Cheap Motor Bike Insurance

Heavy fines for motorcycle drivers without insurance

2009-03-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

Drivers who carry out-of-date vehicle insurance will face hefty fines as of the beginning of March.

The fine for motorbike drivers is VND100,000 (US$5.88) and car owners VND500,000 ($29.41) for each violation.

One-year motorbike insurance is usually worth about VND55,000 ($3.23) and the cost of car insurance is value-dependent.

Motorbike owner Nguyen Xuan Phuong, 24, from Ha Noi, said he got his bike insured for a year when he first bought the bike because he was told insurance was part of the registration process.

"I’ve had the bike for three years and I’ve never renewed the insurance. I’ve heard getting compensation after an accident is really complicated."

Le Nguyen on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, also from Ha Noi, said he had to insure his car because it was worth VND500 million ($29,4111).

"I had to get insurance in case I have an accident. If anything happens, I will get compensation," he said.

When accidents do happen, insurance companies are responsible for co-operating with the owners of vehicles and the police to collect information to decide on compensation, said Phung Dac Loc, general secretary of the Viet Nam Insurance Association.

Information sought

For their part, police have to provide insurance firms with enough information, according to an inter-ministerial circular from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Public Security.

The Finance Ministry’s Insurance Management Department is responsible for supervising and inspecting insurance companies to prevent compensation fraud.

A draft helmet law for children is to be laid out on July 1, Minister of Transport Ho Nghia Dung said on Thursday.

The minister was speaking at the Child Helmet Wearing Campaign Launch.

The campaign, organised with support from the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP) and the National Transportation Safety, aims to boost the number of children wearing helmets on the road.

The Minister said the law was very important for child safety.

"Stipulations on age, and fines for adults who drive with children who are not wearing a helmet will be laid out in the revised traffic law from July 1," he said.

Chairman of the AIP Greig Craft said he was worried as only 15-30 per cent of kids on the road wore helmets. He said quality-controlled helmets did not impede children’s growth.

Source:http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn

Police target scrap metal thieves Special unit set up to deal with growing problem which costs £360m a year

2009-01-19T01:58:00.000-08:00

A pilot specialist police unit has been set up to tackle the problem of scrap metal theft, which has increased by about 150% in the last two years and cost the country around £360m, the Home Office said today.

Lead from church roofs, copper railway signs and iron manhole covers are some of the items that can be melted down and sold on. Last July 47 organ pipes were stolen from Leaveland church in Faversham, Kent.

Other items that have been stolen include war memorial plaques, road signs and Henry Moore sculptures.

Alan Campbell, the Home Office minister for crime reduction, said: "Metal theft is a serious problem with consequences for business and infrastructure, from damaged electricity and telephone cables to leaking church roofs. Metal theft has even caused power cuts and closed rail lines."

The Home Office said metal theft also forced up council taxes and insurance premiums. David Bonehill, from the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: "2008 was the worst year ever for metal theft from churches. Thefts devastate important religious buildings, but they also cause irreparable damage to our heritage and disrupt vital community activities.

"We've been working hard for over two years to give churches the power to protect themselves. We must remain vigilant if we want to protect our churches, schools and heritage properties for the future."

The National Metal Theft Crime Unit, which will be run jointly by the British Transport Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers, will initially run until the end of March and may then be rolled out nationwide. Officers from the unit will also give guidance to forces around the country on how to tackle the problem.

Assistant chief constable Paul Crowther, of the British Transport Police and Acpo's specialist on metal theft, said he welcomed the unit. "Police forces have devoted considerable resources to driving down this type of crime, including intelligence-led operations, proactive patrols using dogs and off-road motorbikes, and scrap yard visits. We hope this approach will enable us to make a real impact."

The unit will be jointly financed by the Home Office and the Energy Networks Association.

Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk

Ark. lawmaker files motorcycle helmet bill

2008-12-19T01:22:00.000-08:00

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Helmetless motorcyclists should be able to prove that they have enough health insurance to pay for any injuries they may incur while driving, a state lawmaker proposed Wednesday.

Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, filed legislation that would require motorcyclists to either wear a helmet or prove that they have at least $10,000 coverage under their health insurance.

Hendren's proposal will likely face the same opposition other restrictions have faced since the state repealed its motorcycle helmet law in 1997. Hendren last year proposed requiring helmets for motorcyclists but his bill was rejected by a Senate committee.

Hendren also proposed another driving restriction he brought up last year, a bill that would prohibit drivers under 18 from using cell phones while driving.

Under the bill, anyone charged with breaking the cell-phone driving ban would be issued a warning on the first offense and have to pay a $50 fine for each subsequent offense. The proposal would also bar the state from using a violation of the cell phone rule to suspend or revoke a driver's license.

Hendren's cell-phone driving ban for teenagers was approved by the Senate last year, but rejected by the House.

Source:http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?

Minister shocked by bike death numbers

2008-12-05T00:12:00.000-08:00

A government minister has labelled as shocking, statistics showing one in four people killed on Tasmania's roads are on motorbikes.

The Infrastructure Minister Graeme Sturges has defended a TV advertisement reminding motorcyclists that they are on their own on Tasmania's roads.

He says he is sorry if some motorcyclists find the ads offensive but it is shocking that they represent 25 per cent of road fatalities.

A parliamentary committee scrutinising the Motor Accident Insurance Board has heard the state's car insurance premiums will not be increased for the fourth year in a row.

The MAIB's chief executive Peter Roache says that if it were a commercial operation it would not insure motor cyclists.

He says even though a motorbike premium is more than a car, the MAIB still makes a loss insuring motorcyclists.

Source :http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories

British motorcycle industry appeals to UK Government

2008-11-28T01:55:00.000-08:00

Britain's bikers and advocacy groups are appealing to officials as the motorcycle industry calls on government and local authorities to support the industry’s ability to provide affordable and practical transport solutions in these difficult and uncertain economic times.

Employing more than 15,000 people and turning over more than £3 billion ($4.63 billion) a year, the UK motorcycle industry is mainly composed of small and medium-sized businesses. Dealers, suppliers and manufacturers are braced for a volatile and challenging 2009.

On the eve of the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and the Motorcycle Retailers’ Association (MRA) welcomed the Pre-Budget decision to cut VAT, a national blanket tax, but are jointly urging the government to take practical action in support of the industry and personal mobility. The industry is providing cost-effective transport solutions and helping to keep UK plc on the move at an affordable price. In particular, they want to see government ensuring;

* That dealers have access to low-cost finance so that stock levels can be maintained, enabling consumers who decide to switch to two wheels to get on the road as quickly as possible.

* That support gets through to the shop floor and the independent dealers who most need help.

* That easy and low-cost finance is available to the supply chain so that jobs and services are maintained until the credit crunch eases.

“This isn’t just about sustaining business and jobs,” said MCI chief executive Steve Kenward. “There’s a great opportunity to use the recession positively by supporting the industry at a time when more and more people are turning to two wheels. Motorcycles make social, economic and environmental sense.

“The chancellor’s announcement this week of a cut in VAT is helpful, but his give and take on petrol has done nothing to reduce the costs of travel. Train fares will increase by up to 11 per cent in the new year, hitting commuters especially hard. There is an ever-stronger case for government and local authorities to encourage greater use of mopeds, scooters and other practical, multi-use motorcycles as the recession bites deeper.”

