Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

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


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By avola.n.c

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Aug 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 2
Irish Insurance Nightmare

Hi, all. Longtime lurker, first post.

Any insurance recommendations for a US Citizen purchasing an Irish moto for a few months of cycling (in Ireland)?

I'm new to all this and may have backed myself into a corner, out of excitement and lack of preparation.

An Irish associate of mine was selling his Honda CB 500 in Galway. I expressed interest and began calling the big 4 providers around here: Carole Nash, Axa, Liberty, & Principal.

The first three could not offer a quote without me holding an Irish license. Principal, however, said there was no issue and offered a quote of 500 euros. With that assurance, I went ahead and purchased the bike.

24 hours after purchase, I called back Principal to proceed with the policy. Turns out, they can't insure me after all. Apparently, I spoke to a trainee that day on the phone and he made assurances the underwriters cannot keep. So now I'm back to square one, only now holding a bike I cannot ride legally.

Are there any solutions I haven't considered? It's my understanding that green card insurance from Knopf or TourInsure would not apply, since the bike was bought & registered in Ireland? Or am I mistaken?

For the record, I'm fully aware that I am partly - probably fully - to blame for this pickle I'm in. I should have planned this out better ahead of time. Rookie mistake, unfortunately.

Here's hoping I can salvage the situation and tour this beautiful country. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks, team.

Best,
Nick

*I hold a US motorcycle license. 29 y/o, no claims ever - realize that I didn't specify it earlier*

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
Have you contacted https://motofeirme.com/.?

Sent from my LLD-L31 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Esperance, Western Australia
Posts: 92
Is getting an Irish licence on arrival out of the question? Might take a little time out of your vacation, but maybe worth a try. Many countries offer a sort of licence equivalency arrangement so you don't have to go through all the driving test crap.


Sent from my Nokia 6.1 using Tapatalk
__________________
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Sep 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
Quote:
Originally Posted by avola.n.c View Post
Hi, all. Longtime lurker, first post.

Any insurance recommendations for a US Citizen purchasing an Irish moto for a few months of cycling (in Ireland)?

I'm new to all this and may have backed myself into a corner, out of excitement and lack of preparation.

An Irish associate of mine was selling his Honda CB 500 in Galway. I expressed interest and began calling the big 4 providers around here: Carole Nash, Axa, Liberty, & Principal.

The first three could not offer a quote without me holding an Irish license. Principal, however, said there was no issue and offered a quote of 500 euros. With that assurance, I went ahead and purchased the bike.

24 hours after purchase, I called back Principal to proceed with the policy. Turns out, they can't insure me after all. Apparently, I spoke to a trainee that day on the phone and he made assurances the underwriters cannot keep. So now I'm back to square one, only now holding a bike I cannot ride legally.

Are there any solutions I haven't considered? It's my understanding that green card insurance from Knopf or TourInsure would not apply, since the bike was bought & registered in Ireland? Or am I mistaken?

For the record, I'm fully aware that I am partly - probably fully - to blame for this pickle I'm in. I should have planned this out better ahead of time. Rookie mistake, unfortunately.

Here's hoping I can salvage the situation and tour this beautiful country. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks, team.

Best,
Nick

*I hold a US motorcycle license. 29 y/o, no claims ever - realize that I didn't specify it earlier*


We're the only current provider of insurance coverage for non EU citizens owning EU registered motorcycles/vehicles, supported for any EU country that is.

You can search our thread here for Lobagola, or check our website or PM me or emal us at: borderinsurance@lobagola.com

Looking forward to your reply.

BR
Dooby
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2019
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrinceHarley View Post
Is getting an Irish licence on arrival out of the question? Might take a little time out of your vacation, but maybe worth a try. Many countries offer a sort of licence equivalency arrangement so you don't have to go through all the driving test crap.


Sent from my Nokia 6.1 using Tapatalk



Not an option i'm afraid.
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Sep 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 2
Thanks much @Fern, have indeed reached out to Motofeirme. Investigating possible solutions at the moment...

@PrinceHarley, from my conversations w/ national licensing dept, motorcycles in particular require starting the license process over from scratch... Certainly an option, but not ideal.

Appreciate all the input so far, everyone!

- Nick
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Sep 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
Also try buying a bike in UK and insuring with Adrian flux, email Lee.dyer@adrianflux.co.uk

If you need a UK address please drop me a pm.



Sent from my LLD-L31 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
insurance, ireland


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

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
Balkans Insurance - Here's the story, with details & sample documents PanEuropean Trip Paperwork 30 8 Jul 2023 06:19
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 6 Mar 2023 23:33
Border crossings and bribes West Africa Oneroadoneworld.com Trip Paperwork 0 17 Nov 2017 18:08
Vehicle insurance and road tax in Canada, US, Central & South America- help! Blinkeyblonck Trip Paperwork 5 21 Apr 2015 09:54
Insurance needed -Irish bike owned by US citizen MM17 Trip Paperwork 2 30 Apr 2012 03:18

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 00:46.