By Kate Hughes
It’s easy to understand why motorbikes are so appealing. They are cheaper than many cars, will take you almost anywhere and fast, and for those who love the wind in their hair or appreciate great craftsmanship and machinery, there is little to beat a bike.
But the sad truth is that simply by riding one, you place yourself at huge risk of an accident, thanks to ambitious maneuvers, high speed or other people’s mistakes.
Bikers are a staggering 57 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed per kilometer travelled than car drivers according to the Department for Transport’s ‘Motorcycling Statistics 2009’
And while that same research found that the accident rate for motorbike riders has thankfully decreased by 23 per cent in the last ten years, there were still 1,131 deaths per billion kilometres travelled last year.
In the event of a motorbike accident, for the unfortunate rider who is at fault in a collision, increased insurance premiums, the cost and time involved in repairing or replacing the bike and implications of legal or civil action simply add to the stress of any injuries.
But even in times like these it’s possible to cut the cost of getting back on a bike after an accident, with a range of measures that can reduce your insurance premiums.
First, you could review the level of motorbike insurance you take, and consider reigning in the added extras that an extensive policy provides. Comprehensive cover is ideal, but if your budget won’t stretch to the full premium you could opt for third party fire and theft or even just third party cover and still stay within the demands of the law and responsible driving.
Then there’s the excess on your policy - the basic amount that you would pay towards costs incurred through an accident that was your fault. By increasing this amount, you can further reduce your premium although you would need to find more money instantly should further accidents occur.
But a more specific measure that post accident riders can undertake is to enroll on a Bikesafe course which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties by offering training on safe riding. Although the scheme has a core curriculum, the structure of the training varies depending on where you live. The cost, however, is not prohibitive. Merseyside’s version, for example, currently costs just £50, and is expected to fall to £40 or less next year for local residents.
“There are no formal arrangements in place with insurers to offer discounted premiums for Bike safe candidates,” says Phil Edwards, national Bikesafe co-ordinator. “But some will give a discount if someone has been on a workshop because they perceive you as being less of a risk.” In fact, many insurers will reduce your premiums by as much as 10% after successfully completing the course, quickly saving you the cost of your course in just a month or two – less for those whose premiums have skyrocketed because of an accident.
The Bikesafe course is split between classroom based theory work and discussion, an introduction to first aid and of course, riding. And although the core content remains the same, different councils will create different timetables for your Bikesafe programme, from a few evenings a week or a half day at the weekend, to two full days in the case of Merseyside, for example.
“While, motorbike riders are not generally at fault in the event of an accident and Bikesafe courses can offer consistent savings, the most important thing when shopping around for another policy is to practice complete honesty,” says Ian Crowder, of AA Insurance. “If you are changing insurance policies you need to be straight about any past accidents because if you have another one, this will then come to light.”
But by far the best way of cutting your premiums after an accident is to shop around for the best deal for your circumstances. All insurers operate differently and will assess you, your bike and your history in different ways. Comparing the best quotes on offer from high street and specialist insurers may not only lead to better coverage, but to cheaper premiums too. You may even have a few extra pounds in your pocket for new leathers.
