Ultimate Guide to Sport Bike Insurance for UK Track Days: Key Considerations You Must Know
Understanding the Need for Bike Insurance
When it comes to participating in UK track days on your sport bike, having the right insurance coverage is not just a good idea, but a necessity. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, the risks associated with track riding are significant, and proper insurance can provide you with the peace of mind you need to focus on your riding.
“Riding a motorcycle is about balance and control, but it’s also about being prepared for the unexpected,” says Steve Rose, BikeSocial Publisher and veteran motorcycle rider. “Having the right insurance policy can make all the difference in case something goes wrong”[4].
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Here are some key reasons why you need bike insurance for track days:
- Protection Against Damage: Track days can be intense, and even with the best skills, accidents can happen. Insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your bike is damaged.
- Personal Accident Cover: In the event of an injury, personal accident cover ensures you receive the medical care you need without financial strain.
- Third-Party Liability: If you are involved in an incident that affects another rider or track property, your insurance policy will cover the legal and financial implications.
Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
Selecting the right bike insurance policy for track days involves several considerations. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
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Types of Policies
- Comprehensive Policies: These policies offer the broadest coverage, including damage to your bike, personal accident cover, and third-party liability. Companies like Devitt and BeMoto are highly rated for their comprehensive policies, which often include features like EU cover, helmet and leathers cover, and key and lock cover[1].
- Third-Party Fire and Theft: This type of policy provides less comprehensive coverage but is cheaper. It covers damage to other people’s property and your bike if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Track Day Insurance: Some insurers offer specialized track day insurance policies that cover you specifically for the days you spend on the track. These policies can be more expensive but provide tailored coverage.
Insurance Providers
Here is a comparison of some top motorcycle insurance companies in the UK, highlighting their features and customer ratings:
| Insurance Company | Customer Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Devitt | 4.7/5 | Cheapest overall for scooters and larger motorcycles, lower excess amounts, EU cover, helmet and leathers cover[1] |
| BeMoto | 4.7/5 | Competitive for larger motorcycles, robust features included as standard[1] |
| Bennetts | 4.6/5 | 90 Days of EU cover, 3rd party cover for riding other bikes, cover for 16 standard modifications, key and lock cover[1] |
| LV= (Highway) | 4.4/5 | Covers classic bikes, naked bikes, sports bikes, adventure bikes, and scooters up to £30,000[1] |
| Bikesure | 4.3/5 | Specialist in niche products like SORN, short-term, classic, and grey imports[1] |
| Carole Nash | 4.3/5 | Comprehensive plans include accident and breakdown recovery, legal expenses, and DNA+ theft protection[1] |
Additional Features to Consider
When selecting a bike insurance policy for track days, there are several additional features you should consider to ensure you have the best coverage:
EU Cover
If you plan to take your bike across the EU, make sure your policy includes EU cover. Companies like Bennetts and Devitt offer this as standard[1].
Helmet and Leathers Cover
This feature is crucial for track riders, as it covers the cost of replacing your safety gear in case of an accident. Both Devitt and BeMoto include this in their policies[1].
Track Day Experiences
Some insurers, like Bennetts, offer exclusive experiences such as discounted track days and VIP treatment at events like the Isle of Man TT[1].
Agreed Value
For classic or high-value motorcycles, an agreed value policy ensures that you receive the full agreed value of your bike in case of a total loss, rather than the current market value.
How to Make a Claim
Making a claim on your bike insurance policy can be a daunting task, but here are some steps to make the process smoother:
- Notify Your Insurer Immediately: Inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documentation, including photos of the damage, police reports, and witness statements.
- Fill Out the Claim Form: Complete the claim form provided by your insurer and submit it along with the necessary documents.
- Follow Up: Keep in touch with your insurer to ensure your claim is being processed.
Here’s what Steve Rose advises: “When making a claim, be thorough and patient. The more information you provide, the smoother the process will be”[4].
Tips for Reducing Your Premium
While having comprehensive coverage is essential, there are ways to reduce your premium without compromising on the quality of your policy:
- Improve Your Riding Skills: Taking advanced riding courses can demonstrate to insurers that you are a safer rider, potentially lowering your premium.
- Secure Your Bike: Using Sold Secure-rated locks and keeping your bike in a secure location can reduce the risk of theft and lower your premium.
- Choose the Right Bike: Some bikes are cheaper to insure than others. Research the insurance costs of different models before making a purchase.
- Limit Your Annual Mileage: If you don’t ride your bike frequently, declaring a lower annual mileage can reduce your premium.
Track Day Specifics
Track days are a unique environment that requires specific considerations when it comes to insurance:
Track Day Insurance Policies
Some insurers offer specialized track day policies that cover you only for the days you spend on the track. These policies can be more expensive but provide tailored coverage for the risks associated with track riding.
Bike Hire
If you plan to hire a bike for track days, ensure that the hire company has adequate insurance coverage. Some companies, like Trackdays.co.uk, offer a range of experiences and may have insurance options available for hired bikes[3].
Finding the right bike insurance for UK track days is a critical step in ensuring you can enjoy your riding experience without financial worry. By understanding the types of policies available, the key features to look for, and how to make a claim, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.
Here is a detailed bullet point list summarizing the key considerations:
- Choose a Comprehensive Policy: Ensure it includes EU cover, helmet and leathers cover, and third-party liability.
- Select the Right Insurer: Companies like Devitt, BeMoto, and Bennetts are highly rated for their motorcycle insurance policies.
- Consider Additional Features: Look for policies that include track day experiences, agreed value for classic bikes, and cover for modifications.
- Know How to Make a Claim: Be prepared with all necessary documentation and follow up with your insurer.
- Reduce Your Premium: Improve your riding skills, secure your bike, choose the right bike, and limit your annual mileage.
- Understand Track Day Specifics: Consider specialized track day policies and ensure adequate coverage if hiring a bike.
With the right insurance policy, you can enjoy your track days with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against any unexpected events. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s one that could save you a significant amount of money and stress in the long run.