In Britain, the motorcycle market is considered as a segment referred to as the powered two-wheeler (PTW), a market that has held up well this year as people have been taking to mopeds and scooters in particular to cut costs and avoid congestion. PTW registrations last month were 4 per cent up on October last year, and total registrations for the first 10 months of the year were just 1.5 per cent down.

MRA chairman Martin Marshall said: “For businesses, the changes in corporation tax are welcome, but are off-set by the increase in national insurance. The small cut in VAT will make motorcycles, clothing, parts and servicing a little cheaper. While we hope that this will stimulate demand, it is vital that dealers and other businesses have access to low cost finance in order to keep going.”

In addition to business support, the motorcycle industry also wants to see government, legislators, local authorities and transport planners viewing motorcycling as a serious and relevant alternative to the use of cars and public transport. PTWs are part of the solution to the problems of congestion and pollution and should not be ignored or treated as an afterthought. The MCI and MRA simply want equality and the incentives that come with the recognition that PTWs ease traffic and parking congestion, reduce emissions and provide people with reliable and efficient personal transport.”

The Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show is a major motorcycle event and Britain's industry’s showcase for all the latest motorcycles, accessories, safety equipment, rider training and services. It runs at Birmingham's NEC from November 28 to December 7.

Source:http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News

Five Burlco men charged in motorcycle-theft ring

2008-11-22T01:33:00.000-08:00

Five Burlington County men have been indicted by a county grand jury for their alleged roles in a motorcycle theft ring, state authorities said yesterday.

The indictments followed an investigation by the New Jersey State Police and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor into a group of people who were stealing motorcycles, retagging them with new vehicle identification numbers, and selling them.

In some case, the suspects were submitting phony insurance claims representing that the cycles had been stolen from their owners when they actually had been given up by their owners, authorities said.

"Frequently, insurance fraud investigations lead to evidence of stolen vehicles, as well as owner-initiated give-ups," said the state insurance fraud prosecutor, Greta Gooden Brown.

Wilson Lopez, 25, of Burlington City; Tyrone Sapp, 31, of Willingboro; and Angel Carrion 3d, 28, of Mount Holly, were charged in one indictment with conspiracy, eight counts of theft by unlawful taking, and five counts of receiving stolen property. Lopez also was charged with one count of fencing.

Also yesterday, in two separate indictments, the same Burlington County grand jury charged Neil C. Moyer, 33, of Browns Mills, with receiving stolen property and fencing, and Ian Boyington, 30, of Riverside, with receiving stolen property, alteration of a vehicle identification number, and a motor vehicle title offense.

The indictment charges that between December 2003 and June 2004, Lopez, Sapp and Carrion conspired to steal six motorcycles and two vans. The indictment also alleges that Lopez organized the fencing of a stolen motorcycle.

Moyer was charged with knowingly taking possession of a stolen motorcycle and selling it. The indictment charging Boyington alleges that he knowingly purchased a stolen motorcycle stamped with an altered vehicle identification number, and that he fraudulently titled the motorcycle.

Source: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/

Gang from Weston guilty of motorbike insurance scam

2008-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

A gang from Weston-super-Mare pocketed thousands of pounds in insurance payouts when they made false claims for the theft of non-existent motorbikes, a court heard.

Five people pleaded guilty to fraud charges. They were: Andrew Hall, aged 34, of Brompton Road, Oldmixon; Jody Cowell, 28, of Monkton Avenue, Weston; Duane Long, 20, of Thirlmere Road, Weston; Matthew Potter, 25, of Lonsdale Avenue, Weston; and Liam Lees, 22, of Locking Road, Weston.Judge Jamie Tabor QC handed Long a five-month curfew between 8pm and 6am as well as 40 hours unpaid work and told him to pay £20 a week compensation for a year.

The judge handed Cowell a three-month curfew and told her to pay £10 a week for a year. Hall was given a six-month curfew and told to pay £10 a week compensation for two years.He also gave Potter a month-long curfew and Lees a three-month curfew.

James Ward, prosecuting, said Weston-super-Mare based Carole Nash Insurance Limited was one of the first insurance brokers in the country to offer insurance for off-road bikes.The court heard the underwriters for all policies taken out through Carole Nash was a Portsmouth-based company called Groupama.

Mr Ward said: "The police became concerned at what appeared to be the organised theft of off-road bikes at addresses in and around the Bournville estate in Weston-super-Mare.

"Detective Constable James Tubby investigated and rapidly became convinced that he was investigating an insurance swindle relating to claims for non-existent off-road motorbikes rather than the thefts of such machines.

"The insurers Groupama had no idea that they were paying out on fraudulent claims."Mr Ward said the instigator of the scam appeared to be Glen Lord, who received £7,700 in false claims.

He was arrested by DC Tubby, denied wrong doing and then committed suicide by hanging himself.Mr Ward told the court: "DC Tubby is satisfied that Lord was the common denominator and that all the defendants were either friendly with him or knew him quite well.

"Lord shared his knowledge on how to make a successful fraudulent claim."Mr Ward said Long received cheques for £3,700 and £4,000 in two false claims, the first done on behalf of another and the second done for himself after he'd seen how easy it was.

Cowell received £3,400 in a false claim, pocketing a reward of £1,000, the court heard. Hall was sent cheques totalling £8,400 following two fake claims and pocketed £3,000.Mr Ward added Potter did not actually make a claim because police nipped his case in the bud but he would have stood to get £1,000.

Lees reported that his bike had been stolen but again an actual claim was nipped in the bud and he said he was going to be given a quad bike if the scam had worked.Robin Shellard, defending Long, said his client was keen to work having formed a relationship with a woman with children.

Oliver Willmott, defending Cowell, suggested a curfew could be handed to her, and Catherine Spedding, defending Hall, said he had gone through severe financial stress and used the money he gained to pay off a credit card bill.

Nicholas Fridd, defending Potter, said his client didn't get a penny because he pulled out of the swindle, and Charles Row, defending Lees, said his client had surrendered himself to police when the game was up.

Source: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Gang-Weston-g

Study: Antilocks trim fatal motorcycle crashes

2008-11-10T02:54:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — Antilock brakes could help motorcycle riders avoid fatal crashes, according to a study by the insurance industry.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Wednesday that the fatal crash rate involving motorcycles equipped with optional antilock brakes, or ABS, was 38 percent lower than the rate involving similar motorcycles without the systems.

Antilock brakes, like their counterparts on cars and trucks, help motorcycle riders stop their bikes abruptly without locking up the wheels or fishtailing. The system evaluates the brake pressure multiple times per second, allowing motorcycle riders to fully brake both wheels in an emergency situation and avoid hitting the pavement.

Antilocks are more typically found on touring bikes and have been available on a limited number of motorcycles since BMW AG introduced ABS on the K100 in 1988.

"Even though adding antilocks won't make motorcycling as safe as going by car, it's something manufacturers can do to reduce the risk of traveling on two wheels instead of four," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Rob Dingman, president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association, said the study shows the potential of antilock brakes, but it also underscores the need for a "long-overdue" federal study of the causes of motorcycle crashes.

"Our members would welcome an ABS option on more models, but there must be a broader strategy to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities that includes increased education and motorist awareness," Dingman said.

Safety officials have been concerned about a steady rise in motorcycle deaths. More than 5,100 motorcyclists died in 2007, compared with 2,294 fatalities in 1998. The deaths have climbed as vehicle miles traveled have grown by more than 20 percent during the period and motorcycle registrations have surpassed 6 million, compared with 3.8 million in 1998.

