Bikers who are intending to go abroad to ride for their holidays are being urged to ensure they are fully covered on their bike insurance policy according to high street retailer, Swinton.

According to the insurer most insurance policies automatically downgrade to third party status once bike riders leave British soil. In order to be covered comprehensively some policies require bikers to purchase additional cover, which many may not be aware of.

Anthony Aronin, the head of Swinton Bikes, said: "All motorbike insurance policies will give some basic cover for travelling in Europe. However, depending on your policy, you may only be automatically insured for the minimum amount demanded by the laws of the country you are visiting.

"We would advise anyone planning on riding their bike overseas to speak to their local broker to check the cover offered by their existing policy and if necessary increase the level of insurance for the duration of their trip."

"The risk of accidents and theft can be far higher when abroad, so it is vital to ensure you are fully covered to provide peace of mind while you are away."

Brits three times as likely to crash abroad

This has been proven through figures released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (FCO) that show that Britons riding mopeds abroad are three times more likely to be involved in road accidents than locals.

The research has shown that British holidaymakers who hire mopeds on while they are on their holidays take unnecessary risks and are a danger on the roads.

Statistics show that over half (57%) have ridden without wearing a helmet, while one in 10 have ridden whilst drunk and over a third (35%) have failed to check whether their travel insurance covered them to ride the bike.

Shilpa Caldeira, the consular head in Goa, said: "In Goa we frequently see cases where a British tourist has decided to hire a moped on holiday having never ridden one before. This is never a good idea because as well as learning to ride the bike, they must also contend with local drivers on roads which are far busier and less predictable than those in the UK."

She continued: "Anyone who does decide to hire a moped or motorbike should double-check their insurance, and always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing. We have come across many cases where someone is riding a bike in only swimwear, and even a couple who were not wearing helmets because they were worried about ruining their hairstyles."

New policy launched

Help is at hand for bikers however. A new type of travel insurance has been launched which is set to cover motorcyclists who ride abroad, even if they are renting or riding their own bike.

Adrian Flux Insurance Services launched the new insurance to the approval of bikers across the country. The extensive nature of the policy will mean that all motorcycles and scooters above 125cc will also be covered, providing the policy holder has a valid UK License.

Motorcyclists will now find that they have the same cover as regular holidaymakers, including such perks as medical and other expenses, personal accident, and legal expenses are covered up to £25,000.

Robert Balls of Bikesure, said: "Our guys were all moaning about holiday insurance."

"They were complaining that motorcyclists weren't covered when they hired bikes abroad and pointed out that the risks for experienced bikers just weren't the same as for holidaymakers larking about paragliding, etc. So we asked our parent company, Adrian Flux to look into taking motorcycling out of the dangerous sports category."