For many people, it's a case of four wheels good, two wheels better as they hit the road clad in leather and ready to open the throttle to the full. But before striking out on a petrol-powered two-wheeler, it may be wise to invest in the most suitable motorbike insurance available to meet your needs.
Just as with car insurance, there are a range of different policies out there and carrying out some motorbike insurance comparison might not be a bad idea. When it comes to choosing the best product on the market, some elements may be beyond your control. The make, model and engine size of your bike are likely factors, as are issues such as your age and number of years without a claim being made. However, a little more control comes your way when it comes to extra features, trading off between cost and the level of customer service received and so on.
Why choose motorcycling?
The question for some people might be one of why a motorcycle is the best mode of transport in the first place. But the organisers of the annual Ride to Work Day, which takes place each year in July, note that there are a number of benefits not just to the rider, but to the world at large.
Due to their smaller size, motorbikes create less congestion than cars, Ride to Work asserts. This also makes them easier to park and, frequently, more fuel-efficient - which may be especially true for those who commute alone.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that a motorcade of lesbian bikers who rode proudly through the streets of San Francisco in recognition of their newly granted right to marry. Such a feeling of community might in itself be reason enough for some to adopt the motorbike as their preferred means of getting around.
Motorcycling in the UK
The number of motorcyclists on the UK's roads is on the increase, according to figures from Post Office. Statistics from the organisation indicate a 37 per cent growth in the number of bikers out there over the past decade. And with 29 per cent saying they chose their two-wheeler due to its cheaper running costs, the credit crunch could see even more car owners downsizing.
Post Office responded to this demand earlier in the year with the launch of a new motorbike insurance policy. Among the features of the product are cover for up to £500 of accessories and the option of adding a maximum of four bikes to a single policy.
Figures from the Department for Transport also reveal that motorcycling is becoming safer. In 2007, the number of fatalities following motorbike accidents dropped by two per cent. Although the number of non-fatal injuries rose slightly, it could be the risk of death that is of most interest to many current or potential future bikers.
Cost savings or customer service?
When it comes to motorbike insurance comparison, there may be budgetary limitations on how much the rider has to spend - especially for those using the vehicle as a cheaper alternative to a car.
Selecting the policy which covers the bare minimum aspects desired may well be a good starting point. Then you can look to add extra features or choose the company with the best customer service record to provide some peace of mind should a claim occur.
What matters to insurers?
Of course, it is not just the customer's concerns, but those of the insurer which also help to determine the premiums which must be paid for motorbike insurance.
Most motorbike insurance brokers advises anyone applying for their service to have at hand their personal details and the specifications of their vehicle. Riders are also told to provide a claims record for the past five years - including whether the incident was determined as being their own fault or not.
Furthermore, there are some less official-sounding factors which could knock the price of motorbike insurance down. Storing the bike in a shed or garage is one, while different levels of breakdown cover give the customer the chance to choose what protection they need or can easily afford.
To compare motorcycle insurance quotes from the UK's leading providers click here.
Author: KYM Editor
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