In the report, researchers studied eight motorcycles that offer antilock brakes as an option. They found there were 6.6 fatal crashes per 10,000 registered motorcycles without antilocks in 2005-2006. The rate for the same bikes equipped with antilocks was 4.1, or 38 percent lower, during the same period.

In a second study, the IIHS found that antilock brakes appeared to reduce collision claims — insurance losses were 21 percent lower for motorcycles with antilock brakes compared with similar motorcycles without the equipment. The findings were based on a data set of 72,000 insured years of 2003-2007 model year Honda, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha bikes.

IIHS said antilocks were standard or optional equipment on about 40 motorcycles from the 2008 model year; top manufacturers include BMW, Harley-Davidson Inc., and Honda Motor Co.

ABS typically adds about $1,000 or more to the cost of a motorcycle.

Ty van Hooydonk, the Motorcycle Industry Council's director of product communications, said ABS can be effective for some riders but it depends on factors such as road conditions, skill level and the type of riding involved.

"For a number of experienced enthusiasts out there, they're able to stop with a non-ABS motorcycle quicker than they are with an ABS-equipped motorcycle," van Hooydonk said. "It's all very situational."

Ray Zimmerman, executive director of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, said ABS could be very valuable when trying to bring a bike to a stop on slick and icy roads.

Zimmerman, of Ellisville, Mo., said he has been riding motorcycles for more than four decades and logged nearly 250,000 miles on BMW motorcycles. His ABS system has come in handy on two occasions, and he's glad he had it.

"You keep a bike from swerving out of control one time, and it's worth (it)," he said.

Source:http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h_w5pPDghej-eN44

Bike Insurance - Carole Nash voted favourite UK bike specialist

2008-11-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

For the sixth time in seven years Carole Nash was last week chosen by bikers in the UK as the country’s favourite bike insurance specialist, reports said.

The firm topped the list of bike insurance brokers following riders’ poll conducted in RiDE magazine.

RiDE’s November issue, in which the magazine’s 2008 survey was published, reported that more than 6,000 bikers voted Carole Nash their Most Used Broker.

The firm led 49 other insurance firms to clinch the first place in the poll.

The bike insurance firm has more than 300,000 bikes insured in its books and was also named the Most Used Bike Insurance Broker in Britain in similar polls done by the magazine in 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

Commenting on their achievement the company’s commercial director, Simon Jackson said: “We work very hard to ensure we offer the best deals and services to all bikers whether they ride a modern, custom, classic, scooter or off road machine.”

Source:http://www.onlyfinance.com/Bike-Insurance-News

Bike Insurance - Interior designer constructs Jaguar bike

2008-10-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

After two and a half years of brainstorming and hard work a Bermondsey man has built his dream Jaguar bike.

Barend Massow Hemmes, originally an interior designer, told reporters he came up with the idea of creating the iconic motorbike in 1997.

But he made up his mind to make it a reality after discussing his idea with another designer, Lee J Rowland.

Commenting on his success Mr Hemmes said: “It’s good a lot of people like it. I aim to bring joy to people. We live in a world with too much madness.”

The bike is the only one of its kind in the world and he plans, for the future, a design based on the Red Bull logo.

Although the bike is completely road worthy, the designer was yet to fully get it on the road because he was still working on sorting out bike insurance.

In the meantime, it is kept in mint condition for future shows.

Source:http://www.onlyfinance.com/Bike-Insurance-News

Tesco launches motorbike insurance comparison service

2008-10-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Tescocompare.com, the comparison site, announces the launch of its motorbike insurance comparison service. The comparison site has revved up and extended its online comparison service, which now offers consumers the opportunity to compare the motorbike insurance market with deals from 22 brokers.

Uniquely, Tescocompare.com is offering a price-promise to UK motorcyclists who are aged 19 or over and who spend £75 or more on their premium - guaranteeing that the quote provided by Tescocompare.com is the cheapest available. Customers who believe they can get a cheaper quote elsewhere can call Tescocompare.com for free on 0800 089 8018, and Tescocompare.com guarantees it will beat the price.

The new comparison channel is also offering free legal cover worth £25 to any motorcyclist who requests a quote, even if they don't end up buying their policy through Tescocompare.com.

The comparison site automatically searches all three levels of cover - accessible by on screen tabs - so that consumers only need to search once for fully comprehensive, third party fire & theft, and third party quotes.

Top tips to help consumers identify how they can keep their insurance quote down are also available.

Matthew Dransfield of Tescocompare.com comments: "Everyone is trying to make their money go that extra mile in the credit crunch. Our customers expect great deals from Tescocompare.com and we're delighted to offer our new motorbike insurance comparison service to them. We offer motorcyclists a guarantee that we can find them the best priced insurance deal for their needs.

"Our motorbike insurance comparison service allows consumers to search the market place for the best insurance deals by comparing product features on a like for like basis. It also offers tips on how to lower insurance premiums and enables motorcyclists to search for quotes on all levels of cover.

"We are delighted to be able to extend the services offered through Tescocompare.com and aim to continue building a comprehensive comparison service for our customers."

Source: http://www.easier.com/view/Finance/

Buell Insurance Discount: Bikesure Celebrates Buell's 25th Birthday With 10% Offer

2008-08-18T00:19:00.001-07:00

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Buell motorcycle company, Bikesure is offering 10% discount on all new motorcycle insurance for Buell bikes taken out before the end of the year. The 10% can be combined with several of Bikesure's other discount deals, such as limited mileage schemes, to get even cheaper motorbikeinsurance. "Buell has a relatively short history but it's a company that's all about biking passion, commitment and dedication," says Robert Balls of Bikesure. "Their radical attitude to design, their technical wizardry and the bikes' cool, aggressive looks have fired imaginations and inspired bikers since the company was founded by former Harley-Davidson (http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/home.jsp?locale=en_GB) engineer Erik Buell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Buell) in 1983. "Over the years Bikesure has developed special polices for both Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles. We wanted to get involved in the celebrations, so we chatted to some of our Buell customers and the discount seemed the best way." The discount will apply to all Buell bikes – sports, streetfighter and adventure, along with Buell's various derivatives – and to both new and used machines. To get a quote simply call the Bikesure quoteline on 0800 089 2000 or visit the company's website - www.bikesure.co.uk - where you can also buy cover online. Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap motorbikeinsurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders. news source : http://www.pr-usa.net/

Loose Change: Some tips on downsizing to a motorbike

2008-08-06T00:03:00.001-07:00

One sure-fire way to save on gas is to ditch your car altogether and downsize to a motorbike. From Consumer Reports, here are five considerations to keep in mind before you buy your first bike: You may need to get a special license. In some states, smaller scooters require a vehicle license to operate and not a motorcycle license. Limitations on where the bike can be operated. As a general rule, vehicles that go below 30 mph are restricted to the right lane or the shoulder.

