Motorcycle Insurance: How to Choose the Best Policy?

In this guide, we'll explore all aspects of motorcycle insurance, from legal obligations and requirements to additional coverage offered by insurance companies, and new opportunities that allow you to save on premiums.

What does the Highway Code say?

The first thing to know, it may seem trivial, is the definition of a motorcycle. According to the Highway Code, " a motorcycle is a vehicle with two or three wheels, used for both the transportation of people and goods." The Code's definition includes a diverse category of vehicles, including motorcycles, sidecars, motorized bicycles, and three-wheelers . The unofficial term "moped" generally refers to a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 50 cc, whether it be a moped or a scooter.

Which motorcycles should be insured?

All motorcycles on the road must be insured , regardless of their type and power/displacement, in accordance with Law 990/1969. The Code's definition, which covers two- or three-wheeled vehicles commonly referred to as motorcycles, also includes special vehicles , for which specific insurance is required, taking into account the vehicle's characteristics and its use. For example, consider motorcycles with custom-built equipment, for the transport of specific goods or for more than two people. The aforementioned law requires insurance coverage for civil liability . Additional coverage is not mandatory, although it is highly recommended.

Motorcycle insurance and coverage

To put it simply, motorcycle insurance is made up of three parts:

1. Third Party Liability Insurance (RC)
2. Accessory covers
3. Additional services

1 – Motorcycle Civil Liability

Mandatory by law to ensure compensation for damage to property, animals, or people other than the driver and their motorcycle . Variable coverage limits are provided, which can be increased according to the various options offered by the insurance company. The coverage limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will compensate third parties for each accident ; it is advisable to monitor them closely to ensure they are sufficiently high.

2 – Additional coverage

Additional insurance services, not mandatory, but crucial in motorcycle policies: coverage for the driver and passenger, coverage against theft and fire, the so-called "kasko" or insurance for damage to the motorcycle in at-fault accidents.

3 – Additional services

These are services not strictly or technically connected to motorcycle insurance: legal protection or roadside assistance (in the event of a breakdown or accident) are two classic examples.

Watch out for the deductible!

The deductible is a very important factor to consider when purchasing insurance, regardless of coverage. Technically, the deductible is the "threshold" amount of damage, below which compensation is not due from the insurance company . The deductible can be expressed as a figure or as a percentage. To better understand how a motorcycle insurance policy with a deductible works, let's look at a very simple example. Suppose we have an accident, with estimated damages of €750. If we have a policy with a deductible of €250, the insurance company will reimburse €500, the difference between the total damage and the applied deductible. If the deductible, expressed as a percentage, is 10% of the damage amount, it will amount to €75; the insurance company will therefore reimburse €675, the difference between the total damage and the deductible. Because of this variable, policies with a deductible usually require a lower premium than standard policies. Generally, a very high maximum coverage or low deductibles represent significant advantages for the insured, but they can also increase the actual cost of the policy. Using useful tools such as online price comparison sites, we recommend comparing multiple quotes before signing up.

Recourse and Exclusion

Another factor to consider when purchasing a policy is the exclusion and recourse clauses provided and explained in the policy conditions. These limit the risk coverage and therefore directly impact the company's compensation in the event of an accident. The most common exclusion and recourse clauses apply in the event of an accident where the driver is proven to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs , or if the driver does not possess a valid driving license.

What about temporary policies?

Another very attractive type of policy for motorcyclists is temporary motorcycle insurance, which reduces the duration of liability coverage in exchange for a discount on the insurance premium. Temporary insurance is a beneficial option for anyone who, for whatever reason, doesn't use their motorcycle year-round. Consider, for example, those who live in areas with particularly harsh winters; in this case, the policyholder might consider using their motorcycle only in the spring and summer. Companies offer a range of policies of varying durations: six-monthly, three-monthly, or shorter, designed for those who plan to use their motorcycle only for a limited period. Please note : temporary policies should not be confused with payment methods for the policy itself. Deferred payments, with monthly or six-monthly payments, are available for longer-term policies, such as annual policies.