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Motorcycle traffic insurance and kasko

Which is compulsory, what kasko covers, how the no-claims discount works and what to watch for when taking out a policy.

Insurance is the topic motorcycle owners care about least but which matters most after a crash or theft. There are two basic products: compulsory traffic insurance and optional kasko (comprehensive insurance). This article explains the difference between the two and what to watch for when choosing a policy. No figures are given here, because premiums vary greatly with motorcycle type, engine capacity, type of use, province, rider history and company.

1. Traffic insurance: compulsory

Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance (traffic insurance for short) is compulsory for motor vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. For penalties and sanctions see the rules page.

  • What it covers: Damage you cause to others through your fault, within the limits in the policy: compensation for damage to the other party's vehicle, injury and death.
  • What it does not cover: Damage to your own motorcycle, your own medical costs (as a rule), theft. For your own loss you need kasko or additional cover.
  • Limits: Cover limits are set every year. In a serious crash the loss may exceed these limits, and a claim for the excess may be directed at you. So additional "Voluntary Financial Liability" (İMM) cover may be considered.

No-claims discount

Traffic insurance uses a step system: for every year you do not cause an at-fault claim you move to a more favourable step, while an at-fault claim file lowers your step and raises the premium. The step information is held in the system according to the vehicle and its owner. Renewing the policy on time and asking your insurer about the rules for transferring the step when you change vehicle lets you keep the discount.

2. Kasko: optional

Kasko covers losses to your own motorcycle. Motorcycle kasko is offered by fewer companies than car kasko and its terms may be stricter.

What kasko typically covers

  • Impact and collision (whether or not there is another party)
  • Tipping over, falling, rolling
  • Fire
  • Theft or attempted theft
  • Depending on the policy: natural disasters, flood, malicious acts

What is often excluded

  • Drink riding, riding without a licence or with a licence of an unsuitable class
  • Racing, track and organised speed events
  • Normal wear, mechanical faults arising from lack of maintenance
  • Accessories not stated in the policy and parts added later
  • Commercial use (such as courier work): losses related to this use if it has not been declared
  • Damage to the helmet, jacket and personal belongings (unless there is additional cover)
The theft cover in a kasko policy is sometimes tied to certain conditions: use of an approved lock, parking overnight in an enclosed area, a tracking device and the like. Don't sign without reading the conditions; in the event of theft these clauses are decisive. For ways to protect against theft, see the theft guide.

3. Points to check in a kasko policy

  • Excess: Policies with an excess, where you pay a certain part of each claim, are cheaper, but for small damage kasko may not be worth using.
  • Choice of repairer: Authorised service centre or an agreed workshop? Will original parts or equivalent parts be used?
  • Accessory declaration: If you don't have items such as bags, crash bars and exhausts added to the policy, they may not be included in compensation.
  • Personal accident cover: Additional cover against injury to the rider and passenger. Important for a motorcyclist.
  • Roadside assistance: Towing service, the distance limit and whether there is a tow truck suitable for a motorcycle.
  • Gear cover: Some policies cover the helmet and protective clothing with additional cover.
  • Rider restriction: The policy may cover only certain riders or those over a certain age.

4. Factors affecting the premium

  • Motorcycle type, engine capacity and market value
  • The province where it is registered and parking conditions
  • The rider's age, licence tenure and claims history
  • Type of use (private, commercial, courier)
  • The excess chosen and additional cover
  • Security equipment (alarm, tracking device)

To include insurance when calculating the annual cost of ownership, use the cost calculator.

5. Practical tips

  1. Get several quotes: There can be a marked difference between companies for the same motorcycle. Compare quotes not just on price but on cover and excess.
  2. Ask for a quote before buying the motorcycle: Kasko for some models can be very expensive or not offered at all. Include it in the purchase decision.
  3. Declare information correctly: Incorrectly declaring the type of use, parking place and rider details can lead to compensation being refused at the time of a claim.
  4. Don't miss the renewal date: Important for both continuous cover and your no-claims history.
  5. Weigh up small claims: Opening a file for minor damage under kasko can affect next year's premium and discounts. Paying out of your own pocket sometimes makes more sense.
  6. Keep the policy on your phone: In a crash, have the policy number and the insurance company's claims line to hand.

6. When buying second-hand

When buying a second-hand motorcycle, querying the vehicle's damage record shows whether there has been heavy damage or a total-loss record in the past. These records also affect whether kasko is available and its premium. For details see the second-hand guide.

Knowing what to do step by step in a crash also speeds up the insurance process. Read the after a crash guide once before setting off.

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