You should take a class. You’ll need to learn how to work the throttle and brakes, and how to take turns. You’ll have to find insurance. One good thing about insuring a motorcycle or scooter is it’s cheaper than insuring your car. You should shop around for a helmet. Although only 20 states currently require helmets for everyone, it is a safety feature that you shouldn’t go without. (In Texas, those age 21 and older can get helmet exemptions by passing amotorcycle course or proving that they have a minimum level of insurance.) Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. When you buy your helmet, look for one that complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s standards.

news source : http://www.star-telegram.com/

BIKE INSURANCE FIRM IN THE HUNT FOR BRITAIN’S BIKING TALENT

2008-07-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

BIKE INSURANCE FIRM IN THE HUNT FOR BRITAIN’S BIKING TALENT Carole Nash, the UK’s favourite motorbike insurance broker, is once again searching for the nation’s finest two-wheeled machine with the launch of the 2008 Britain’s Got Biking Talent competition. A bumper prize package is on offer for the winner, including £1,000 cash and the chance to see their pride and joy displayed at one of Europe’s biggest motorcycle shows. Karl Galloway, of Takeley, Essex, took top prize in last year’s Carole Nash Britain’s Got Biking Talent competition and is set to fly out to Japan in September to enjoy the thrills and spills of the Motegi circuit. His modified Kawasaki 1200cc ZRX bike, which he built in memory of his mother, also featured in Carole Nash’s 2008 calendar which was given away and sold to over 120,000 bike fans nationwide.

Now the UK’s biggest motorcycle insurance specialist, Carole Nash, in association with biker’s bible MotorCycle News (MCN), is once again seeking out the nation’s favourite motorbikes. Last year the competition attracted over 1,500 entries and to get involved this year all you have to do is upload a picture of your beloved bike onto the MCN website. An expert judging panel will then whittle down the entries to a shortlist of 50 which will be put to the public vote on both the Carole Nash and MCN websites. The 12 bikes receiving the highest number of votes will then be professionally photographed with their owners for the calendar. They will also feature on a special Carole Nash Britain’s Got Biking Talent stand at November’s International Motorcycle Show where the winner will be revealed in front of 200,000 show visitors. This year the owner of Britain’s best loved bike will walk off with a £1,000 cash prize with the runner up getting a Shoei helmet worth nearly £400 and the third placed winner £250 worth of Spada biking gear. The helmet and leather winners will also receive Carole Nash helmet and leather cover. All three will also enjoy up to £250 off a Carole Nash bike insurance policy, VIP passes to the International Motorcycle Show and a night’s accommodation.

Rebecca Donohue, head of marketing at Carole Nash, said: “Last year Britain’s Got Biking Talent really captured the imagination of the biking public. We were deluged with entries and the judges faced a really difficult task in coming up with a shortlist. Karl’s Kawasaki was magnificent and a deserved winner but now we want to find its successor, the best loved bike in 2008.” Riders can enter their bikes on the MCN website from Wednesday July 23rd and they will stay online until the judges announce the top 12 finalists going through to the public vote on September 27th. To be in with a chance of winning just visit the MCN website then click ‘Upload your bike’, fill out a few details and upload some pictures. Carole Nash recommend choosing images that have been taken in good light against a clear background, without anybody sitting on the bike. Once a bike is uploaded, MCN users will be able to rate it from one to five, and post comments.

news source : http://www.responsesource.com/

Bike Insurance - Insurance discount for riders and drivers

2008-07-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

According to Adrian Flux insurance, Ride Drive are offering customers up to a 25% discount on both their car and motorcycle insurance. The deal operates under a particular scheme in which drivers and bike riders are given the chance to enhance their riding or driving skills, in which they are recognised and also rewarded as a result. Julian Smith: who is the director at Ride Drive Limited further explained the initiative saying “Its taken a long time to find aninsurance company who were prepared to reward drivers and bikers, who voluntarily develop their motoring skills by offering them a substantial discount. I’m delighted to announce we’ve now achieved this with a new partnership between Ride Drive and Adrian FluxInsurance.

In order to qualify for the discount you must take one of the Ride Drive approved courses. The moment you manage to pass the course it is as simple as contacting Adrian Flux, where everything is done automatically along with your discount.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/Bike-Insurance-News/

Bike Insurance - Bikers urged to buy bike insurance

2008-07-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

Motorbike lovers have been reminded to make sure they take out the bike insurance policies that would save them money and give them a peace of mind. A statement from Cheap Motorbike Insurance advised customers of the need to avoid expensive bike insurance premiums and go for pay as you go policies, which will guarantee a number of benefits that include payment convenience.

Commenting on this, a senior marketing executive at Cheap Motorbike, Jane Hudson said: “All vehicles inclusive of a motorbike are prone to mishaps while driving… The expenses accrued on such mishap are likely to take away a large part of your finances but you could be wise and choose insurance.”

Ms Hudson went on to urge bikers to purchase pay as you go motorbike insurance so as to avoid the stress of paying a lump-sum premium. This, she added, will enable customers make monthly convenient instalments and reduce the pressure on their budget.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/Bike-Insurance-News/

Bike Insurance - Bikes popular with commuters in london - 09/07/2008

2008-07-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

According to the British Motorcyclists Federation, motorcycles are becoming more and more of an attractive option, with those commuting to work in the city of London. It has been suggested that the reasons for this is a combination of individuals not wanting to pay the congestion charge, as well as the fact that people are now wanting to proceed more swiftly in traffic, has led to a higher population of motorcycles in London.

This is a view by Jeff Stone who is the public relations manager for BMF media. He further commented on the issue saying “Indeed the rising use of this type of vehicle has meant that accidents have actually decreased, which could spell good news for riders’ motorbikeinsurance premiums, he said. “

He also stated “Because of the increase of people using motorcycles and the decrease in people using cars, the accident rates have actually gone down in London.”

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

Bike Insurance - Watch out for the bike

2008-07-09T01:17:00.000-07:00

Research has shown that the vast majority of crashes involving motorbikes, occur as a result of other road users’ apparent lack of awareness of them. A survey by leading bike insurance provider, Carole Nash, indicated that over 66% of motorcycle accidents are not actually caused by the insured biker but by other drivers. Moreover, the study also discovered that those who were at highest risk were the riders of lower-power vehicles, such as mopeds and scooters.

The insurer also stated that novice bikers who did not have the experience or road awareness of those who have ridden a motorbike for a good many years were also at a greater danger, in addition to younger riders and those with a zero no-claims bonus. Consequently, it is felt that greater action needs to be taken in order to ensure that motorcycle awareness is implemented within the driver training and testing regime, so that motorists understand the importance of using their peripheral vision to avoid missing bikers who are usually in the driver’s blind spot.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

Do scooter drivers catch break on insurance?

2008-07-08T03:36:00.000-07:00

While it’s true that drivers save gas money driving scooters and motorcycles, do they really save money in the end? Besides the price of a scooter or motorcycle and the fuel costs that come with it, auto insurance is another thing that drivers should consider. “By and large motorcycle rates are real competitive now,” says Mike Flowers, the owner of a local Allstate agency.

Motorcycle insurance is the usual blanket term given to insurance covering those who ride motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. Insurance companies consider a variety of factors when determining rates. Age, driving record, size of motorcycle or scooter, marital status and time with a motorcycle license are among variables considered byinsurance companies.

Under Texas law, a driver is required to have liability insurance. The minimum liability that a driver of an automobile must carry is $25,000 in bodily injury for one person, $50,000 in bodily injury for all injuries in one accident and $25,000 for property damage liability. Both motorcycles and cars have the same liability requirements. “We’re getting three or four calls every other day for people who are driving to Austin and San Antonio for work and want to save money on gas,” Flowers said. “It’s constant.”

