Can you get motorcycle insurance without a motorcycle licence?

If you're buying a motorcycle and planning to purchase coverage for your bike, you may be wondering whether you can get motorcycle insurance without a valid motorcycle licence. Before hitting the open road, read up on all the car insurance requirements you'll need to know below.

Do insurance companies require a valid motorcycle licence to buy coverage?

So, can you get motorcycle insurance without a licence? Long story short, no. Most insurance companies will not allow you to obtain insurance without a licence. To legally drive in Canada and purchase motorcycle insurance, you'll need to bring proof of motorcycle ownership and a valid motorcycle licence to operate your bike on public roads.

Can I drive a motorcycle in Canada with a standard driver's licence?

No, without a licence specifically tailored to motorcycle riding, you can not ride a motorcycle. However, if the main driver of the motorcycle has a motorcycle licence, you are able to ride as a passenger on the back of the bike.

How can I get my motorcycle licence?

Getting a motorcycle licence may vary between provinces and territories in Canada. However, you'll typically need to take a motorcycle safety course, pass a written exam, and take a driving test before you receive your licence.

What is motorcycle insurance?

Like car insurance, all riders in Canada must purchase motorcycle insurance to operate their motorcycle on public roads and are subject to the same insurance laws. While the types of motorcycle coverage and minimum coverage requirements will vary between provinces, you can expect the following policies to be included in a standard plan:

Third-party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance, or liability car insurance, is a type of mandatory motorcycle insurance policy in all provinces. However, coverage minimums will vary.

The purpose of this coverage is to protect policyholders if they cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party while on the road. In the event a lawsuit is filed against you, this insurance policy covers medical bills, repairs, replacements, legal fees, and other expenses associated with your settlement.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is also mandatory in all provinces except for Newfoundland. This motorcycle coverage protects policyholders, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. Accident benefits coverage will cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and more during your recovery, offering your financial protection and peace of mind in the aftermath of a collision.

Uninsured automobile insurance

Uninsured automobile insurance is again mandatory in all Canadian provinces. With this policy, you will be protected if you are involved in a collision with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. Additionally, this motorcycle insurance also protects you if you are involved in a car accident with a hit-and-run driver.

Direct compensation - property damage

Direct compensation - property damage is mandatory in Alberta and New Brunswick, while it is optional in all other provinces. If you are involved in a collision where the other driver is at fault, this insurance allows you to deal directly with your own motorcycle insurance company, ensuring you are compensated for bike damages swiftly, rather than communicating with a middleman.

Optional insurance coverage

Beyond mandatory insurance, the option to purchase additional coverage is available if you want to supplement your overall protection while on the road:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage will cover the cost of repairs or replacements of your motorcycle following an at-fault accident. However, when claiming this motorcycle insurance, you will need to pay a deductible to your insurance company before it will cover the remaining costs.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is another type of motorcycle insurance that will cover the cost of repairs or replacements for your bike. However, it specifically addresses non-collision damage. For example, common perils include theft, vandalism, falling tree branches, hail damage, fire damage, and other perils specific to your policy. Again, insurance companies will require a deductible before covering the remaining repair or replacement costs.

Accident forgiveness

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among motorcycle riders is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.

Note: coverage varies by province.

How much does motorcycle insurance coverage cost?

So, how much does motorcycle insurance cost? It's important to remember that, like other types of insurance, motorcycle insurance rates will vary between riders, given that each motorcycle insurance company will run a risk assessment on you before providing you with your premium. Here's a bit of a refresher on what factors insurers use when calculating rates:

• Your age and gender.
• How long you've had your licence.
• Where you live.
• Motorcycle type (make, model, year).
• Whether any modifications to your motorcycle have been made.
• What type of coverage you choose.
• The engine size of your motorcycle.
• Your driving record.
• Your insurance history.
• And more.

To find a reasonable rate when purchasing motorcycle insurance, we recommend shopping around and comparing quotes from different providers. If you do have other types of coverage, you may want to consider bundling your policies, as it can provide a bit of a discount. Additionally, if you have the money to do so, consider paying for your motorcycle insurance premiums upfront to avoid monthly service fees. Lastly, don't forget to ask whether you qualify for any insurance discounts. There are numerous discounts available, such as the safe driver discount that you may be eligible for.

If I make modifications to my motorcycle, will it impact my insurance premium?

Yes, if you make high-performance changes to your bike, you not only need to ensure that the modifications made are street-legal, but you also need to inform your insurance provider. Aftermarket modifications to your bike can significantly change its market value. In order to ensure your motorcycle insurance sufficiently covers these changes, notifying your insurer is a must. Otherwise, in the event of a theft or other insurance claim, you may not be fairly compensated for your losses and may be stuck fronting the bill.

Should I get year-round motorcycle insurance or seasonal motorcycle insurance?

Whether to buy year-round or seasonal motorcycle insurance is a dilemma most motorcycle riders face. Essentially, seasonal motorcycle insurance only covers your bike part of the year, typically ending coverage during the winter months. While most providers don't offer this as an option, you may have the choice of cancelling or pausing your coverage during these months. While this may seem like a good idea at first glance, there are some things you'll need to keep in mind:

Problems with leasing and financing

If you lease or finance your motorcycle, you may be breaking your contract by cancelling your insurance. This could mean having to return the bike to your dealership, and other potential consequences from the bank or credit union you got your loan from.

Cancellation fines

Most insurers charge early cancellation fees to those who do not reach the end of their insurance term.

Uncovered damage to your bike

During the winter months, there's a chance your bike is damaged or stolen. In this unfortunate scenario, you'd be responsible for paying all expenses out of your own pocket.

No last-minute rides

Sunny day during the winter? Without insurance, you won't be able to take your bike out for a last-minute ride!

Trouble buying motorcycle insurance in the future

Lastly, multiple insurance cancellations will be listed on your insurance history, which could make it difficult to get insurance in the future.

Can I be added to a licensed primary driver's motorcycle insurance?

Yes, you can be listed as a secondary driver on a motorcycle if the primary rider permits you to do so. Note that without a licence to operate the motorcycle, you won't be able to use the bike on public roads.

Keep safe on the road with these safety tips

There are numerous benefits of motorcycle riding, whether you're experiencing new motorcycle routes around Alberta, making new friends, or customizing a bike to fit your needs and preferences. But, without proper knowledge of motorcycle riding safety, you could put yourself in a dangerous situation that leads to a fatal accident. To ensure you get to where you need to go, be mindful of these group motorcycle safety tips:

• Top up your tank and inspect your bike: When you hit the highway, top up your gasoline tank and give your bike a quick examination to verify there are no evident problems with it.
• Gather contact information: Check that you've got the contact details for all members of the group in the event of an emergency.
• Take breaks: During the trip, take frequent breaks to refuel, use the restroom, and have a meal with fellow bikers.
• Keep a good flow: To maintain the flow of traffic, place skilled riders at the front of your group and less seasoned riders behind them.
• Stagger your bikes: Instead of riding side by side, stagger the motorcyclists as much as possible. This will assist in maintaining a safe distance between each rider and limit the likelihood of colliding with others.

How can I share the road with motorcycle riders safely?

Sharing the road with motorcycles is something that a lot of motorists may not be completely comfortable with, given how exposed bikers are to road hazards. Nonetheless, learning how to be a defensive and safe driver can help you navigate situations where you are sharing the road with bikers. Here's what you need to do to keep safe:

• Watch your blind spots: Because motorbikes are smaller than cars, they might be hard to see while driving. Always be sure to double-check blind spots throughout your drive just to be safe.
• Look before you turn: Before changing lanes or turning left, check your rearview and side mirrors, blind spots, and the intersection to ensure no riders are approaching.
• Pay attention to the road: To avoid colliding with other drivers or riders, keep your attention focused on the road ahead while steering clear of distractions, including your cell phone.
• Let them have space: Give motorcycle riders enough space to travel. Remember the three-second or two-car length rule.
• Follow traffic laws: Don't speed, make shoulder checks, let riders pass if necessary, and drive defensively to avoid hazards.

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we help motorcycle riders find affordable coverage options tailored to their unique riding style and budget. With access to multiple auto insurance policies from some of Canada's top insurance companies, our experienced brokers are able to shop around, compare coverage options, and help you find the right insurance policy you'll feel confident in.

Beyond this, our brokers are here to answer any questions about motorcycle coverage you may have, including myths about motorcycle insurance, your driving record, and more!

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