13/11/2023
Motorcycle Test Ride Insurance: A Guide
Running a motorcycle dealership can be complex, with many different risks involved. In this article, the Torque Bike team explores the topic of Test Ride Insurance. From the business benefits to the typical coverage, they explain it all.
As with any considered purchase, it’s only natural that customers will want to get a feel for a new motorbike before they buy it. And while a test drive makes sense in a standard motor trade setting, it can be more complicated when motorcycles are involved.
That’s where Unaccompanied Demonstration Insurance comes in. It can provide your business with vital protection while allowing your customers to get a feel for the bike – encouraging a sale.
How is a customer insured during a test ride?
Customers can provide proof of their own insurance but this can be a risk to you if a problem occurs. Alternatively, the test ride can be covered by your dealership if your business has the right insurance in place.
Typically referred to as ‘Unaccompanied Demonstration Insurance’, this policy extension covers risks resulting from customers trying out your motorcycles.
While this is a standard feature of Torque Bike motorcycle motor trade policies, it’s not included with every product on the market. Be sure to check your policy wording before allowing unaccompanied test rides.
Unaccompanied Test Drive Insurance: What does it cover?
There are usually 4 core elements to a policy:
- Injury to the driver or the public
- Damage to third-party property
- Theft of the motorcycle or your trade plates
- Damage or destruction of the motorbike
It can be added to your existing Motorcycle Motor Trade policy to give you protection. Just ask for more information when you arrange your insurance with us.
Read More: Interview with Motorcycles UK
Risk Management Considerations for Unaccompanied Test Rides
If you’re allowing unaccompanied test rides, we recommend finding out more about the customer’s riding experience before letting them out on the road. This will allow you to gauge whether they’re going to be safe on your motorcycles. Of course, incidents can crop up with the most experienced riders, but it will help you assess the risk.
We recommend that you ask the following questions:
- For a photo ID (typically a driver’s licence)
- Their age (availability of unaccompanied demo insurance varies across age groups)
- How long have they been riding?
- What do they normally ride (engine size, biker style etc)?
- Are they confident?
- For their licence, so you can check the following with the DVLA:
- Can they legally ride the bike?
- Do they have any driving convictions (inc. pending)?
- Do they have more than six penalty points?
- What’s their claims experience?
- Do they intend to take a pillion passenger?
- Can they complete a rider declaration form?
- Can you keep hold of their current keys/paperwork for security?
Insurers often leave this to your discretion with the expectation that such checks will be in place. However, insurers can vary in their approach. If you arrange your insurance with us, we will let you know if are specific criteria you need to follow.
If your dealership has enough employees, consider following along behind the ride. If not, add a simple GPS tracker to the vehicle, so you can monitor for issues.
Speak to Torque Bike today
If you would like to know more about Unaccompanied Demonstration cover for motorcycle test riders, don’t hesitate to contact the team on 01603 218290.
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