Gene Wheeler of New Braunfels has been driving scooters for almost two years. “I love it,” Wheeler said. So much so that he is part of a group of scooter lovers that call themselves the Texas Road Rats. One of the Road Rats’ favorite rides is on River Road of Loop 337. He says that it costs him $179 a year to fully cover his 400 cc Suzuki Bergman. His car is insured for $456 a year. He describes himself as aninsurance shopper; looking for better rates once his policy expires.

“Last year I had Progressive, until they raised their rates,” Wheeler said. He says that in his experience in shopping for motorcycle insurance, a driver receives almost uniform rates for driving a scooter between 50 and 400 cc’s. He said rates get higher and began to vary for 400 cc’s and above

news source : http://herald-zeitung.com/

Bike Insurance - Motorcycle riders safety crackdown - 24/06/2008

2008-06-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

Motorbike riders were put under the spotlight by police officers in York as part of a campaign against rogue motoring, according to a local news source. In a report, York Press stated that officials in the area working under the Operation Footpath programme handed out three £30 fines to adults caught riding on public footpaths.

According to the news source, police had also clamped down on rogue drivers and additional reports suggest that fixed penalty notices were handed out to motorists found driving without a seatbelt while behind the wheel.

Police say that such behaviour can result in more expensive car or bike insurance policies should cover firms view them to be a risk on the roads. PC Jo Brooke said: “We hope what we have done this weekend will make people think twice before breaking the law in future and set out a clear signal to them.”

Earlier, a report by Swindon Advertiser stated that police had mounted a crackdown operation to catch out drivers travelling over the legal speed limit. At the same time, figures released by the Department for Transport show that some 3,150 people were killed on roads in the UK during 2006. It is believed that figures could be reduced by measures that include clampdowns.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

Scooter Sales Rise As Gas Prices Continue To Climb

2008-06-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Some drivers are so down and out about the price at the pump, scooter sales are up. CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports they're the hot new commodity on the roads. Americans have long had a love affair with their cars, but with spiking gas prices Glen Richardson says his attraction to four wheels is wearing off. He has a new crush on something that can get more than 80 miles to the gallon.

"I bought it and fell in love with it," Richardson said of his scooter. "I took it to church and it was the talk of the church. People came out and asked how does it work, and is it like a motorcycle? I said no it's totally different bike." Johnny Scheff, owner of Motoworks of Chicago, explains the difference between the two to customers looking to buy. "On a cycle you have a clutch, 5 or 6 gears, significantly heavier, significantly more powerful. Scooters are light weight, very easy to ride," Scheff said.

He sold almost as many scooters in the month of May as he did all of last year. He also says at least a couple of brands nationally have doubled their sales numbers. At ACE Motorcycle and Scooter Co. in the West Loop, interest has been so high, they'll be turning some of their repair room into a showroom. They think the bike will sell because "The initial price, bike insurance and the operating costs are all low," owner Chad McDade said. Entry level models are around $2,000, and some go as fast as 95 miles an hour. Others aren't made for anything over 40. "It's mostly for in the city," McDade said. "It's mostly for the errands. People don't want to take their Hummers to get something small.

That's one reason Richardson is smitten. But he's actually upgrading to a heavier model, though he said he doesn't use his scooter in the winter months. Protective gear is recommended for anyone on a scooter. Many dealers offer test drives, and for some models you don't even need a different class of license.

news source : http://cbs2chicago.com

ETA's pimped Charge Plug is going for gold

2008-06-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

You've seen Pimp My Ride, now it's time to pimp your bike – and without a forty-something man who talks like a rapper in sight. Bike insurance and breakdown bods, ETA, have taken a standard, single-speed Charge Plug two-wheeler and pimped it beyond all recognition. After stripping the frame, polishing it and plating it in copper, it's been finished in 24ct gold. Not the ideal substance for something you could end up using to haul yourself up steep hills and through rush hour traffic but it sure looks the business – if you spend your spare time chillaxing with P Diddy.

Of course the mods don't stop with the frame. The wheels have been rebuilt using white velocity deep-v rims and the chain, seat and handlebars have had a lick of white too. To finish, the front wheel has been radially spoked. As with anything of this ilk, price is on application, but if you fancy owning one (and lord knows someone must or it'll have been a huge waste of time) then you can win one on the ETA website.

news source : http://stuff.tv/

Bikers get top insurance deals on web

2008-06-09T02:08:00.000-07:00

The UK's 1.2m motorbike, moped and scooter owners will be able to shop around for the cheapest motor insurance with the launch of a new online comparison site. The site, from swift cover.com, enables riders to compare quotes from a panel of more than 19 specialist brokers and insurance firms, including Devitt, MCE and MotorCycle Direct.

The average cost of running a 125cc bike is now £1,540, with insurance the second biggest expenditure after fuel. This service claims it will save riders more than 37% on their premiums — or an average of £143 a year. If you find a cheaper quote elsewhere, the site promises to beat it. However, this applies only to riders aged 21 years old and over.

news source : http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/

Bike Insurance - Brits may turn to motorbikes to save money

2008-06-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

Motorists could save money during the credit crisis by swapping four wheels for two, the AA has suggested. Using a motorcycle to get around could prove to be a cheaper option than a car as bike insurance is usually less costly than car cover and motorcyclists also avoid having to fork out for congestion charges. It is also far easier to park a motorbike which is another advantage it has over its four wheeled brother.

AA public relations manager, Ian Crowder, has predicted that the economically friendly motorcycle will become more popular on Britain’s roads as motorists look to save money. “I don’t think we are going to see huge increased numbers of bikes used but I think a lot of people have a bike as a second vehicle rather than a sole vehicle,” said Mr Crowder. Around one-in-seven woman would consider abandoning their car in favour of a motorcycle for financial reasons, a recent Post office survey has found.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

Motorcycles need respect and good training

2008-06-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

It was tough Monday afternoon watching yet another young motorcyclist being buried while his mom, dad and the love of his life looked on, still in shock. Already, some hard questions are being asked: How can a kid who just got his licence legally ride a 1,000cc machine? Why are bikes legally sold to rookie riders that can easily do twice the speed limit, and more? These are the wrong questions, focusing on the wrong thing: the bike. A motorcycle by itself never hurt anyone. A bike is as safe, or unsafe, as its user. Luc Bourdon was a very good kid by all accounts, who made one wrong decision at a very bad moment in time. Let he who has never done the same cast the first stone.

Too often though, on a motorcycle, that one lapse of judgment might turn out to be your last, especially on super-powerful machines that are growing increasingly popular, as are motorcycles in general, even if sales in New Brunswick dipped slightly last year. The Motorcycle and Moped Industrial Council says almost half the bikes sold in Canada last year were 951cc or bigger. Those are some powerful machines. Every year, another 2,200 new motorcycles on average are sold in New Brunswick. Some suspect that with the skyrocketing price of fuel these days that number can only grow, though soaring motorcycleinsurance premiums will eat up a lot of those savings. Hardcore motorcyclists say there are two kinds of bikers: those who have crashed, and those who will crash.

I know many bikers, none of whom ride irresponsibly, all of whom have taken rider-safety courses and yet all but two of whom have found themselves being collected by paramedics at one point or another. The other two who have yet to take advantage of New Brunswick's free ambulance service have indeed dumped their bikes before, but walked away with little more than scratches and a good story to tell around the campfire. If some good is to come from the loss of Luc Bourdon, perhaps it will be that each rider reviews his or her riding habits, and maybe it's time to have a second look at our requirements for licensing new riders as well.

