How to keep your policy low

Shop around:

The oldest advice is still the best. Don’t wait until two days before your existing policy expires to start your search for the cheapest quote. Do it now.

Get some advanced training:

According to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), more than 80 per cent of British motorcyclists are paying more for insurance than they need to because they don’t have advanced training. That means they’re missing out on insurance discounts of around 10 per cent. The MCIA’s own riding skills course, The Edge, would qualify riders for a discount on 80 per cent of all current motorcycle policies in the UK. It assesses aspects such as road riding, accident management and theft prevention. Details: 024-7625-0828.

Get some extra security:

Don’t just use a chain and padlock get an alarm, too. Most insurance companies offer discounts of up to 10 per cent to riders who have fitted approved alarm/immobilisers. At a couple of hundred pounds they may seem expensive, but they’ll pay for themselves soon enough.

Increase your excess:

Some insurance companies will offer you a discount of up to 22 per cent if you accept a voluntary excess of around £1500. That might seem a lot to say goodbye to if you have to make a claim, but that’s a big if, and it’s worth working out how much that 22 per cent discount will save you each year before you dismiss it. You might find that within a couple of years you’ve saved more than £1500 anyway.