Bike Insurance You Wear

Although generally speaking bike insurance is a policy offered by an underwriter to cover damages incurred in the event of a collision or spill, there are some steps that a rider should take to minimise the physical harm they themselves receive in a crash. Protective clothing is a must. By law, a rider must wear a crash helmet but they should also invest in proper gloves, boots and low friction clothing; preferably leather. Approved leather suits come in two types - a one piece suit, used by motorcycle racers and commonly by riders of sports bikes, or a two piece suit, more often worn by riders of touring bikes. Because one piece suits are often designed for the racetrack, they often are made from leather that allows the heat to dissipate easier and are often less waterproof that a two piece suit.

 

Motorcycle boots come with additional protection where they are likely to be in contact with the road surface and often have sturdy shin protection added. Riders who travel long distances should make sure that they invest in a pair of boots that are a good fit that they won't come off in a crash and are properly waterproof. Having cold and wet feet is not only uncomfortable, it can also a cause a rider to become distracted. The same is true of gloves, they normally have a strap that prevents them sliding off the hands and will have thicker layers of material on the palms and with plastic, Kevlar or similar protective material across the knuckle area of the glove.

 

Riders should also consider buying body armour. These can come in the form of waistcoats that fit below the leathers or in separate parts. Spine protectors, kidney belts, elbow, knee and hip inserts. These can greatly reduce the damage the body sustains during a crash. Anybody attending a track day will have to wear protective equipment that is certified to a high standard. For example a crash helmet that is rated Gold Standard by the ACU (Auto-Cycle Union)

 

A rider should always buy the very best protective clothing and safety equipment that they can afford. Not only will the higher quality make a big difference during a crash, they are likely to be much more durable, and so last much longer than a cheaper option. For comfort on the road, riders could also splash out on thermal underwear and electrically heated gloves. This can prevent a dangerous drop in core body temperature caused by wind chill. A motorcyclist should always bear in mind that wearing protective clothing and equipment is a step designed to minimise the amount of damage caused in a crash and is not guaranteed to prevent serious injury if you ride dangerously, and no amount of bike insurance can undo the effects of a major accident.