Protecting Your Ride: Motorbike and Scooter Insurance Explained
If you own a motorbike or scooter, you can find insurance policies designed to cover not just your bike, but also your riding gear like leathers and helmets. Plus, these policies often protect you against damage to other vehicles or property, and cover your legal liability if you’re at fault in an accident.
Much like car insurance, motorbike insurance comes in several forms:
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Mandatory Personal Injury Insurance: Required by every state and territory, this covers personal injuries in motor vehicle accidents. However, it doesn’t replace the need for insurance that covers your financial liabilities.
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Comprehensive Cover: This broad coverage protects your bike from storms, floods, fires, and accidental damage. It also covers your riding apparel, damage you cause to others’ property, and legal expenses.
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Third Party: Covers damage you cause to other people’s property and legal costs, but doesn’t cover your own bike.
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Third Party Fire and Theft: Includes third-party cover plus protection against fire and theft, usually with set limits.
Extra Benefits for Long-Distance Riders
If you’re hitting the open road for longer trips, some insurers offer helpful extras like emergency accommodation if you get stranded far from home, or travel expenses to get you back if your bike can’t be ridden.
You can also find policies that cover transport costs for repairing or moving a damaged bike, hire vehicles after an incident, and even cover damage to trailers used for transporting your motorbike.
Customising Your Coverage
If you’ve made any legal modifications to your bike, make sure to list these on your insurance application—otherwise, they might not be covered.
Keep in mind that many insurers charge higher excesses for younger or less experienced riders. But here’s a bonus: completing an approved rider training course often qualifies you for a premium discount, rewarding safer riding skills.
