How Can Motorbike Owners Combat Rising Insurance Premiums?

With annual car insurance premiums jumping a massive 20% - the biggest motor insurance hike ever recorded - motorcycle owners are also set to notice an increase as they prepare to cover their bikes this spring. Bike riders' premiums have already been on the rise and average prices are expected to jump further - even though bike-related accidents are declining.

The average car insurance premium in the UK is now more than £1,000 following total increases of £2.1bn over the past year and motorbike premiums have already seen an average spike of 6.3%.

In terms of age groups, under-30s motorcycle users suffered a 10% rise in the their premiums - and, as you'd expect, the youngest group had it even worse; market research specialist Consumer Intelligence figures put the average policy for under-20s at £617, up from £90.

The news comes despite the fact that official Department for Transport statistics actually have motorcycle casualty figures down 4% in the 12 months to the end of September 2009.

The latest Road Casualties Great Britain report states that all casualties in the time period amounted to 21,080, down from 21,934 in the previous 12 months. Fatal and serious casualties also fell, from 6,185 to 5,920 - a 4% drop.

It's thought that a large increase in personal injury claims from people egged on by 'no win, no fee' lawyers are partly to blame for the jump in premiums, along with fraudulent claims and accidents caused by uninsured drivers and riders.

With Britain still struggling to step out of recession, money is tight for the majority of UK residents - but despite the high premiums, any thoughts of potentially going without bike insurance should be quickly quashed. The ramifications of being caught without cover just aren't worth the risk; and besides, it doesn't matter if you're looking for Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki motorbike insurance - despite the general increase in premiums there's a good deal out there for everyone if they shop around online.

There are also steps that consumers can take to lower their premiums. One way is to set a higher excess level; although buyers are advised to keep excess at a sensible level as any increase will obviously mean more outlay in the event of a claim. Parking motorbikes in a locked garage or driveway rather than on the street will also have a positive effect. Most importantly of all, pay annually rather than monthly if you can afford to cover the cost in one lump sum.

In terms of shopping for insurance for your bike, Bennetts motorbike insurance is a good place to start as they compare prices from 12 insurers to find you cheap motorbike insurance [http://www.bennetts.co.uk], moped insurance [http://www.bennetts.co.uk/Bike-Insurance/Moped-Insurance] or scooter insurance.