Insurance for the "older" rider?

**Wossname** · 10-05-19, 21:33

4 of us are off tomorrow on our annual trip to the NW200. John is taking his GSXR1000 as usual, and leaving his Ducati 959 at home. He bought it - the latest in a string of Ducatis - because he couldn't get insurance on the V4 Panigale he really wanted. He's a very experienced, sensible, rider who has had litre sports bikes (R1, Mille R, Busa etc) for years; he hasn't had an insurance claim for more than 20 years, and has been riding all his life - a proper petrolhead. His car is an AMG 6.3 -

Here's the problem. He has been told that his insurers won't cover him on bikes when his renewal is due in June. He's 81. He's done a lot of work on this, and drawn a blank so far, and is really cut up about having to stop riding. Any suggestions? Preferably from people who have knowledge of specialists who might be worth a try.

**Noggin** · 11-05-19, 09:22

Possibly a daft suggestion (and I have no experience) but has he asked Saga? I mean, they specialise is stuff for older people and on that basis I'd guess they'd have a line to anyone who will insure an older rider?

**formula400** · 11-05-19, 09:50

Could’t some one else own it and he has insurance to allows him to ride other bikes

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**Bike Breaker** · 11-05-19, 12:17

Originally Posted by Noggin

Possibly a daft suggestion (and I have no experience) but has he asked Saga? I mean, they specialise is stuff for older people and on that basis I'd guess they'd have a line to anyone who will insure an older rider?

Not daft at all as SAGA have arrangement for insurance for older people. MCN reported ten years ago that SAGA was introducing policies for motorcycles/riders, but I don't think it happened. The other downside is that SAGA count older people as anyone over 50. This is true if you're under fifty but if you're, say, 55, a 51 year old is a younger person. Even they may have a cut-off age.

I know several people who are still riding in their 80s ( one has just stopped riding in his 90s through on-set of ill-health ) but most ride old bikes that aren't exactly speed machines although they could still produce an expensive claim if the rider made a mistake, yet they are insured, although normally on classic policies. I know there is a reluctance to shop around at renewal time and stay with the company that has been amenable to their aging. Of course, I'm still a young sprog to these riders.

Wossname, you could suggest he talks to Peter James Insurance who does provide policies for old people. Some of the oldies had modern sporty bikes, too. I myself have a genuine SuperSport bike. I know because its written on the tank.

Alternatively, The Bike Insurer says "All Bikes and Riders" Their page for a quotation has a drop down menu for date of birth which goes back to 1920.

My post may be too late since I've just noticed that you're leaving today.

**Screwdriver** · 11-05-19, 13:42

Eighty year old bloke with a resumé like that; a list of bikes that would stop an eighteen year old making twenty?

I'd be happy to insure him myself!

Having said that, plenty of eighteen year olds wizzing about in stupidly fast hot hatches so...

**fingerpuk** · 11-05-19, 14:07

Track days.

**Cousin Jack** · 11-05-19, 14:29

Originally Posted by Noggin

Possibly a daft suggestion (and I have no experience) but has he asked Saga? I mean, they specialise is stuff for older people and on that basis I'd guess they'd have a line to anyone who will insure an older rider?

Last time I asked them they didn't cover bikes. That was several years ago.

**Wossname** · 12-05-19, 22:21

Apparently Saga don't do bikes. Is Peter James separate from Footman James? I think it's possible that they might cover him on smaller capacity bikes, in which case a Gixxer 750 might be a possibility. He's done lots of track days, but is mainly a road rider. So...I'll pass on your suggestions eg The Bike Insurer - tvm, and keep them coming!

**Bike Breaker** · 13-05-19, 04:42

Originally Posted by Wossname

Apparently Saga don't do bikes. Is Peter James separate from Footman James? I think it's possible that they might cover him on smaller capacity bikes, in which case a Gixxer 750 might be a possibility. He's done lots of track days, but is mainly a road rider. So...I'll pass on your suggestions eg The Bike Insurer - tvm, and keep them coming!

Peter James was the 'James' of Footman James but formed a separate business years ago. They are very easy to talk to on the phone so a proper discussion of one's needs can take place.

**chrisjk** · 13-05-19, 13:27

I suggest he tries BeMoto. I am pretty ancient and they arranged insurance for my Multistrada 1260s with no problem.

**Wossname** · 13-05-19, 17:31

Peter James and Bemoto won't cover over 75 y o so no good. BUT: via The Bike Insurer (broker) have given quotes from Bikesure of £171 and BMF £195. Result! We also had a look at a quote for a Panigale V4...2 quotes of around £550 so feasible! Now he's got something to think about.

Many thanks for your suggestions - John's now a much happier bunny!