Nearest broker: Searching for a broker nearby…
Nearest broker: , Edmonton, AB Phone: 780.755.0110 5020 Lac St Anne Trail N, Onoway, AB, T0E 1V0 Phone: 780.967.2282 , Edmonton, AB Phone: 825.467.5631 206 Pembina Rd, Sherwood Park, AB, T8H 0L8 Phone: 780-732-8616 10060 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3R8 Phone: 780-435-3632 , Calgary, AB Phone: 403-532-4882 322 Avenue C S, Saskatoon, SK, S7M 1N4 Phone: 639-398-4170 5317 50 Ave, Taber, AB, T1G 1V3 Phone: 403-223-2377 110a McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove, AB, T7X 2H8 Phone: 780-571-1144 496 Marquis Rd, Prince Albert, SK, S6V 8B3 Phone: 306-970-8080 335 Hwy Avenue N, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0 Phone: 403-732-6023 2201 Box Springs Blvd NW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1C 0C8 Phone: 403-487-5132 550 Wt Hill Blvd S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4Z8 Phone: 403-394-1123 734 13 St N, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2T1 Phone: 403-328-9114 5 St SE, High River, AB Phone: 403-652-4104 9904 103 St, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, T8L 2C9 Phone: 780-998-0881 201-4271 23 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6L 5Z8 Phone: 780-466-2136 3908 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6N2 Phone: 780-465-6900 8170 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6B 1E6 Phone: 780-469-9378 52 Ave, Drayton Valley, AB Phone: 780-621-1707 1331 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0K3 Phone: 403-278-1050 1331 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1E1 Phone: 403-255-2252 234-7 Westwinds Crescent NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5H2 Phone: 403-775-2100 , Calgary, AB, T3K 0S8 Phone: 403-719-9995 5114 2 St, Boyle, AB, T0A 0M0 Phone: 780-689-3946 50 Ave, Bonnyville, AB Phone: 780-826-3147 12931 20 Ave, , AB, T0K 0E0 Phone: 403-562-2191 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE, Airdrie, AB, T4A 0C4 Phone: 403-945-8885

8 Tips for Motorcycle Safety (and Insurance)

Auto Insurance

By Viola Wallace | July 24, 2018

‘Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.’ Anyone who’s ever ridden a motorcycle can relate to this statement. But with this awesome experience comes great risk as motorcycle accident stats show. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles tend to be far more serious than car accidents for the simple reason that motorcycles do not have the same structural protection that a car offers.  If you choose to take the risk it is important to do all in your power to stay safe and that starts even before you get on your bike. Here are 8 tips for motorcycle safety:

Tip #1: Know Your Motorcycle Inside and Out

It doesn’t matter if your motorbike is second hand or brand new off the rack or customized you should be perfectly familiar with its controls. Practice in a safe place and get to know your bike and how it handles.

Tip #2: Always Wear A Helmet

Don’t compromise on its quality: that’s biking 101. Even though everyone knows this it is perhaps the most neglected of all the safety measures. The helmet is the most important accessory of a motorcycle and it saves your head from injury in the event of an accident.  It is absolutely necessary that the helmet meets safety standards.

Tip #3: Wear Proper Clothing

It’s tempting in hot weather to leave your legs and arms bare. But this is an enormous safety risk and can lead to bad injuries even in a minor crash. While most riders adhere to wearing jean and leather fabrics it’s still a common sight to see riders without this basic protective clothing.

Tip #4: Invest in Protective Gear

If wearing proper clothing is the minimum protective gear can take your safety to the next level. There are a wide variety of products from gloves to vests to entire outfits dedicated to making your time on the bike safer.

Tip #5: Never Drink and Ride

This rule is not for car drivers only. If you don’t want to end up in the statistics about those who lost their lives due to drunk driving make it a rule to never get on your bike when you’ve been drinking. Always plan ahead if there’s going to be drinking involved have an alternative to get home. Walk take public transit get a ride use a car-sharing company or take a taxi. Many cities have organizations that will pick you up and drop you off too.

Tip #5: Obey Traffic Rules

Your motorcycle is a vehicle so obey all traffic rules. Stay in your lane avoid any abrupt lane changes use your indicators (and arm signals if necessary) minimize overtaking and abide by speed limits. Motorcycles are hard to see and car drivers often don’t properly check for them – make it easier by being predictable.

Tip #6: Pay Attention to the Weather

Rain makes conditions tougher so make sure you pay attention to the weather forecast before planning a ride. This is especially true for novice riders or when there’s a long trip involved.

Tip #7: Take Extra Caution in the Spring

Cleaning up all the gravel they put on the road in Alberta takes time. Be extra cautious in the spring due to the remnants of the winter especially on the city streets.

Tip #8: Have Good Insurance

Motorcycle Insurance is absolutely critical just as it is for a car so make sure you have it and it is valid at all times. When deciding on insurance keep the following in mind:

  • The type of bike affects your premiums. Cruisers scoots and conventional bikes cost less to insure than sports bike or those that are optimized for speed acceleration and cornering. The general rule is that the lower the engine power the lower the cost.
  • Mileage caps are found on some (but not all) policies. Keep in mind how often and how far you ride your motorcycle in a season. Generally the more your ride the higher the premium will be.
  • You may think you’re saving money by only insuring your bike in the summer but in many cases a yearly policy costs less . Most insurers will offer the option to pay upfront or on a monthly basis as well.
  • Being an experienced and safe rider saves you money. The longer you’ve had your license (and been insured) the lower your premium will be. You can also get discounts if you haven’t had any claims.

You can learn more about insuring a motorcycle in Alberta here. You can also contact us to discuss motorcycle insurance with a broker. Motorcycles are great fun and nothing beats a long scenic ride on a summer day. We hope you’re staying safe out there!

Get A Quote From A-WIN

Get the best insurance deals and stay on budget.

Get A Quote

Life Events - It's Time to Reassess Your Insurance

Whether it’s heading off to university or deciding to start your own business,...

Download

Rogers Insurance and CapriCMW merge to become Acera Insurance.

A-WIN Insurance is part of the Rogers Insurance Group.

Click to learn more about how this merger will impact A-WIN Insurance. Our branches will remain independently owned and operated.