That being said, it's worth noting that the training of motorcyclists has never been better and the stats reflect that, with the majority of motorcyclists taking training above and beyond what is required by law. Deaths have been almost halved from their peak in the 1970s and injuries are down 48 per cent. There is also the argument that having the power of 1,000ccs under your butt when you need it can save your bacon in some situations as well. Experienced riders say it can be a valid argument. But can we do more than what we are already doing to make sure riders come home safe? Luc also took a highly regarded motorcycle course, after all. The bottom line is that one can't lose sight of the fact that blaming big-bore bikes by themselves as the cause of tragedies such as the one we saw this past week would be as silly as blaming forks for obesity.

news source : http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/

Bikers get top insurance deals on web

2008-05-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

Bike Insurance - Off-road biker case reminds small vehicle operators of importance of insurance

2008-05-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

A 22 year-old off-road biker from Hall i’th’ Wood faces child neglect and dangerous driving charges after speeding away from police while balancing a seven-year-old-boy on his bike, The Bolton News recently reported.

"This is an example of how dangerous off-road biking is and how irresponsible some people can be,” Inspector Tony Kenyon told The Bolton News. “We can only be thankful that a serious accident did not occur and we want to do everything we can to prevent such incidents leading to tragedy." The man was riding his bike on the playing fields near Canon Slade School, while the child was straddling the bike between the man and the handle bars.

The report reminded readers that use of mini-motos, scooters and quad bikes require legal documents such as bike insurance and road tax, given that they are classed as motor vehicles. Insurance cover, for example, would be necessary for any operators of these vehicles before they can be operated in any fashion on public roads.

"These machines are often bought for young people as toys,” inspector Kenyon was further quoted in The Bolton News. “However, nuisance from off-road motor vehicles being used illegally is having an increasing impact on communities across Bolton and there are serious concerns about the safety of riders and pedestrians."

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

Bike Insurance - Increased Costs Force Many Motorists to Switch to Bike

2008-05-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

A growing number of middle-aged men are now switching to sport bikes and scooters as they strive to beat soaring costs of motoring, even as many attempt to recapture their youth. The cost of petrol, taxes as well as parking is believed to be the main issue compelling motorists to ditch their four wheels in favour ofbikes. This development, reports said, has led to accidents soaring and equally pushed up the cost insurance cover, especially car insurance.

To cash in on the growing number of riders, the post office has launched its first ever bike insurance policy. The policy provides one month’s free cover and a 36 per cent discount for female riders. It also includes £500 cover for accessories, which are items fixed to thebike like radios and boxes. While it provides a new competition for insurance and an alternative for drivers, it may not be the cheapest cover around. The policy costs as much as £403 for a 51-year-old new Harley-Davidson driver.

Premiums are set according to post code, age, the type of vehicle and the driver’s experience. But the prices vary from one insurer to another and the kind of risks each is willing to take. Commenting on the rise in the number of people riding motorcycles, Norwich Union’s underwriting strategy manager Nigel Bartram said: “This is a big surge in the numbers buying smallbikes and scooters for their commute to work. This lets them save money not just on petrol but parking.

Incidentally, this rise has also led to more restrictions from insurers, as Co-operative Insurance Services, which used to be a big underwriter of bikes, now restricts cover to bikes worth less than £8,000. In some cases, insurers require policyholders who have not ridden for a while to take a new test, said AA.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

MP Soames to face court on quad bike charges

2008-05-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Conservative MP Nicholas Soames will appear before magistrates today on charges relating to footage allegedly showing him riding a quad bike on a public road with a child perched behind him. Soames, 60, has been summoned to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court to face alleged insurance and safety offences under Section 40a of the Road Traffic Act, a Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said. The child was filmed riding behind Mid Sussex MP Soames, a grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, as he allegedly towed two more children in a trailer in Slaugham while following a New Year's Day hunt.

It was claimed that the children were not strapped in or wearing crash helmets in the footage, which was shot by hunt saboteurs and featured in The Argus on January 4. The images were published following the death on Boxing Day of seven-year-old Elizabeth Cooke, who was involved in an accident while riding a quad bike on a public road in Blackmore. Eton-educated Soames, who served as Armed Forces minister from 1994 to 1997, has represented Mid Sussex since 1997 and previously served as MP for Crawley.

news source : http://www.theargus.co.uk/

MC+ = Cheap Motorcycle Insurance

2008-05-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

These days everyone is watching the pennies, so a motorcycle insurance scheme that's designed to save cash has to be good news. Bikesure says its new MC+ insurance scheme is just like standard motorcycle insurance, only better - and cheaper. It's based on the concept of being as flexible as possible: this not only allows the policyholder to tailor it to their specific needs, but also, by incorporating loads of discount options, to lower the cost.

Some of the MC+ discounts are familiar - like limited mileage - but others are more unusual. For example, riders who don't take pillion passengers can claim a discount, as can those willing to have a voluntary excess of £500. Similarly, if the value of the bike is low, the policyholder can get a discount of up to 20% (compared to a higher value bike with the same performance).

There's an additional 15% discount for advanced rider qualifications - and Bikesure recognises all the main course providers including IAM, ROSPA, DSA, Vision Advanced and The Edge. And a really big plus is that MC+ offers up to 60% no claims bonus (NCB) - whereas the norm is only 50%. "MC+ doesn't necessarily break new ground," says Robert Balls of Bikesure. "Rather, it gathers up all the discounts available, puts them into one package and, where possible, stretches them a bit more - as with the NCB.

"We believe it can deliver the best motorcycle insurance deal on the market." Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders.

news source : http://www.prweb.com/

Treasured Honda Goldwing motorbike lost in blaze riddle

2008-05-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

A DRIFFIELD biker's treasured possession has gone up in smoke after his motorbike was destroyed by fire. Vikki Thornton, of Auchinleck Close, called fire crews to her property in the early hours of Sunday after discovering her husband's motorbike, a 20-year-old Honda Goldwing parked on the road outside the house, was on fire.

Mrs Thornton said: "I was up in bed and the next thing I know, my husband is shouting 'my bike is on fire.' I got up and called the fire brigade who were here within minutes. "The fire inspector had a look and he seems to think it was an electrical fault, so we are just waiting for the insurance to come and take it away." The motorbike, which was imported from America, was destroyed by the fire and Mr and Mrs Thornton are now waiting to find out what caused the blaze.

news source : http://www.huttoncranswicktoday.co.uk/

Middle-aged bikers rev up cost of motorcycle cover

2008-05-12T01:15:00.001-07:00

THE Post Office has launched its first ever motorcycle insurance policy to cash in on the growing lure of the lonely road. Motorcycle ownership is on the increase as growing numbers of middle-aged men splash out on sports bikes in an attempt to recapture their youth. Elsewhere, the soaring cost of petrol and road taxes is driving motorists to swap four wheels for two in a bid to cut costs. Norwich Union's underwriting strategy manager Nigel Bartram said: "There is a big surge in the numbers buying small bikes and scooters for their commute to work. This lets them save money not just on petrol but on parking." But as rider numbers soar, so do accidents, which have pushed up the cost of insurance and forced companies to restrict cover.

