Motorcycle Insurance Articles
Will Taking A Riding Course Lower Your Motorbike Insurance Premiums
2010-03-18
For many, there is nothing like the feel of the open road, the wind in your face and your hands on the throttle. Motorbike riders are an avid group, and run the gamut from leather-wearing Harley riders to young professionals who have purchased a quick little racing bike. But regardless of type or preference, the fact remains that to operate legally on the road all bikes must carry motorcycle insurance. This can often be more expensive than auto insurance, as a collision with a motorbike almost inevitably results in serious injury to the rider and a possible write-off for the bike. For this reason, a motorcycle insurance premium will always be higher than the same coverage for a car, as there is a greater chance that the insurance company will have to pay out in the event of accident - if not for the bike itself, then for the injuries to the policyholder.
As a result, it is always a good idea to maximize your insurance savings by taking advantage of any and all discounts offered by your motorcycle insurance provider. One discount often offered by insurance companies is to customers who have completed a motorcycle training course. Although these courses are not always mandatory to obtain or motorcycle license, or go above and beyond the licensing requirements, they can be a good investment as successful completion often lowers your monthly premium.
Typically, these courses will be held in a closed environment on an asphalt track or paved area. The average length of a course is between one and two weeks, and many programs will provide bikes to riders and also allow riders to bring their own. Classes consist of written instruction as well as hands-on training, which helps both familiarize new riders with their bike and also aids more experienced riders in refining their skills. At the end of the course, a written and driving exam will be administered. Successful participants are usually given a certificate or other proof of completion, which can then be taken to the insurance company.
These programs typically cost between one and two hundred dollars and any metropolitan area will offer a wide range of choices. Before beginning any course, however, check with your insurance company to see what kind of accreditation and proof of completion they will require before a discount will be offered. Completing a course such as the one described above means that the policyholder is now more in control of their bike and thus safer on the roads. This in turn leads the motorcycle insurance provider to offer a lower monthly premium as there should be less chance that they will have to pay out for a claim.