ABM_1 - Flipbook - Page 78
OPINION
INSURANCE
Not just a
lifestyle vehicle
→ Daniel Nield is associate director of commercial - bike at Carole Nash
M
otorcycles have long been
associated with being
a lifestyle vehicle. But
today, more riders are
choosing two wheels not
just for leisure, but for
practical, everyday usage
- commuting to work,
running errands, and navigating busy
roads. This has considerable impact on
insurers, and riders too.
Everyday use
We know that there will always be
enthusiasts who opt for their bike over
any other mode of transportation, and
others who will keep their bike usage to
weekends and holidays.
However, congested streets, limited
parking and often unreliable public
transport can all encourage riders to
choose two wheels over four, especially
when commuting.
Manufacturers have noticed the shift
too, offering smaller, lighter models with
better fuel economy and built-in storage
to attract riders who previously used
cars or public transport as their primary
mode of transport.
This shift means there’s a new kind of
motorbike owner emerging – one who
sees bikes as the best way to save time
and is frequently riding shorter distances
in busier environments.
Impacting insurance
This shift among consumers from using
motorcycles for leisure to commuting
significantly impacts motorcycle
insurance, primarily by increasing
premiums due to higher assessed risk.
Insurers have different categories that
reflect the level of risk:
Social, Domestic, and Pleasure (SDP) is
the lowest-risk and typically cheapest
option, for bikes used only for leisure
activities and not for work.
SDP + Commuting is for those who use
their bike for regular trips to a single
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AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS Q4 2025
workplace, in addition to social and
pleasure riding.
Business Use applies to riders who use
their motorcycle for a wider range of
work-related travel, such as visiting
clients or making deliveries, and is
generally the most expensive category.
Commuting and business use almost
always involves higher annual mileage
than social, domestic, and pleasure
riding. More time spent on the road
increases the statistical likelihood of an
accident, leading to higher premiums.
What’s more, commuters typically ride
during rush hour, when roads are most
congested. Insurers view this as a higher
risk period for accidents and factor it
into their rates.
Increased usage of motorcycles
for commuting and business use can
also increase the chance of theft –
another factor that is considered when
generating an insurance premium.
Riders who shift from their usage
class should always review and
update their policy to ensure they are
properly covered.
Failing to inform an insurer that their
usage has changed can have serious
consequences for riders.
They risk an invalidated policy and
rejected claims, and if an insurer has to
pay a third-party claim due to failure
to report the change in usage, they can
seek to recover that money from you.
To accommodate the increased
number of riders who are moving
away from purely SDP
use, many insurance
providers will now include
extras such as roadside
assistance, theft protection
for high-traffic areas,
and guaranteed repairs which can all make a big
difference when your
bike is your daily mode
of transport. i