Co-operative Insurance Services, historically a big underwriter of motorcycles, now restricts cover to bikes worth less than £8,000. And, according to the AA, some companies require anyone who has not ridden for a while to take a new test. The police are also concerned about accident numbers. A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "There is obviously little we can do to stop these people with disposable income from spending it on high-powered motorcycles, but we are doing what we can to stop them from killing themselves." Worryingly, these two most at-risk groups comprise 70% of all riders. According to Bennetts, the UK's biggest motorcycle insurance specialist, 35% of its policies are taken out by middle-aged hobby riders, with a further 35% relating to commuters. Bartram added: "We are seeing a big increase in those buying sports bikes for a hobby. They hit their 50s, have a bit of spare cash, had a bike when they were younger, think about buying a sports car and decide to get a fast bike instead.

"But even those buying more modest bikes to commute can be placing themselves at risk. They get on machines with no or little experience; just one slip can be fatal." In tough economic times, car drivers regularly switch to bikes, but this time the swing is exacerbated by recent painful surges in the price of petrol and road taxes. Currently, more than three million individuals hold a licence to ride a motorcycle in the UK, but only 1.2 million have a bike and are regularly doing so. Of these, some 6,000 will be killed or seriously injured each year. This compares with 31,000 serious casualties among Britain's 25 million car drivers. In other words, you are more than four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on a motorcycle. According to Mark Fells, a director at Bennetts: "Per journey, it is more dangerous to ride a bike than drive a car. All bikers know that. But they also know that wonderful sense of freedom which you get on a bike."

Despite his concerns about accident statistics, Bartram, who had a bike in his youth, agreed: "Nothing gives you the adrenalin rush of a fast bike, but this is part of the problem. If you are on a fast bike and make the smallest mistake, the chances are you will be very seriously injured or worse." The AA's Ian Crowder added: "Our claims experience clearly shows that there are increasing numbers of middle-aged men trying to regain their youth by buying big, powerful bikes, which they are unused to riding and unable to handle." However, motorcycling is still safer than horse riding, Fells claimed. Nevertheless, more motorbike riders during busy rush-hour traffic means more accidents and rising claims. According to the Association of British Insurers, companies paid out £22m to meet claims from motorcyclists last year, compared with £19m in 2006.

This is leading to rising premiums and restrictions on cover. Crowder added: "There is serious concern about mature people taking up biking again, particularly sports bikes, or indeed anyone riding after an absence of several years. Insurers are looking for current riding experience to reassure them that a rider is road worthy." So the competition provided by the Post Office launch will be welcome, not least for providing one month's free cover and a 36% discount for female riders. It also includes £500 cover for accessories, although only for items fixed to the bike, such as radios and boxes.

However, it is unlikely to be the cheapest cover. A 51-year-old new Harley-Davidson driver will have to fork out £403 for a policy. Premiums will vary between companies as insurers take different approaches to different risks, so it pays to shop around. Premiums are set according to age, postcode, the type of vehicle and the driver's experience. Accessories such as helmets and leathers do not normally come as standard, but as they can amount to more than £1,000, they are worth protecting. This can normally be done by paying an additional premium to the insurer. Alternatively, check if they are covered by your householdinsurance. You can cut premiums by always garaging your bike, installing security devices or by putting a concrete post in the garage to chain it to.

news source : http://business.scotsman.com/

Motorcycle Insurance

2008-05-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

Motorcycles are becoming an increasingly popular method of transport in the UK, with new bike prices ranging from £1,000 to £20,000 according to make and specification. Surprisingly most motorcycles, irrespective of price, are not fitted with satisfactory security measures as standard, so buying the right motorbikeinsurance is an important consideration.
Not Just a Seasonal Policy Many motorcyclists park their bikes in their garages during the winter months. The statistics are that 10,000 bikers in the UK cancel theirinsurance policies over the winter every year. Unfortunately, even when locked in a garage, their bikes remain at risk. Thieves know that many motorbikes are stored in garages over the winter months and over 600 bikes are stolen every month. If you have cancelled your policy and your bike is stolen you cannot make a valid claim but it should be possible to reduce the cover, save money and still maintain the essential minimum cover against fire and theft over the winter.

Policy Types

There are two types of motorcycle insurance policy:

1. Specified rider policy: a specified rider policy will specifically cover the rider, not the bike. The benefit of such a policy is that it will allow you to ride any motorcycle up to a particular size.
2. Specified bike policy: a specified bike policy will only cover the motorbike and not the rider. Should you wish to insure a number of riders on the same bike, this would be the most suitable policy.

What Affects your Premium?

Unfortunately motorbike riders, particularly younger riders, pay the high premiums for their insurance policies which reflect the increased risk of their chosen method of transport. Some of the key factors affecting premiums are:

1. Age: young motorcyclists have an alarmingly high accident rate. They are far more likely to be involved in an accident than more mature riders and the damage they can cause to themselves is very often costly and long lasting.
2. Occupation: workers who spend many hours on the road travelling from one location to another will be subject to higher premiums. It is not that the quality of driving is worse but that the more hours that are spent on the road the more likely accidents occur. Many motorbike accidents are caused by other drivers carelessness but very often it is those same drivers who are under insured making the recovery of costs that much more difficult, if not impossible.
3. Location: if you live in the country you are far more unlikely to be a victim of criminal activity than if you are a city dweller. So city dwellers pay higher premiums.
4. Past driving record: if you have made claims in recent years for driving related accidents you should expect this to be reflected by a higher than average premium.
5. Security: immobilisers, alarms, steering locks and other security devices are only useful if they are activated. However their presence will result in a significantly lower premium, particularly in inner city areas with high crime rates.
6. Performance and Type: the more powerful the bike, the higher the premium is likely to be, especially if for young bikers. The make of the bike may influence the premium for example, Ducatis, Hayabusas and Fireblades deservedly have more appeal to both enthusiasts and burglars. Expensive bikes are also likely to attract higher repair costs which in turn are reflected in the premium charged.
7. Parking: a motorbike kept under cover locked in a garage will result in significantly lower premiums. Even keeping your bike off the road on a private drive significantly reduces the chances of loss or damage.

In a recent survey, checks were conducted on the owners of a 350cc bike insured against third party fire and theft only. It was found that a 17 year old was three times more likely and a 21 year old twice as likely to make a claim as a 25 year old owner. An annoying feature of existing motorbike insurance policies is that discount bonuses cannot be accumulated. You may be able to get some form of discount should you remain claim free for a few years with the same insurer, but this is a rare occurrence. Most motorbikes depreciate quite rapidly and in the event of a material damage claim, Insurance companies will only pay the current market value of your bike. In these circumstances it may not be worth paying the additional premium for comprehensive cover over third party, fire and theft only.

news source : http://www.insurancewide.com/

One2Five - Bikesure Steps in to Cover the Sub-125cc 'Uninsurables'

2008-05-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

The sub-125cc motorbike, scooter and twist 'n go market has exploded in recent years. Cheap to buy and cheap to run, with low fuel costs, they're also fun and, thanks to their nippy handling, they're fast through the traffic, too. So it's no surprise that they appeal so strongly to teenagers, commuters and anyone looking for an economical means of transport. There are also more manufacturers then ever producing them - and this is a problem, as the official ABI database (compiled by the Association of British Insurers) can't keep up with all the new models and marques. Which means many insurers simply can't touch lots of the new 'sub-125's - and owners can find themselves with a real problem getting cover.

