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Advanced Rider Qualifications and Cheaper Motorcycle Insurance

One way a motorcyclist can reduce the amount he or she pays for insurance cover is by gaining an advanced rider qualification. Holding such a certificate shows that the rider has proved his or her competency in riding in a safe and responsible manner and, as a result, is less likely to be involved in a motoring accident. Most insurance companies recognise the various qualifications available and will discount the cost of insurance cover if a rider can show that he or she has gained an advanced rider qualification.

The course the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) offers is the most recognised by insurance companies for the purpose of obtaining cheaper motorcycle insurance cover. IAM’s training is carried out by knowledgeable volunteers and is available to motorcyclists as well as car drivers. The cost of training for under-25s is reduced by £10 to encourage take-up.

A similar advanced riding qualification can be obtained from the RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). Although the RoSPA is a smaller organisation than the IAM, its Gold Award is considered to be the UK’s highest civilian riding certificate. It is the riding qualification necessary for any motorcyclist wanting to become an instructor, and some insurance companies are prepared to reward those riders having obtained this certificate with a large discount on the cost of their motorcycle cover.

Ride Drive offers several advanced training courses ranging from a six-hour advanced introduction course to a three-day accredited training course, which is what a rider will need in order to obtain a discount on his or her motorcycle insurance cover. Ride Drive’s training is carried out by expert professionals.

The Driving Standard Agency (DSA) launched its Enhanced Rider Scheme in November 2007. Registered post-test motorcycle trainers deliver the course, and any rider showing the requisite level of competency during training will receive the Enhanced Rider Insurance Certificate. Some insurance companies will discount the cost of motorcycle insurance cover to any rider who can present this certificate when applying for cover.

Bike Safe is an initiative set up by police forces around the country. It offers an introduction to motorcycling safety in order to help reduce the number of motorcycle accident casualties. The courses enable police riders to pass on their skill, knowledge, and experience, and while these courses may not attract cheaper motorcycle insurance cover, they are, nonetheless, an excellent opportunity for a rider to have his or her motorcycling assessed and to learn from experienced police riders and other advanced motorcyclists.

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