Is Motorcycle Insurance Needed For Your Travel Plans?
People who love motorcycle travel say that there’s nothing like the feel of hitting the open road. The sense of freedom and possibility is intoxicating. Motorcycle travel is often less expensive and more eco-friendly than car travel, plus it’s so easy to find a parking space! However, on the other hand, it can be dangerous. Very much so. Thousands of people die every day from road traffic accidents, and half of the victims are motorcyclists, cyclists, or pedestrians. Having motorcycle insurance coverage included with your travel is essential. However, there’s a lot you need to know about inclusions, exclusions, and planning a safe motorcycle trip.
Essential Requirements for Coverage When Riding Abroad
Proper Licensing
Getting motorcycle coverage as part of your travel insurance plans isn’t as simple as buying a policy and keeping it tucked in your travel papers. You must first have a valid motorcycle license in your home country. Your license must be valid for the type of bike you are riding. Lastly, you also need a motorcycle license that is valid in the countries you are visiting. Very often this takes the form of an International Driver’s Permit, which you can easily receive at any AAA office.
Motorcycle Classification Rules
You also have to be riding a motorcycle that meets your insurance policy’s definition of what a motorcycle is. Confused? A bike is anything with two wheels that goes fast, right? Not according to many companies! Low-capacity bikes, such as those with an engine capacity of 50cc, are sometimes included in general travel-focused insurance policies. And some motorcycle-specific policies exclude bikes that are over 200 or 250cc. Still, others have no limit, provided you purchase a premium policy add-on or opt into adventure coverage.
Helmet Requirements
Helmets are non-negotiable when it comes to the terms of motorcycle travel insurance. However, in many countries, wearing a helmet is optional or simply not part of the culture. Plan to either bring your own helmet or ask the rental company about the types of helmets they have available. You want to ensure you have a high-quality option available to you.
Where You Can Ride and What Makes Coverage Valid
Stay on Approved Roads
Coverage is always predicated on keeping your motorcycle on a legal road. In a world that’s made up of alleyways, dirt paths, shortcuts, and side streets, it’s not always easy to determine what exactly makes a road a REAL road. The rule of thumb is that if a regular car can be driven on it, a motorcycle can as well. But off-road activities negate insurance coverage.
Follow Local Laws and Avoid High-Risk Activities
Insurance coverage will also be denied if you are participating in illegal activities. This includes street racing and any other activity the insurance company deems to be a “needless risk”. In some cases, even participation in a legal event, such as a motorcycle rally or a sanctioned road race, might be trouble. If this applies to you, consider exploring potential coverage through extreme sports policies.
Understanding Your Coverage Limits
What Travel Insurance Covers (and Doesn’t)
Even if you meet every requirement for motorcycle coverage and follow all the rules, it’s essential to understand what your travel insurance actually protects. Motorcycle coverage in a travel policy is designed to cover you and your medical expenses if you are injured in an accident. It does not cover damage to or theft of the motorcycle itself, and it does not include liability protection if you cause injury to another person or damage someone else’s property.
Renting vs Owning Your Motorcycle Abroad
If you’re renting a motorcycle, the rental company often includes vehicle and liability coverage in the base rate or offers it as an optional add-on. If you own your bike and plan to ride internationally, you’ll need separate vehicle and liability insurance. In many regions, particularly in Europe, this is commonly referred to as green card insurance or border insurance. Riders are required to show proof of liability coverage when crossing borders. If your trip involves long-distance or multi-country travel, research green card or regional liability policies early so you’re fully covered before your trip.
Apply Common Sense on the Road
Remember that the most excellent insurance is knowing your limits and practicing safe biking habits. If you aren’t comfortable riding in rainstorms or dense urban traffic at home, you certainly won’t be in Bangkok or Mumbai. The same recommendations that keep you safe at home, from wearing sturdy shoes to always driving sober, are just as applicable anywhere else in the world.
International Citizens Insurance has an experienced team of authors, including expatriates and world travelers, providing curated guidance for our clients.
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