Statistically driving a bike is a lot more dangerous than driving a car. In the case of an accident bike drivers do not have the luxury of an air bag or anything else to cushion a crash. With this in mind it pays to make sure you have adequate bike insurance to cover you in the advent of an accident.

But it’s not all one sided bike owners do have a lot of things going for them. Motorbikes are a lot cheaper to buy and run, road tax is a lot cheaper than for a car and there is no congestion charge to pay.

When it comes to insurance, bike insurance is pretty similar to car insurance. The minimum type of insurance is ‘third party’. This covers liability for injuries to other people, including passengers, damage to other people's property and passengers for accidents caused by them.

The next step up is “third party, fire and theft”. This provides the basic third party cover, plus: fire or theft of the bike.

Full or “comprehensive” insurance provides cover all the same cover as for third party, fire and theft and also for accidental damage to your motorbike or scooter, personal accident benefit: if you are injured, and the accident is not your fault, the insurer will obtain compensation on your behalf. Also included in the cover are medical expenses: mostly covers your transport to hospital, any subject medical tests and, sometimes, physical rehabilitation after your injury and finally loss of or damage to personal effects, for example theft of a helmet held in a top-box.

When you are ready to look for insurance it’s wise to have certain information to hand which will help the insurer give you a quote or to obtain an online quote. The information you will need is the bike make, model and ccs (engine size). What the bike will be used for – social, domestic and pleasure; or business. If the bike is to be used for business this can seriously increase a premium as some insurers assume that “business use” is courier-related. Try to give an estimated annual mileage (this can be very useful in cutting premiums, with 5,000 miles or less being up to 1/3rd cheaper. Finally you should know which type of cover you want comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only. If you are not buying insurance for the first time you will be asked to give any details of claims or convictions in the last three years.

The quote you receive for your bike insurance will depend on a number of different factors. If you have security alarms or locks and or if you can garage your bike will mean a reduction in your premium. Where you live and your post code will also be relevant as some areas are deemed higher risk by insurers. Finally age and experience will be taking into account. Newly-qualified riders - especially under 25 - are deemed more likely to have accidents than older, more experienced ones. If you have held a full bike test for some years, premiums are reduced substantially