Now Bikesure has launched a scheme that will insure any sub-125cc machine, no matter what the brand. Called One2Five, and underwritten by Norwich Union, Bikesure believes it's the most flexible scheme for the small bike and scooter rider. "One2Five can handle any bike make, any age of driver and any level of cover," says Robert Balls of Bikesure. "We'll not only cover brands that other insurers can't or won't touch, we'll also insure riders and bikes that many exclude - such as a 17 year old on a race style bike."

Despite its flexibility One2Five is very competitively priced - in fact Bikesure believes the scheme delivers some of the cheapest bikeinsurance premiums on the market for bikes under 125cc. "If you're a standard rider with a standard bike, you can even buy online," adds Robert Balls. "If the bike is a bit off the wall, or if the rider has any convictions or other special conditions, then it's best to give us a call for the cheapest quote."

Amongst the extras for the Bikesure scheme is a special 'new for old' feature for brand new bikes. If a new bike is written off within six months of purchase, One2Five will replace it with no depreciation. Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders.

news source : http://www.blogger.com/

Recruiting the best is key to firm's success

2008-05-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

Insurance is a big business for Peterborough-based BGL Group even in a credit crunch but it is a competitive market, as Business Editor Paul Grinnell reports. HIGH Street sales figures show the credit crunch is making many consumers think twice about how they spend their hard earned wages. But the insurance business is seemingly immune to the belt tightening that is currently going on in households up and down the land. Instead for companies such as Peterborough's insurance intermediary the BGL Group the battle is to secure a profitable share of a vast domestic market that quite simply cannot operate without aninsurance policy of some form of other.

As BGL chief executive Peter Winslow summed it up: "No one can buy a house, car, a motorbike or even a van without also having to buy some form ofinsurance to go with it." He said: "Everything we sell is compulsory. If you own a home or drive a car, motorcycle or a van you need insurance. He said: "There are 26 million homes in the UK, and we have 350,000 of them. "There are 25 million cars about and we insure under two million of them. It is a very big market for us to go at. And grabbing a large slice of that market is vital to BGL's ongoing success. Mr Winslow said: "Overall the group is focused on operating a successful and sustainable business, which means delivering profits. To us, profit means reinvestment in the business to ensure it stays strong. Market share is important to us because it is one of the key drivers of profit. It is an approach that seems to be bringing a great deal of success.

Last year, BGL, which is based at Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, announced that it had made an incredible 93 per cent increase in profits – up to £43 million. At the same time the firm also revealed staff numbers at its head office had shot up by 250 over the same year to 1,058. The key to the company's success is ensuring that it has access to the established and proven insurance providers, and a top quality marketing expertise to ensure its products are kept firmly in the public eye. Since a strategic change of direction in 1997 which saw BGL turn from being an insurance underwriter to a broker, the group has grown to become one of the largest personal lines insurance brokers in the UK.

This expansion has been achieved through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions – the last of which took place five years ago and the the group now arranges and administersinsurance for two million customers and employs more than 2,255 people worldwide. In addition to its Peterborough head office, BGL has contact centres in Coventry, Sunderland and Peterlee in the UK, and Cape Town in South Africa. A key weapon in the BGL armoury is the recently created price comparison website comparethemarket.com, which allows customers to rapidly find the bestinsurance policy for them.

news source : http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/

City is hotspot for bike theft

2008-05-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

EDINBURGH is the worst place in Scotland for motorbike thefts, a new survey has revealed. The study, by motorcycle insurance specialist Carole Nash, showed the city also had the ninth highest rate throughout the UK after analysing claims among 230,000 bikinginsurance policyholders.

Police recommended that bikers take various steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, including registering the bike with a security firm, and keeping the vehicle out of sight in a garage.

news source : http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/

Bike insurance cost set to increase

2008-05-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

This year it is anticipated that the cost of bike insurance will soar to an all time high. Insurance companies and brokers, believe that the cause of this is because there has been quite a large increase in the percentage of companies now providing bike insurance. Therefore competition in the market has also been heightened.

The domino effect that this has had on the market means that various companies have had no choice other than to rapidly reduce the price of their insurance, in a seemingly desperate bid to match or better the quote riders have already been quoted. Conventionally motorbikeinsurance used to be sold to the customer over the phone for years. Now what we are observing are many companies who have call centres, which are gradually becoming invisible, as the internet has become the Holy Grail with regards to finding the cheapest prices.

However when a call centre is fortunate enough to get an inbound call, the sales person’s only objective is to offer the lowest price possible in the hope of closing the sale on the spot. It seems that the various insurers have had enough and are collectively going to increase their rates across the nation, to end any further reduction in prices.

news source : http://www.onlyfinance.com/

insurance.co.uk launches cashback offer

2008-05-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

insurance.co.uk has launched a special offer for users of the cashback sites ‘Quidco' and ‘Topcashback'. Customers who access insurance.co.uk via these sites will save a further £13 on their car insurance policy and £5 on their motorbike policy.Steve Grainger, Head of insurance.co.uk said; "In the current economic climate, it's only natural that consumers are looking to make savings on household bills such as insurance, and are turning to cashback sites more than ever. Due to the limited participation of online comparison sites within this channel, we have been concerned that consumers are taking the quick and easy option of getting cashback from a direct insurer rather than shopping around to find the most competitive quote and right policy for them.

"By placing insurance.co.uk directly on these cashback sites, we're giving consumers the best of both worlds. Now it's possible to compare motor insurance quotes and policies from a large panel of insurance providers, choose the right policy for your circumstances and benefit from the cashback facility sites like these offer."

news source : http://www.easier.com/

MotoGP's Toseland Helps Local Biker Win a Years Free Riding

2008-05-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas has come early for Northampton resident, Marc Nelson, who has become one of five lucky recipients of a year’s free motorbike insurance from Bennetts. The factory machine operator scooped a year’s free cover, in part thanks to MotoGP star James Toseland, who was visiting the Bennetts call centre as part of the promotion on the day that Marc won.

As the nation struggles in the grip of the credit crunch, Bennetts, the nation’s favourite bike insurance provider, has been saving bikers money throughout April by re-imbursing five motorbike insurance policies daily. As part of the unprecedented giveaway, Marc’s was one of the five policies refunded on 8th April, meaning he will save a whopping £795.01 on his policy over the next year.

James Toseland, the reigning World Superbike Champion and Bennetts sponsored MotoGP rider, launched the month-long promotion for the insurer, ditching the bike circuit to temporarily man the phones in the Bennetts Coventry contact centre. The biking hero talked to bikers up and down the country who had called for a quote, encouraging as many people as possible to get involved with the promotion.

Marc said “With so many people calling the centre for a quote and wanting to speak with James Toseland, I was delighted to get through as the line was constantly busy. Hearing back from Bennetts to say I’d won a years free insurance for my bike was such a thrill, so I’m really happy to be saving such a huge amount of money over the coming year.”

Bennetts’ Marketing Director, Mark Fells said “We wanted to kick off the biking season by offering our customers something that was really unique – the opportunity to qualify for five free insurance policies* every day throughout April, and the chance to speak to a double World Champion at the launch! This is one of our biggest ever promotions and we were really pleased to have James on board to kick it all off.”

news source : http://londonbikers.com/

Treasured Honda Goldwing motorbike lost in blaze riddle

2008-05-01T23:48:00.000-07:00