Why is Sport Bike Insurance So Expensive?

by SMCIB on Sunday, 11 June 2023

Why is Sport Bike Insurance So Expensive?

Sport bikes are the eye-catchers of the motorcycle world - sleek, powerful, and built for speed. But, owning a sports bike comes with a hefty price tag. And this is not just in terms of the vehicle’s cost but also insurance. Insurance premiums for sports bikes are notoriously high, leaving many riders wondering why they are paying so much.

Well, it is not just about the bike's horsepower or top speed - a range of factors influence how premiums are calculated for sports bikes.

Let's take a closer look at why sport bike insurance is so expensive.

 

What Is A Sports Bike?

Sports bikes, aka superbikes, are designed to provide riders with unparalleled speed, acceleration, and handling. Their advanced suspension systems, lightweight aerodynamic design, and powerful engines make them highly sought-after among motorcyclists who crave an adrenaline rush.

 

Why Are Sports Bike Premiums Expensive?

Owning a sports bike comes with a higher degree of risk than owning a regular motorcycle since they are often used for races and sports rides, where speed and agility are important.

Sport bikes range from entry-level models to powerful beasts capable of blistering speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. They are more likely to be involved in accidents. And, due to their advanced technology, sports bikes are more expensive to repair and maintain than other types of motorcycles.

This is why insurers consider sports bikes “high-risk” - due to the great probability of accidents and theft. Not to mention the steep cost of repairs. This high risk translates into high premiums for you.

There are several key factors that result in high insurance premiums for sports bikes. Let’s take a look -

1️⃣ The Insured Declared Value (IDV) of the Bike
The IDV of a sports bike plays a significant role in determining the insurance premium. It is the maximum sum of money that an insurance company will pay you in the event of a total loss or theft of your bike. As mentioned before, sports bikes are inherently costly due to their advanced features and high-performance capabilities. To ensure adequate coverage for your valuable sports bike, you will obviously want a higher IDV. And, a higher IDV leads to higher insurance premiums.

2️⃣ Expensive Spare Parts
Another reason for high insurance premiums is the spare parts that make up a sports bike. These spare parts, required for repairs or replacements, can be quite costly and challenging to source sometimes. Whether it is performance-enhancing accessories or intricate mechanical parts, the expenses associated with obtaining and fitting these items can quickly add up.

Consequently, when a claim is made for repairs involving such high-priced parts, the insurance company is bound to cover the expenses. To balance this increased financial liability, insurers charge higher premiums.

3️⃣ Risk of Theft
The risk of theft is a significant concern for sports bike owners. The appeal of these high-performance machines and any additional accessories makes them attractive targets for thieves. The higher the risk of theft, the higher the insurance premium. This ensures that the insurance company can cover the potential losses in the event of theft and provide the appropriate compensation.

4️⃣ Risk of Accidents
Sports bikes are bought and enjoyed for their speed and agility, and hence, are more prone to accidents. Insurance companies are well aware of the inherent risks associated with sports bikes and view them as high-risk vehicles. Hence, they charge higher premiums.

5️⃣ Customisations and Modifications
You can enhance the performance or aesthetics of your bikes by adding aftermarket parts and accessories. However, these customizations and modifications on sports bikes can significantly impact insurance premiums. Why? While these modifications can provide a personalized touch, they can also increase the cost of repairs or replacements in the event of damage or loss. Which means higher premiums!

 

To conclude,

With its sleek design, powerful acceleration, and enhanced maneuverability, a sport bike is the ultimate thrill-seeking machine. To protect your beloved beast from any unfortunate circumstances, it becomes super important to invest in bike insurance - no matter how expensive it gets.

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