What to do if you’re involved in a motorbike accident

If an accident occurs you must stop no matter how minor it may be – failing to do so is considered a Road Traffic Act offence. So, switch off your engine and check the scene to see if there are any injuries. If anyone has been hurt you should call both an ambulance and the police as soon as possible – police should also be informed if the accident is blocking the road.

The next step is to exchange details with anyone else involved in the accident. Even if no-one else is around it is still important to leave your details – so for example, if you hit a parked car, leave your details on the windscreen. Accidents should also be reported to the police within 24hrs.

What information should you exchange?

At the scene, be sure to take down the following information:

-         The names and addresses of anyone else involved in the accident.

-         Their contact numbers.

-         The names and contact details of any witnesses and police officers on the scene.

-         Insurance details of any other drivers/riders.

-         Find out if they are the registered keeper of the vehicle and if not get the details of the registered keeper.

-         Note down the time and date of the accident.

-         The registration numbers of all vehicles involved.

-         Make a note of any damages sustained to the vehicles involved as well as injuries to motorists, riders, passengers or pedestrians.

-         Make a sketch of the scene that shows the positions of the vehicles involved.

-         Make a note of the weather conditions and anything else of significance such as the condition of the road and the lighting.

-         Note down anything you believe is important about the other vehicles involved such as whether they were using indicator lights, their speed, and so on.

To back up a potential claim, take photographs at the scene. Most mobile phones now include cameras that should be suitable to take clear pictures.

How to make a motorbike insurance claim

Inform your motorbike insurance provider as soon as possible following an accident – most companies stipulate a set timeframe during which they must be informed or a claim could be invalidated. Indeed motorbike insurance providers should be contacted regardless of whether or not you want to make a claim.

The claims process is usually straightforward as long as you follow the procedures outlined by your insurance company. Typically this will involve filling out a claims form, before your insurance provider arranges repairs with one of its approved repairers. Don’t be tempted to arrange repairs without the consent of your provider as this could jeopardise your claim.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, be completely honest with the insurance company and provide as much evidence as possible – that’s why noting down accurate details at the scene is so important. Make copies of all documents involved in the claim, including receipts. 

Depending on the level of insurance you have in place, and whether or not a third party was fully or partially responsible, you may be able to claim for: damage to your property; repairs to your vehicle; transport costs; loss of earnings; and personal injury. In the cases of accidents involving injuries it is sensible to involve a solicitor who can contact the third party on your behalf.

Remember too that it will usually be necessary to pay an excess – the excess is your contribution towards a claim, which is agreed when you take the policy out. If you were not at fault for the accident you can usually claim back the excess from the other party’s insurance company.

What if your motorbike insurance claim is not accepted?

Should you encounter any problems with your motorbike insurance claim, ask the provider to pinpoint the stipulation in the contract under which the claim has been rejected. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to be reimbursed even when a claim is rejected - but it will usually be necessary to take legal advice.

If you’re unhappy with the way a motorbike insurance company handles your claim remember to shop around during the next renewal period and see if you can find more appropriate cover elsewhere. There are comparison websites which can compare quotes from as many as 25 motorbike insurance providers.