Laid-up cover for classic motorcycles

If you are lucky enough to own a classic motorcycle keeping it safe is a top priority, but if you just want to keep your pride and joy protected, without taking it out on the road, you might have more trouble than you think.

When Sage Savage’s husband Tony died from a rare cancer last year, she was determined to keep his much-loved Harley-Davidson.

However, when she tried to insure it against fire and theft, she was repeatedly turned down by all but two insurance companies for not having a motorcycle licence, even though the bike is kept secure in a garage, and she never intends to ride it.

Luckily, Sage was put in touch with Footman James, who were happy to insure the beloved Harley for just £71 on a laid-up policy.

Paul Matthews, managing director of Footman James, said: “According to Department of Transport figures, nearly half of the 1.3 million motorcycles on the road are owned by the over-40s.

“For many of these bikers, owning their pride and joy is about reconnecting with their youth – having the chance to own something that they might have dreamed about when they were younger, but simply could not afford.

“As many bikers are older, it raises the likelihood that they will bequeath their cherished motorcycle to their partners, who might want to sell it eventually but in the meantime, want to keep it for as long as possible to remind them of their loved one, even though they never intend to ride it.

“With this in mind, I find it very unusual that so few insurers are prepared to offer laid-up cover in circumstances such as these.”

Laid-up cover

Laid-up cover will protect your motorcycle while it is off the road and stored away, including while it is garaged during the winter.

It will also protect a vehicle while it is on static display or being towed to and from an event on a trailer.

It provides cover for restoration projects, even if the vehicle is in pieces at the time of taking out the policy.

With Footman James, the value of the cover can be increased throughout the project, without incurring any extra administration fees.

For more information, visit footmanjames.co.uk