British bikers could save on motorcycle insurance
By the Staff of Clutch and Chrome
August 14th 2008
British bikers
have seen a series of increased costs and
licensing challenges with
motorcycle ownership over the last year. But an announcement
from a governmental agency has given English riders the
chance to reduce their motorcycle insurance premiums.
The
Driving Standards Agency (DSA),
an executive agency of Britain's Department for Transport
and the
Motorcycle Industry Association
have teamed up with leading motorcycle insurance companies
to offer significant insurance discounts to all qualified
bikers who successfully take part in the new 'Enhanced Rider
Scheme' (ERS).
 The
ERS scheme is a new training package designed to meet with
the Government Motorcycling Strategy, which aims to see
significant reductions in the number of fatal and serious
injury road accidents on our roads each year involving
motorcyclists.
The scheme aims to encourage and help qualified riders
become safer on the roads and so reduce accidents.
American
insurance companies offer similar savings when riders
successfully complete a recognized motorcycle safety course.
A national network of DSA Registered Post test Motorcycle
Trainers (RPMT) has been developed to deliver rider skills
assessments and training to those people who want to take
part in the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Riders assessed as having
no significant weaknesses receive a 'DSA Certificate of
Competence - Enhanced Rider Bonus', which entitles them to
insurance discounts. Riders who have significant weaknesses
receive structured training and will receive the certificate
upon successful improvement.
Many of the leading motorcycle insurers have signed up to
the program and will offer discounts to riders who can show
they can ride to the ERS standard. The insurance brokers and
direct insurers currently sponsoring the scheme are: AA
Insurance, Bennett's, Bikesure, Carole Nash, Chandler
Direct, CIA, Devitt, Direct Choice, E Bike, Hastings Direct,
MCE, Lexham, Motorcycle Direct, Norwich Union Direct,
Express, Rampdale, Premium choice, Swinton. The scheme is
supported by the following insurers: AXA, Chaucer, Equity
Red Star, Groupama, Highway, KGM, Link, Zenith, NIG, Norwich
Union and Royal & Sun Alliance.
Bikers wishing to take part in the program can find a local
course on the DSA's
website. |
