Confused.com's Guide to insurance for young bikers

• Guides
• Published: 18 Dec 2009 in Motoring and Van Insurance

They're cheaper than four wheels, they're easier to park, and you can start riding one a whole year before you can get behind the wheel of a car. So it’s no surprise that motorbikes appeal to the teenagers and young adults. But for those under 30 and particularly those under 21, the cost of insuring a motorbike can be crippling.

Bikers between 16 and 20, often on a scooter, moped or smaller bike are far more likely to be involved in an accident than their older peers, according to recent research by the Department of Transport, which found that just under half of all motorbike accidents involve those under 30.

But although this age group is less likely to take things slowly and know what to do to avoid an accident, expensive premiums are not just about inexperience.

So what influences the cost of insurance?

Your motorbike insurance premium will depend on your location, how long you have had your license, where you keep it, the kind of cover you have and how often you use it. But because there is a higher risk attached to insuring inexperienced and younger riders, this can result in large premiums– no matter how careful your driving is.

Stripping down your cover is one of the most effective ways to cut down your insurance costs. Fully comprehensive cover is ideal, offering you peace of mind in a range of circumstances, including insurance to repair your bike after an accident that was your fault. Many will insure your bike overseas, or recover your vehicle from the scene of an accident. Others may cover your expensive leathers and helmet or may even replace them entirely with a new bike if it is wrecked within the first six months of ownership.

But if a policy like this is more of an added luxury than an absolute necessity, consider a third party fire and theft policy.  However bear in mind it will only pay for damage to the other person’s property and the theft of your bike or damage due to fire but it will normally be a lot cheaper than comprehensive cover. Alternatively, the very basic third party insurance required by law will simply insure the other person’s property but could cut that premium even further.

Other ways to reduce your premium

You may also wish to increase the excess for the policy if you have access to a little ready cash. It means you’ll pay slightly more of the costs in the event of a problem, but your premiums could come down as a result. Look for policies that offer discounts for a few years of no claims – the faster you can build up a safety track record, the sooner your premiums will fall.

Many insurance providers also recommend taking an advanced driving test to reduce premiums for younger bikers and improving the security of your bike when you’re not using it by storing it in a garage could also help bring down the insurance costs.

Finally, think carefully about just how often you’ll use your bike and how far you will go. Most bikers will use theirs at the weekends between March and October, won’t go further than around 200 miles per journey, and will only do an average of 4,000 miles a year, many insurance companies suggest. Being realistic about your mileage will help prevent you paying for cover you don’t need for journeys you don’t actually do.