What does motorcycle insurance cost? Which coverage do you really need? WA, WA Plus or All-risk? The premium can vary a lot, depending on the bike you ride, how old you are and how extensively you want to be insured. With a little insight, you can avoid paying unnecessarily or driving around underinsured. We list which motorcycle insurance policies are available, what they cover and which additional options are smart to include. This way you can choose the insurance that suits your riding style, your motorcycle and your budget.
What motorcycle insurance policies are there?
Before you are allowed on the road, you must insure your motorcycle with at least third-party insurance. This is required by law. But besides this basic insurance, you can also choose WA Plus or Allrisk. The more extensive your coverage, the better you are protected against. The right choice depends on your motorcycle, your wallet and how much risk you want to cover. Below we briefly explain what each coverage entails.
WA
TPL stands for Third Party Liability and is the minimum motorcycle insurance you need to drive. This insurance only covers damage you cause with your motorcycle to others. Think of damage to the eye or injury to another person after a collision. Damage to your own motorcycle? You pay for that yourself.
WA insurance is especially interesting if you ride an older motorcycle or simply don't want to incur high costs on your premium. It is the cheapest option, but also offers the least protection.
WA Plus
WA Plus, also called WA Limited Casco, is a step more extensive than just WA. In addition to the damage you cause to others, you are also insured against things that are beyond your control. Think of theft, fire, storm damage or a collision with a stray animal.
WA Plus is a popular choice if you ride a motorcycle that's still worth something, but isn't brand new. You pay a little more premium than with third-party insurance, but you also get a lot more security in return.
All-risk
All-risk, officially Fully Comprehensive, is the most complete motorcycle insurance you can take out. You are not only insured for damage to others and for external factors such as theft or fire, but also for damage to your own motorcycle, even if it is your own fault. Think of a slide in a corner or a tap against a pole while parking.
All-risk is especially interesting if you have a new or expensive motorcycle, or just don't want any financial surprises in case of damage. The premium is higher, but you get maximum coverage in return. Especially if you've just invested a lot of money in your motorcycle, Allrisk can be a smart and reassuring choice.
What additional coverages are there?
Besides the basic insurance, you can expand your motorcycle insurance with additional coverage. With these, you'll put yourself and your belongings extra safe, depending on how you ride and what you consider important.
A frequently chosen addition is the passenger insurance, which covers personal injury and/or damage to your and your passenger's belongings. Legal assistance is also handy: it helps with recovering damages or legal help after an accident.
Do you often drive long distances or go abroad? Then roadside assistance is a must. Some insurers also offer coverage for helmet and motorcycle clothing. Especially if you invest in good equipment, this is not an unnecessary luxury.
Finally, you're increasingly seeing additional options like WIA and WIA Plus, where you're insured for loss of income in case of disability after a motorcycle accident. These are especially relevant choices if you're self-employed or have no safety net through your job.
Smart choices start with comparison
Which motorcycle insurance is best for you depends on what kind of motorcycle you ride, how much you ride it and how much risk you want to bear. Do you opt for cheap third-party coverage or do you prefer the security of All-risk? And do you include additional options such as roadside assistance or coverage for your clothing?
Take the time to compare well. Not only on price, but especially on what is and isn't covered. You can ask for advice from your riding school, from other motorcyclists in your area, or of course at MOTORbeurs Utrecht, the place to discover everything about motorcycles, insurance and riding safely. In the exhibitor list you can immediately see which insurers are present at the fair.
