Insurance in New Zealand and Australia

[jophiel]

Hello

I'm a 24 year old male from Denmark, and I'm currently planning a six month trip with three months each in New Zealand and Australia.
Danish insurance companies adviced me to use local insurance in NZ and OZ since they won't insure a bike for that long.

I'll buy a bike in NZ, ride it for three months, then sell it. Then I'll do the same for america.

Anyone out there who know some good mc-insurance in NZ and OZ?
In particular, I'm concerned whether they'll insure a big bike (like, 650cc), or if they'll only let me ride a 250 because I'm 24.

thanks

[Keith1954]

Jophiel - For NZ, amongst other insurers, consider contacting and asking this company to quote: Classic Cover. They have been good to me (as a Brit - i.e. a non-Kiwi) in the past.

Good luck

KEITH

[jophiel]

Thanks, I've mailed them. Anxious to hear what they have to say.

[jophiel]

They only insure people over 30 :P

Any other takers?

[Chris Cowper]

Insurance is not compulsory in Australia. I don't bother. Just ride carefully.

Chris.

[Nigel Marx]

It's not compulsory in NZ either. If you want insurance, open a bank account here with Westpac Bank, I pretty sure they will insure you. I'll find out for you soon. I have friends in the insurance business, who ride too, and will ask them as well.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

[DukeXTZ]

Originally Posted by Chris Cowper

Insurance is not compulsory in Australia. I don't bother. Just ride carefully.

Chris.

Compulsory Third Party insurance is compulsory!

my infos for rego/insurance in oz:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...229#post216489

[butchdiamond]

I use State insurance in NZ for my bike and they should insure you as long as you have an NZ bank account which isn't that hard to open. As Nigel says, Westpac may be a good start, and I know British & American mates who have opened accounts with BNZ (Bank Of New Zealand) easily enough too. Although you do not need any kind of insurance in NZ, I would reccomend it, it's not very expensive for peace of mind.

[jophiel]

Thanks all! I'm considering not insuring it if:
a) the bike is cheap enough, and
b) they won't let me ride anything larger that a 250cc because of my age (24)

I have travel insurance, but I should want something to cover others in the case of an accident. I'll check what I have from home, as it may already be covered.

[Cold Kiwi]

I've been in the uk for a year, but i come from new zealand and can share some experience.

I started off riding a zzr250, which got stolen, then i got a zxr250, I had no problem getting insurance for either bikes even though i was 20 at the time and had a previous conviction on my cage licence.

at 24, as long as you have an international licence you should have no problem getting insurance to ride anything. because its not compulsory, you will find that insurers want to insure you, otherwise you just wont get insured, and they will get no money.

Tom

[jophiel]

Sounds good.

Does it apply to larger bikes as well? I'm considering a DR650 or similar.

[Nigel Marx]

The licensing laws for riding in NZ are based on your own country. Whatever you are licensed to ride in your home country, you can ride in NZ. The requirement is that somewhere on your license document there must be written the classes you are qualified for, in English. Otherwise you will need to get an International License. You won't need to show your license to buy or register a bike, but only when asked by the police.
The roads are pretty narrow and winding, plus most places are heavily policed, so if you see a small bike than a 650, it may still be quite suitable.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

[jophiel]

great, that answered my question. Thanks!

[DNL1200GSA]

In some states of Australia - it depends on the bikes power to weight ratio.

Age doesn't matter. If you are on a full license then you can ride any size you want.
Regarding insurance - third party is compulsory and comes with your rego. Comprehensive for your own bike is not compulsory.