months and then laid up in the winter.
     
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  6. Dan Zulu

    Dan Zulu Member

    Oct 16, 2024
    30
    13
    Washington
    How would your bike be insured against theft or fire during the months you would not be riding it?
     
  7. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
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    Somerset
    Keep the insurance in force or some companies will reduce cover to fire and theft only, but of course there is still a risk of accidental damage, (such as a rogue paint tin falling from a shelf!) even when the bike is not on the road.
    Generally if the bike is a classic bike then the premiums are quite modest and its best to keep it insured all year round.
     
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  8. johne

    johne Standing on the shoulders of dwarves.

    Jan 16, 2020
    1,925
    943
    Where the Wolds meet the sea
    I would have to itemise it on the household contents insurance
     
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