Motorcycle wintering and insurance: everything you need to know

Many bikers continue to ride motorcycles in winter. Others prefer to store it in their garage until next summer season. The question then becomes: Do they pay the same insurance?

The fact is that the insurance is paid annually. And it is almost impossible to terminate the contract under the pretext that the motorcycle will not work for several months. Therefore, as a rule, the terms of the contract do not change. Fortunately, winter motorcycle insurance is available for those planning to use the motorcycle for only part of the year.

What is it ? What is it about ? What are the benefits? Find out everything there is to know about motorcycle wintering and insurance.

What is winter motorcycle insurance?

This is a special insurance contract, also known as "motorcycle seasonal insurance". As the name suggests, this is a contract that is subject to change depending on the season and the use of your bike during the specified season.

Winter motorcycle insurance: mandatory guarantees

The principle of winter motorcycle insurance is simple: make sure you don't pay the same premium every month if you decide not to use your motorcycle in winter. So this contract is flexiblebecause the day you decide to put your car in the garage, the conditions governing it will also change.

How? "Or" What? Since your two-wheeler will not roll for a certain period of time, there is no need to cover certain risks associated mainly with moving it. Thus, your insurer allows you to temporarily withdraw them, which will result in a reduction in your insurance premium.

Winter motorcycle insurance: what does it include?

Can you use your motorcycle in winter?  Generally, if you take out seasonal motorcycle insurance, this means that you are not going to use your car in the winter. But if you have to drive it anyway, you should know this: the warranties that cover it are limited. In other words, in the event of an accident, you will only benefit from third party insurance. Therefore, any damage caused to the motorcycle and the driver is not compensable. All costs incurred will be entirely at your expense.

In these circumstances, it is best not to risk driving a motorcycle covered by winter insurance for an appropriate period.

Motorcycle wintering and insurance: what are the guarantees?

As stated earlier, some warranties would be overkill if you decide to store your motorcycle in your garage during the winter. Others will always be required.

Winter motorcycle insurance: mandatory guarantees

You are probably wondering why not completely terminate the insurance contract if the motorcycle does not work at all? Everything is very simple. According to article L211-1 of the Insurance Code, it is illegal to own a device that is not insured, whether you use it or not.

In addition, no insurance company will accept your cancellation request without first presenting proof that you will pick up another one. Therefore, you should still insure it, but with a minimum legal guarantee.

If you have taken out interim motorcycle insurance, the minimum is civil liability. If you have all-risk motorcycle insurance, you can move to an intermediate formula. In addition to third party insurance, you can also keep theft and fire insurance.

Wintering and motorcycle insurance: extra guarantees

As a rule, all guarantees related to unfulfilled risks are optional. If some of these were on your auto insurance policy in the summer, you can remove them in the winter. These include a personal driver's warranty, equipment warranty, accident warranty and steering wheel rental.

As far as the theft and fire guarantees are concerned, you can also cancel them. In fact, as stated earlier, you can leave the bare essentials. However, this is not always advisable, since the risk of theft or fire is not completely excluded in the protection.

How much does winter motorcycle insurance cost?

First, since you must keep at least one collateral, the insurance premium will not be canceled. But we can say for sure that when certain guarantees are withdrawn, the amount of your deposit will significantly decrease.

However, don't expect a 50% discount. This is rarely possible. But depending on your contract and the insurer you signed with, you may benefit from discount up to 30% of the premium.

To get a clear idea of ​​the cost of your seasonal motorcycle insurance premium, do not hesitate to ask questions before signing your contract. Feel free to ask for a quote. This will save you from unpleasant surprises.

Motorcycle wintering and insurance: for how long?

The length of the off-peak period during which warranties will be suspended is entirely up to you. Some bikers choose to store their bikes in early fall. They may then demand that the surplus guarantees be suspended at a time before the end of winter. This means that they will be able to benefit from the reduced premium. within six months.

Other bikers choose to ride again in the fall. If they don't hibernate their motorcycle before winter starts, they can benefit from modulation. for three months.