Let’s be honest, more often than not sorting out your motorcycle insurance is a bit of a hurried affair, from the moment the renewal reminder lands in your inbox or on your doormat. You might completely forget about it until the day before your renewal is due.
But it pays to be a little more organised and it could save you cash. For instance, the Competition Markets Authority recently found that people who stay with one provider year-after-year can end up paying significantly more than new customers.
So, we’ve created the ultimate checklist, covering everything you should do before renewal. And if you get a quote with MCN Compare, we make life easier still by sending you a renewal reminder the following year! Read on to get our top tips that will save you time and money when getting a new quote.
Riding career
Your driving licence will have information such as your pass date, which you could need when getting a quote. It’s also good to know the exact type of bike licence you have. Motorcycle licence categories can restrict the size of bike you can ride and it’s something insurers pay very close attention to.
To accompany this, have your proof of no claims handy (if you have any). It will be needed from your current or a previous insurer, and it’s important this is correct as it will affect your policy, and getting it wrong could cost you a premium to change at a later date. It’s also important to note that no claims discount will only remain valid for two years, which means that you won’t be able to use proof from a policy that ran out earlier.
Key things to consider:
- The date you passed your bike test
- Knowing how many years No Claims Discount (NCD) you currently have.
- Any convictions pending, or on your licence, what and when?
- Advanced riding courses passed
- The date you passed your car test (if you did)
The cover & type of use
You’ll also need to think about the cover you want, how you’re planning to use your bike, and also how much excess you can afford to pay in the event that you need to claim.
If you’ll only ever be taking the bike out for a sunny Sunday blast then you won’t necessarily need the extra cover provided by a policy that includes commuting. However, if you’ll be using it to get to work then you’ll need this included. If you’ll be using the bike while you work, then business use cover will be what you need to go for.
Do not get the type of cover wrong or be tempted to go for the one that comes out the cheapest; if you select social, domestic and pleasure riding only but then use the bike to commute don’t expect the insurance company to pay out if you are involved in an accident when on your way to work.
If you’re planning on taking a riding holiday outside of the UK then it makes sense to ensure that your insurance will cover you for it. Some policies will have this cover and others won’t. Your documents will clarify this but it’s worth singling out a policy that will meet your travel needs through the year. And, if it’s unclear give the insurer a call to find out.
Key things to consider:
- Third party, fire and theft or fully comprehensive?
- How much did you pay last year?
- The type of use: i.e. ‘business use’
- What’s your renewal quote? (This could help you bring the price down)
- When do you want cover to start?
- Level of excess you are willing to accept?
- Do you want NCD protection?
- Do you require legal cover?
- Do you need kit insurance?
- Are you planning to ride your bike overseas?
- Will you need a courtesy bike if yours breaks?
- Do you need breakdown cover?
- Pay monthly or annually?
- Will you need an additional rider on the policy?
- Do you need pillion cover?
Personal stuff
Get all of your documents in order, it makes sense to have everything you need before you get the quote. Don’t make assumptions or estimates on certain facts or figures, you will need everything at hand before you start your quote. And be honest if you own or have access to another vehicle, such as a car, this could help bring your premium down.
Key things to consider:
- Home address (obviously)
- Garage address, if different to above
- Age
- Occupation
- Annual mileage: Just pleasure, or to include commuting or business use?
- How long have you been a resident in the country?
- Do you also hold a car licence?
- Do you own a car?
- Your card details if you’re going ahead with the payment
Your motorbike
Be careful when selecting what security devices are fitted to the bike. There are literally hundreds of products on the market to choose from and some are considered better than others, and you need to make sure that the products you specify are what you actually have in the garage.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you state that you will secure your bike with a super-heavy-duty chain that weighs nearly 10kg then the insurance company will expect it to be locked up with this chain, be that at home, in town, or at work.
Key things to consider:
- Make, model and year of motorcycle
- Mileage
- Accurate estimate of the value
- Any accessories fitted and their value
- Modifications; aftermarket exhaust, upgraded brakes, engine work?
- What security you have to protect your bike. Alarm. chain, disc lock?
- Where will the bike be kept overnight (garage, driveway, garden)?
Once you’ve got everything in order, it will be quick and easy to get a quote from MCN Compare. We compare all the top insurers in one place to ensure you get the cheapest cover available, and tailored to your choices. See for yourself, get a quote now (online and over the phone).
Go back to our motorbike insurance guides >
Written by Dan Sutherland, motorcycle journalist for MCN.
Reviewed on 2nd April 2019 by Andrew Campbell, MCN Legal Advisor.
Edited by Sian Daly, MCN Compare content editor.
