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Insurance with an IDP in Europe. Insurance with an IDP in Europe.
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 2 Feb 2008
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Insurance with an IDP in Europe.
I've spent quite a bit of time reading the various posts out there on insurance and it seems there are a lot of variables involved. And sadly my case doesn't seem to fit with any of the advice given to other wood-be travellers. So I'm originally from the UK, but have a US passport. I have a US motorbike license, but not a UK motorbike license. I have a Bike in the UK, which my twin owns. It's a 1000cc Varadero which he has taxed and insured for him to drive. I want to borrow his bike for 4 months this summer to tour Europe. He's contacted his insurance agent and they're not prepared to insure someone on an IDP (international drivers permit) and specifically if they are not a UK resident. Most insurance in the states caters for a US bike being taken to the UK. The UK seems not to want to insure non-residents or people without UK Motorbike licenses.

Does anyone have any advice?
Last edited by cpeely; 2 Feb 2008 at 18:40.
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Old 2 Feb 2008
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insurance no license
ok mate call there are plenty of options, as you are usa passport holder with usa bike you can get insurance with AIG and geiko both are doing it now its a bit pricey but worth it. its $600 for me for 8 weeks,but it will depend on your age bike etc...the reason they can do it is because they issue it on your passport id.And just get intl driver license if you want but its not needed in uk you are insured on your usa driving license.and its good 1yr.I have just been through this last week as im going to uk in summer and im a ex pat.. good luck.
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Last edited by brittman; 2 Feb 2008 at 02:12. Reason: change link
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  #3  
Old 2 Feb 2008
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Depends on what you want. The bike is insured for damages to third parties anywhere in the EU. That's an EU regulation and I don't think they can wriggle out of paying, should you cause an accident. If you want the bike insured then you'll have to shop around for another insurance, as there they are free to do as they please. Legally, you are ony required to have 3rd party insurance.
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Old 2 Feb 2008
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insurance
my quote from Aig is for full coverage third party fire and theft in 54 countries, russia is not on the list. i added cover for my saddlebags and equipment for another $40.This is for my 2006 harley.I could have gone with 3rd party for around $219 but my worry is more about the theft of my bike.Good luck

Like i said this is not here say or from years ago this was last week.

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Old 2 Feb 2008
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UK bike...
Brittman, thanks for your advice. However. The bike is not a US bike, it's a UK registered bike, with UK plates and it's in the UK. I'm a US Citizen without a UK Bike License and that seems to be the rub. Will AIG insure a bike that is in the UK?
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Old 2 Feb 2008
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cpeely

I find it strange your Twin's (brother I assume) Broker could, or would, not add you to the policy as a second rider for a limited period.

I added my girl friend to my UK car policy without any difficulty. She is Russian and has a full Russian Licence only. There was a small initial charge which is now rolled into the annual premium. The Declaration paperwork, prepared by my Broker, lists the Type of Licence as "International".
Although we are based in the UK, we spend a large proportion of the year out of both the UK and EU (not in this car) so we have not considered her getting a UK Licence.

Your Brother should ask around other Brokers.
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Old 2 Feb 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
cpeely

I find it strange your Twin's (brother I assume) Broker could, or would, not add you to the policy as a second rider for a limited period.

I added my girl friend to my UK car policy without any difficulty. She is Russian and has a full Russian Licence only. There was a small initial charge which is now rolled into the annual premium. The Declaration paperwork, prepared by my Broker, lists the Type of Licence as "International".
Although we are based in the UK, we spend a large proportion of the year out of both the UK and EU (not in this car) so we have not considered her getting a UK Licence.

Your Brother should ask around other Brokers.
Totally agree - Tony saved me typing there!

Get your twin to shop around for another insurance that will add you as a "named rider" (so it is just you who is added to the policy = cheaper) or, more expensive, get any rider added to the policy (probably over age 25, or something like that, because this is a much bigger risk on the insurance).

Basically the brokers are plain lazy and just want to do business which is run-of-the-mill and pull in the commission. A smaller one may do a better job.
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