Courier Insurance Cover Explained

It is a well-known fact that motorcycles - and indeed their riders - can be a serious road safety hazard. The most common causes of accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles are caused by motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic because of their small size and flexibility, dangerous overtaking, loss of control on bends and right of way issues.

As early as 1930, the Government of the United Kingdom introduced a law requiring everyone using a vehicle on a road to at least have the very minimum of insurance cover, known as Third Party Insurance. At present, vehicle law is defined by the Road Traffic Act of 1988, last modified in 1991. The basic tenets of this law require that all motorists either have to be insured; or to have lodged a security or a deposit of £500,000 with the Accountant General of the Supreme Court against their liability for any injuries caused either to other drivers and to their passengers and for any damage to property. As courier services usually run several two-wheeled vehicles in the normal course of their business, it is essential that proper and comprehensive courier insurance must be purchased to cover all eventualities, such as death or injury to both the driver of the motorcycle and the other party involved in an accident, replacement or repair costs of all the damaged vehicles, together with compensation for any damage caused to property.

There are specific points to be borne in mind when looking for motorcycle courier insurance cover. As stated above, Third Party Insurance is the absolute minimum requirement, as it only covers liability for injuries and damage to others, as well as damage to their property. An addition may be added to Third Party coverage - to cover fire damage and theft of the motorcycle. Comprehensive insurance covers all the aspects of Third Party cover mentioned above, but with the addition of cover for your motorcycle in the case of an accident, together with medical and, in some cases, legal expenses - both of which can run to many thousands of pounds. Other possible extras offered in this type of insurance are cover for breakdowns and the provision of a replacement motorcycle for a certain period of time. This is an important extra, as it will allow you to continue to run your business without interruption. It is therefore highly recommended that the insurance policy you purchase covers both your own vehicle and those that may be involved in an accident.

The cost of your motorcycle courier insurance will be determined by the insurance company, based on perceived risk, your history of past claims, how much mileage will be covered annually, the number of riders in your company and their individual driving records, and the age and condition of the vehicles to be covered.

Specifics to look out for in the terms and conditions and in the small print are the amount of the policy excess, which is the amount you will have to pay should you make a claim; and what exactly the insurance company excludes and will not pay for. Most insurance companies will offer a no-claim bonus, which is simply an annual reduction in the cost of your insurance cover for each year you do not make a claim. Once you have decided on the insurance cover best suited to your business, ensure that you receive a 30-day temporary certificate of insurance - valid until your Certificate of Insurance, required by the Road Traffic Act - is delivered, and your policy document setting out all the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.

Quote Me Today offers different schemes and options available so you have the chance to invest in the Motor Trade Insurance policy you need.