Biking Great Ocean Road in Oz - How do I get insurance cover?
 

Hi -

Can someone please advise me.
I have been invited to motorbike Australia's "Great Ocean Road" between Adelaide and Melobourne and then on to Tasmania with one of my cousins. He has a Suzuki Katana ready for me to ride but I am confused as to how to get insurance cover.

Please advise.

Thanks

HMS

There are two distinct insurance schemes for motor vehicles in Oz.

When a vehicle is registered it will automatically have the compulsory third party injury insurance which will cover you (under most circumstances), passengers and anyone you may injure for medical treatment and long term treatment. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for making sure its registered and has third party insurance. If you are at fault in an accident due to an illegal activity you may not be eligible for compensation - eg drugs, alcohol, theft of vehicle.

Second scheme is for insuring the vehicle for any damage it may do to other peoples property (third party property insurance) and/or damage to the vehicle as well (fully comprehensive insurance). This is not compulsory and has to be bought by the vehicle owner, listing age of drivers/riders. There are dozens of insurance companies that sell this insurance.

Sorry I can't help with the original question, but does the compulsory third party insurance (the one you need before you register the vehicle) cover damage to another persons vehicle, or just the person? Say you rear-end someone and only have CTP, does it cover the repair costs of their vehicle, or just their injuries, if any?

Thanks and regards,

Dave

- sorry found the answer to my question. Compulsory third party insurance only covers the other riders/drivers injuries. To cover their property (car, bike or property) you will need third party property insurance.

The compulsory 3rd party insurance covers only 3rd party personnal, not property. The owner of the bike has 3 options:

1. taking out no other insurance and running the risk
2. taking out 3rd party property insurance to cover other peoples property in the event of an accident
3. taking out comprehensive insurance to cover other peoples property and own bike for accident, theft, fire

All 3 usually cover any rider provided they are licenced whether named on the policy or not, though the excess may vary depending on the riders age and experience and whether they are named on the policy. It's not usually like the UK for example where only named riders are covered. One or two overseas based insurance companies are the exception though. Best to check the policy document to make sure.

Save your money for the speeding fines you will get down here in the in land of the fun police:rofl: