Motorbikes are fast becoming increasing in popularity as a method of transport in the UK. Although various models can be bought new for anything between £1,000 and £20,000, depending on what specifications you are looking for, even the most expensive might not come with adequate safety and security measures as a standard feature, so it is crucial to research which bike insurance policy will suit you and your bike best.

For instance, many motorcyclists in the UK view their riding as a summer activity and lock their vehicles away during the winter months. When doing so, it has been reported that up to 10,000 riders cancel their insurance policies every year over winter in an attempt to save money. This might seem like a financially savvy move but as a result, thousands of people are leaving their bikes unprotected from theft.

Over 600 bikes are stolen every month by thieves who know that the vehicles are stored in garages and see the lack of security as an opportunity. If you cancel your insurance premium during the winter and your bike is stolen, your insurance policy will not cover the theft. However, what a lot of riders do not realise is that it is possible to pay reduced premiums over the winter months if the vehicle is not being used by switching to a reduced level of cover. Premiums for the basic level of insurance, fire and theft, are probably more reduced from what riders would pay during the summer when they are using their bikes frequently, but their vehicle will still be protected if the worst should happen.

Bike insurance is different to car insurance in that there are two different types of policy. A specified rider policy only covers the rider, not the bike and is ideal for those who want to be able to ride any motorcycle up to a specific size. The second type of policy is a specified bike policy which covers the bike and not the rider. If more than one rider is being insured on the same bike, this is probably the most cost-effective way of insuring the vehicle.

As with car insurance, there are a number of factors that will affect your bike insurance premiums. Like their fellow drivers, younger bikers will pay higher premiums because of their lack of experience. Unfortunately, the incidence of accidents among young bikers is much higher than that among older, more experienced riders and this is reflected in their insurance costs. The amount you pay for insurance also depends on the amount of time you spend on the road. Those with jobs that require long hours spent travelling on a bike will pay higher premiums than those who use their bikes simply for commuting or leisure.

This increase in price does not so much suggest that those who ride more are worse cyclists but rather works off the premise that the longer they spend on the road, the more likely they are to be involved in an accident. The area in which you live will also affect your premiums, as those who live and keep their bikes in a city area are likely to be subjected to more crime than someone who lives in a remote, rural area. If you live in a city (and even if you don't), the way you store your bike could affect your premium. Generally, those who keep their vehicles in a locked garage will pay a lot less for premiums than those who don't. Even if you don't have a garage available, taking your bike off the road will help lower the price you pay for your insurance.

Other factors, such as the bike specifications, your previous driving record and the type of security that comes with your bike like alarms or immobilisers, will affect the amount you pay to cover your vehicle. Lastly, the most important thing to remember is to shop around for insurance.