Motorbike security and insurance | comparethemarket.com
Sadly, motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are super easy to steal - a thief can make off with your wheels in seconds. So how secure is your motorbike? Making it more thief-proof won’t just deter criminals – it might lower the cost of your insurance too.
It can take just 20 seconds to steal a motorbike. That’s why bikes, mopeds and scooters are such tempting targets for thieves.
According to a National Crime Intelligence Service report based on police figures, around £3 million worth of motorbikes are stolen from roads in the UK each and every month. And most of those thefts happen right outside the bike owner’s home.
When it comes to insurance, then, it’s easy to see why motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are considered a high risk.
The bad news is that motorbikes are likely to always be an easy target. They don’t have doors to break into and they can be lifted and taken away, even with secure locks in place.
But that doesn’t mean you should give up: motorbike security devices make good deterrents. An opportunistic thief is more likely to leave a bike alone if they can see it has security features.
Young riders motorbike insurance
How training could reduce the cost of your motorbike insurance
The good news is that motorbike security could help lower the cost of your insurance.
Many insurance providers offer a discount if you take steps to keep your bike secure. Just remember to tell them which security devices you have fitted when you get a quote.
Insurance providers prefer products that have a Thatcham or Sold Secure seal of approval. That’s because industry-approved products are rigorously tested to make sure they work to the highest standards.
Recommended motorbike security devices
A Thatcham-approved disc lock can be used to secure the front brake disc of your motorbike or scooter. Small and portable, a disc lock can be taken with you when you’re out and about and can be easily fitted to your wheel.
Lock your bike to an immovable object like a lamppost with a Thatcham-approved motorcycle chain and padlock.
And a padlock and chain used with a ground anchor in your garage can keep your bike secure at home.
Do you store your motorbike in a garage? A garage door defender is a small locking device that secures the bottom of the garage door to the driveway. It adds another level of security to most garage doors.
A motorbike alarm system can be a great deterrent. Consider a Thatcham-rated Category 1 or 2 alarm with immobiliser and tracking device. Professionally fitted Thatcham-approved alarms are the recommended choice of most insurance providers – and could help lower your premium.
Mark the VIN number
Mark the VIN number on as many parts as possible with a bike security marker. This can prevent thieves from selling the parts on if your bike is stolen. It could also help the police to identify parts and recover your bike.
You can also register for free on immobilise, a national UK property register which helps the police to identify the owners of recovered property. It might also help to simplify your insurance claim.
A simple motorbike cover could also do its bit in preventing theft. Many thieves are on the lookout for certain makes and models. Using a cover not only hides your bike’s identity but is another time-consuming obstacle for thieves looking for a ‘quick steal’.
Parking securely
If you don’t have a garage or a driveway, park your bike as near to your home as possible in a well-lit area.
When you’re out and about, look to park your bike in a secured car park. Car parks displaying the ‘ParkMark’ logo have a higher level of security than standard car parks. Check the ParkMark website to see if there’s a Safer Parking Scheme near you.
Top bike insurance tips
Make sure you keep the receipts for any motorbike security products as well as installation costs. They’ll be handy if your insurance provider asks for proof.
Don’t load your bike up with too many security products. Apart from the expense, you might only get one insurance discount for one security feature. Have a think about what type of security would suit you and your bike the best.
And if you’re looking to save money on your motorbike insurance, shop around and compare quotes through Compare the Market. Quoting with us could be the best way to find a cheaper deal.