Motorcycle Risks and Insurance

It is simply the most dangerous rides around.

Yet despite all the obvious hazards of riding a motorcycle, many commuters still prefer this mode of transportation. The motorcycle or motorbike does have its advantages. It is considerably smaller than regular vehicles and therefore cheaper in terms of gasoline consumption, lighter and therefore considerably faster. It is also more maneuverable which is an advantage in small areas and in avoiding traffic jams. 

But for all its conveniences and advantages, riding a bike in any road in the world presents considerable hazards. The lack of enclosure to protect a driver, the difficult driving position which renders a person immobile in case of the need to jump or protect oneself, the difficult steering utility which is more difficult to control in many types of road and the utter difficulty of maintaining balance in slight nudges or slips. 

And because driving a motorcycle presents an almost infinite number of hazards and a very high likelihood of getting in to a serious accident, it is imperative to have a motorcycle insurance more than it is essential to have car insurance when driving a sedan or SUV. 

Of course car and motorcycle are both vehicles and therefore their insurance policies are basically the same being under the same category vehicle insurance. As vehicle insurance both car and motorbike insurance in Singapore has two general types. Comprehensive car and motorcycle insurance, are extensive types of insurance that literally covers all possible costs that can come with any accident. Most comprehensive car and motorcycle insurance cover physical damage to car and passengers, repair and replacement of car unit, medical and health care costs of the passengers, death and disability benefits. In Singapore, motorcycle insurance covers costs of damage due to vandalism, fire, wind and other non-accident causes like theft. Newer Singaporean comprehensive car and motorcycle insurance policies now also include “act of god” provisions which cover costs of damage due to natural events such as storm, cyclones, flood and other natural disasters. There are however a few car and motorcycle insurance companies in Singapore that cover legal costs against an erring driver and recently, uninsured motorist protection coverage which provide claims for injuries caused by uninsured, hit-and-run drivers or driver who has inadequate insurance. But more than anything, motorbike insurance must cover health care or treatments costs for injuries of occupants of the vehicle involved in an accident or limited death and disability benefits.

In terms of cost, motorbike insurance in Singapore are cheaper than car insurance which means costs less per month than the average car or other vehicle insurance. Like any vehicle insurance, motorcycle insurance in Singapore depends on a variety of factors like the type of bike you are driving which include model, brand, make and year. If using a vintage or classic bike, getting a comprehensive insurance may be more advisable due to the additional value of vintage bikes. However, is simply driving an old model, a basic third party coverage might be a more practical choice. In addition, since motorcycles can be easily stolen and so, it is important to consider the kind of neighbourhood, parking area or security that your bike has when not in use.