Insurances
 

I know this topic has been dealt with numerous times on HU (I've read them all!)but having the mental age of a two year old I need clarification on the following;

1. Green Card Insurance: My UK bike insurance covers me for 30 days consecutive travel outside the UK, as do all UK policies. We leave the UK in May for 2 years and will spend the first 6 months in Europe so, therefor, need 6 months continuous 'Gren Card cover. Is there an insurance company in the UK that will issue 'Green Card' Insurance for a period of at least six months?

2. Campbell Irvine insurance issue a worldwide 'Fire and Theft' policy for motorcycles. The policy is very expensive and they stipulate that should a claim for theft arise there must be proof that the bike was secured to an immovable object prior to the theft (difficult in the Sahara and other places we intend to visit!) Does anyone have this policy and is it worth having? Is it worth having fire and theft insurance at all or just decent security on the bike?

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 17 February 2003).]

Avoid being obsessive/compulsive about insurance. I've ridden on every continent on the globe, and bought insurance only when forced to do so at the border, and very few countries do that. So, forget about buying any insurance beyond the validity date of your current green card. Insurance bought outside of Africa, for example, is not worth the paper it is written on in any African country. In the end the decision is yours. Spend your money elsewhere, as for example, on a good health travel insurance.

Hi Bob

Stefan Knopf of Knopf Tours can arrange Green Card insurance for you for up to 6 months at US$35 per month. Follow the link to M/C Insurance on the left menu, then scroll down for contact details.

Agree with Werner about other vehicle insurance. We never had it during our RTW trip, just two locks (kryptonite lock plus cable lock) and an alarm system.

The worst case scenario if the bike is stolen is that you're out the cost of the bike. If you get sick or have an accident, the cost of hospitals and medical care could drain your life's savings, especially in North America.

So spend the money to buy good health insurance cover, especially evacuation insurance back to the UK. Click on Medical Insurance link (also on the left menu) for a list of insurers who offer travel insurance cover.

Good luck on your RTW trip, and keep in touch. If you send us stories and pics each month we'll put you in the e-zine. And remember, the offer of a web log is always open if you don't want the hassle of maintaining your own website on the road.

Cheers
Susan

Hi Susan & Werner, thanks for your thoughts and advise. I suppose I worry a little (OK..alot!) when I think of what the bike and all the stuff done to it has cost us (about £6500) and the fact that if it does get stolen we've lost it all and even worse, it would be the end of the trip. I also realise that to insure against every eventuality is ridiculous. The bike is alarmed and we're taking two good quality 'D' locks and a lock and chain so 'am fairly confident we should be alright. We certainly won't be skimping on travel insurance though and intend to get the best policy we can.

We'll definately send trip reports to HU, but I think a web-log (what is that?) would be a bit beyond our technical ability and my brain cell!

Thanks again..Bob

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 20 February 2003).]

Locks and alarm are good advice. In addition I like to carry a light bike cover. As soon as you park the bike in the evening, cover it. Out of sight, out of mind. Then, if inquisitive fingers fiddle with the cover, the alarm will go off. That'll scare them away. It worked for me.
But first thing: DO NOT BE PARANOID. There are nice people everywhere, who usually offset the few low-lives kicking about.

Hi Werner, Yep I've got a very lightweight cover which I'm planning to take. I think I saw you post this advice elsewhere and thought it was a good idea. I'm trying not to be paranoid, but when you are anyway, it's difficult! I guess that now the trip is getting close I just want to make sure we're as prepared as we can be. I'll be fine once we're on our way. Thanks again...Bob