Motorcycle Insurance Rate
Motorcycle Insurance Rate
Riding a motorcycle can be risky even for the most level-headed and cautious of riders, as demonstrated by Department for Transportation statistics showing there were 21,550 reported motorcycle casualties in 2008, of which 6,049 resulted in death or serious injury, and the risk obviously increases as weather and road conditions worsen. Some motorcyclists will retire their bikes during winter months but for many, particularly those who commute on their motorbikes, that is not an option. However, by exercising extra caution and using common sense, it is possible to minimise the risk.
Experienced riders are familiar enough with their bike to know how it handles, and how to ride safely. But since riding in winter is entirely different from riding in summer, and for less experienced motorcyclists who have not yet ridden during the winter, it is worth reminding oneself of the safety precautions that should be taken. Remember though safety is never a guarantee, regardless of how much care is taken, so be sure you are covered by appropriate motorbike insurance just in case.
Safety steps that apply year round should be followed with particular vigilance in the winter. It makes sense to give the bike a quick once over before riding it, to make sure the tyres, lights and brakes are in working order. When checking the tyres, ensure the pressure and treads are in good condition for handling icy or wet roads, and remember that in colder temperatures it takes tyres longer to warm up and start gripping properly so be especially careful when heading out.
It is crucial to verify the lights work properly since visibility is even more of an issue during poor weather conditions. Not only will fog or rain restrict what you can see, it will make you harder to be seen, so make yourself highly visible by wearing bright reflective outer clothing and by keeping your headlight on. To help keep your own line of sight clear, make sure your mirrors and visor are clean and unscratched, and spray them with an anti-mister. Also be aware that visibility is still an issue on a bright, sunny winter’s day, when there is miraculously no rain, snow, fog or mist in sight because the low winter sun that is blinding you is also blinding other drivers.
Keeping warm may seem an odd safety tip but warmth is crucial since the colder you feel, the more your concentration goes, so wear thin layers to keep body heat trapped and throw on whatever supplementary cold weather gear you are comfortable wearing. Cold hands do not make for safe riding, since once they get too cold you risk losing control of the bike, so keep your hands extra warm with heated gloves or even heated handlebars. Invest in some decent rainwear for those rainy days, and overall try to stay as warm and dry as possible.
It goes without saying that you need to be alert on wet and icy roads, keep your speed down and leave extra space between you and other vehicles to allow those few added seconds of stopping time in an emergency. Beware of black ice and also bear in mind that on a sunny day there could still be ice on the road, particularly in shady spots that the sun has not reached, and be wary of rain slicked roads. Rainfall brings oily residue to the road surface, making the roads especially slippery. Stay off painted lines when possible, or be extra careful if crossing over them, since they can become extremely slippery when wet.
It is generally advisable not to ride on snowy roads if it can be helped, but if you are out in the snow ride slowly and avoid making sudden moves that could cause the bike to topple over or skid. Some motorcyclists prefer to ride in car tracks that have already been made in the snow, thus avoiding fresh snow that will spray up and decrease visibility and also get stuck in the tyres and lessen the tyres’ grip, in which case ride carefully on the compacted snow.
As for those windy days, take care because there is a risk of being blown off course slightly during high winds and you should keep a vigilant eye out for any objects that might be blown in your path.
Bike maintenance is also a key safety precaution. Snow, ice and the salt thrown down on roads after a snowfall can all build up on your bike, corroding it. So wipe down your bike after every ride, or better yet take out the hose and wash all the mess away. Your bike needs to stay in top condition for you to ride safely.
With practice comes experience, so the more winter riding you do the more comfortable and confident you will become, just be sure to avoid complacency and remain alert and sensible at all times. The safety of you, your bike and everyone around you is at stake, so follow the necessary precautions, never treat riding during the winter lightly and if you still need an added incentive just remember that a clean record keeps your motorcycle insurance rates down so you will also be doing your wallet a favour by staying safe.
How much is motorcycle insurance?
Soon I’ll be looking to get an ’08 or ’09 CBR 600 rr. I’m 21, own a car, never been ticketed or anything else in my car. Wondering if that affects my rates at all, or if “21 with a sportbike = brain splatter” just registers on their screen.
depends on what company you go with…age / popular bike / annual crash % / your driving record effects the rate
a quick 5 min phone call to your local insurance agents will give you more accurate rates…they’ll let you customize what you want cover
ex: liability only, full coverage, theft, natural disasters etc.
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