Nine Motorcycle Insurance Questions Every Rider Should Know About

How can I get the best deal on my motorcycle insurance?

The best way is to visit InsuranceHotline.com and enter your details. There are a number of ways you can get your motorcycle insurance costs down but if you are looking for the absolute bargain basement then you will have to compromise on the level of coverage. Third party policies will get you on the road and pay out for damage you cause to other vehicles. But if your ride gets stolen, vandalized or smashed up in an accident you could be left severely out of pocket. Why is my friend's bike insurance cheaper than mine?

The simple answer is that maybe he shopped around for a better deal by using http://www.InsuranceHotline.com. People who are prepared to put in the legwork can often get a cheaper motorcycle insurance premium. That said there are lots of reasons why a motorcycle insurance policy for the same type of bike may be cheaper for some than others. It could come down to age, points or even where you live. How can I keep my motorbike safe?

Security is a big issue for bikers -- but never fear, there is a whole industry offering all kinds of locks and tracking devices to help make your ride less popular with the criminal fraternity. If you'd rather not find out how well tracking systems and ID markings work, then a decent lock and a secure garage are your best bets. How do I keep my motorbike on the road?

Be good to your bike and your bike will be good to you. Don't leave it outside for long periods in the winter if you can help it. And if you put it in hibernation, drop in once in a while to make sure that everything is still running. Some basic motorcycle maintenance: Checking the oil, the brake cables and tires will help avoid accidents and ensure that your ride lasts longer. Should I stay off the road in the winter?

If you are an inexperienced rider, then the winter is probably a good time to stay off your motorcycle. Many riders prefer to leave their bikes in the garage until the better weather returns. Icy roads and high winds can make the roads rather treacherous so its little wonder some choose alternative means of transport. If you are planning to venture out, be sure you give your ride a once over first, clean up the lights and check the tires to make certain your two-wheeled friend is in tip-top shape. How can I avoid getting ripped off when buying a bike second-hand?

For most bikers, investing in a new ride usually involves buying second hand either through a dealer or in a private sale. If you go through a reputable trader then you shouldn't have too much to worry about, but if you go private, then it's worth taking a few simple precautions like taking a friend with you or meeting in a public place. If you know your stuff, you should give the bike a once over. If not, have an expert check it out for you. It's also worth haggling, as most sellers are happy to negotiate. How can I avoid a motorcycle breakdown?

There is no way of guaranteeing that you won't have a breakdown, but you can help reduce the chances of spluttering to halt with a few simple steps. Learn your basic motorcycle maintenance and your bike will be in much better health. Some straightforward checks like feeling the tire treads, looking for rust on the brake cables, and regularly treating the fuel tank, will keep you on the road. Failing that, some decent breakdown coverage, emergency food and water and a fully charged mobile phone will help. Why has my motorcycle insurance premium gone up?

There are a number of issues that can impact on your bike insurance premium, most of which are under your control. The cost of your coverage will depend on factors like where you live, how many claims you've made, how old you are, how many points you have and what bike you own. If the answer isn't obvious, then you should be prepared to shop around. The insurance market in is highly competitive so if your current provider wants more money, then you might be able to do better elsewhere by visiting www.InsuranceHotline.com to get the lowest rate. What does collision insurance cover?

Collision will cover you if you get into an accident with another vehicle, overturn your motorcycle or have a single-vehicle accident, or if you hit a pothole. Source: TA Motorcycle Direct