Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 59
Insurance options for N.America, Canada, Alaska

Hello there,

I've been looking at the multiple insurance options for taking my bike across N.America & want some suggestions for policies that give decent coverage for America including Alaska & Canada.

Any suggestions from those in the know appreciated.

Thank you,

Smudger
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Auto Insurance: Car Insurance & Motorcycle Insurance - Progressive
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Ditto - Progressive.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jul 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Home

__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Jul 2010
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
Progressive

Not used them but heard lots of good things.

I did get a quote from them once and they were very competitive!

xXx
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 167
Yup, I got a year's basic insurance from Progressive for $190, can't complain...
__________________
We're here for a good time, not a long time...
Mini-on-Tour
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Jul 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 59
Thank you Gents - much appreciated. I went with Progressive, policy docs & ID card for Canada to follow.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
ID card for Canada? What's that?
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jul 2010
Tiffany's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
Smile Canada ID card

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
ID card for Canada? What's that?
The ID card is issued by US (and Canadian?) insurance companies and basically is your proof that you have got insurance to ride on Canada's roads. It's a bit different from your insurance card for the US.
If you are planning on riding America AND Canada, you will need both, just make sure you tell the insurance company when you apply and they send the ID card at no extra cost.
__________________
Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Wow, thanks for that Tiffany. I'm flying to Alaska on Saturday and will be riding through Canada and had no idea. I've got insurance arranged through Progressive - perhaps they will have all this in hand. But now at least i know what to ask them.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Jul 2010
ajaxer's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 33
I tried getting insurance through Progressive after reading comments here but the person I spoke to on the phone was rather unhelpful. I mentioned that I was a non-US resident without a US drivers license and needed 3 month insurance cover. The reaction was somewhat as if I had said that I was from Mars.

No go from Progressive, nor from Foremost (referred from Farmers).
Fernet and Motorcycle Express so far are the only two I have found which specifically mention cover for non-US applicants.

Both are atrociously expensive though, around $680 for 2 months cover.
__________________
Ajaxer(Back in the fold)
BMW R1200RT
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Jul 2010
Tiffany's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
Smile US insurance

Hi Ajaxer
Those sound like high quotes to me, I'm not sure if it depends on the value of your bike, I think I was quoted about $90 for four months cover in N America by Fernet. Going through their website in the overseas visitor section.
Good luck
__________________
Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Jul 2010
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
Ok I know this has been posted but when you ask for insurance for the USA they need a US address to bill it to. Insurance is not ran by the USA government but by the states every state is different and so is the rate, in some states rates change from one place to another. You must have a USA address any address will do a even a bike shop is more than you need.

I Do not think telling some one you are not from the USA and have no US drivers license is a good idea. Do not tell them more than they want to know. Like "I ride a rock ship and am thinking of riding all the way around the USA doing 250 mph drinking booz smoking crack and shooting up on my head! No I am not some inbred redneck like you cowboys in the USA and I have no use for your fool license I have no care of your laws give me insurance now!" think more "yes I am looking for insurance here is my USA address but can get a copy sent to this address as well."

You do not need a license to get insurance in the USA. From any of the 50 states.

Give them a call and only tell them what they need to hear. You just need to know the rules to play there game.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
I'm sure if you try Progressive again you may get a different person (and a different answer). I used their website to get a quote then I found some insurance companies in Alaska who deal with Progressive. I've got a years insurance sorted with one of them (about $300 but I can cancel it when I leave the US as I'm not staying a whole year) - although I don't arrive in Alaska until this weekend so when i actually go in on Monday to get the insurnace I may be in for a shock! Will try to rememebr to keep you posted
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Jul 2010
ajaxer's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 33
The problem with Progressive was that they specifically asked what state my drivers license came from and there was no option to specify Devon, UK . As we all know, if an insurance company can find a loophole when a claim is made, then they will. Giving a US address is easy as you say.
I ride a BMW RT but have 20 years riding experience on both sides of the road, and have driven in the US before so it is not my skill or experience that would be an issue.

Ah well, I have bought 30 days insurance from Fernet, all above board, for $300 so I am ok about it. Will be spending time in Mexico which none of the US companies cover anyway so it works for me.
__________________
Ajaxer(Back in the fold)
BMW R1200RT
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
USA - best insurance options.... Carreg Cennen Trip Paperwork 19 18 Apr 2010 16:59
Own bikes from UK to N.America, Canada, Alaska timktm Route Planning 3 18 Apr 2009 03:05
shipping to Alaska/Canada Kaamos Trip Transport 7 14 Dec 2006 04:07
Buying an XT in Canada or Alaska? Where to look! Iain Yamaha Tech 6 13 Nov 2005 04:40
Insurance for Canada / Alaska lkyphl Trip Paperwork 1 7 May 2003 05:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:23.