2 bikes - 1 to ride n 1 to wrench

clutch

clutch

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Had a breakdown that took me out of riding for two of the nicest riding months this year. Now considering getting a second bike, so I always have one to wrench and one to ride. I understand I'd have to pay close to full insurance on each bike.

I'd like to avoid this since one will sit idle anyway. Can I pay just one insurance on a bike...and switch the insurance on the other if needed? Will my broker hate me? How would this work if the make/model/year is different versus if it's the same?
 
If you can afford to buy 2 bikes why not just buy one that won't break down or with the money you'll save not buying a second bike you can pay someone else to fix it with a quick turn around.
 
Bradsma said:
If you can afford to buy 2 bikes why not just buy one that won't break down or with the money you'll save not buying a second bike you can pay someone else to fix it with a quick turn around.
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cuz I like working on my junk. Just curious, can you tell me which bike doesn't break down?
 
There is no bike that won't break down but a 2000+ bike is far less likely to break down than a 1970's bike in the big picture. I like working on my bike as well so don't get me wrong about you wanting to fix yours instead of having someone else do it.
 
clutch said:
Had a breakdown that took me out of riding for two of the nicest riding months this year. Now considering getting a second bike, so I always have one to wrench and one to ride. I understand I'd have to pay close to full insurance on each bike.

I'd like to avoid this since one will sit idle anyway. Can I pay just one insurance on a bike...and switch the insurance on the other if needed? Will my broker hate me? How would this work if the make/model/year is different versus if it's the same?
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You can definitely keep insurance on just one bike at a time and then do the switch whenever the time comes. There wouldn't be any fees or complications, and your broker shouldn't hate you - it's our job to assist our clients with any policy changes you might have. The year, make, and model all play small roles, but the most important thing would be the CC and type of your bike (i.e. if you alternate between a cruiser and a sport bike, you will see fluctuating premiums). Most of the time it's as simple as calling in with the VIN# and the effective date of your change.
 
As long as you only switch a few times a year insurance companies normally allow this. Keep in mind that you may not be able to get fire/theft on the currently uninsured bike.
 
Never had a bike down for more than a day or 2 for repairs. But I have newer bikes 2008 + except the old track beast and I don't really care if it is down.
 
Scuba Steve said:
Never had a bike down for more than a day or 2 for repairs. But I have newer bikes 2008 + except the old track beast and I don't really care if it is down.
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I guess it would all depend on the problem, source/availibility of parts, aptitude of person, and availability of time.
 
clutch said:
I understand I'd have to pay close to full insurance on each bike.

I'd like to avoid this since one will sit idle anyway. Can I pay just one insurance on a bike...and switch the insurance on the other if needed? Will my broker hate me? How would this work if the make/model/year is different versus if it's the same?
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I "THINK" the rate on the second bike should not be anywhere close to the first if you are the only licened driver in the house (and maybe even if there is and you can sign a waiver stating they will not drive either of yours)

You can only operate one at a time, so there is not "twice the risk".
 
eastcoast_gsx said:
I "THINK" the rate on the second bike should not be anywhere close to the first if you are the only licened driver in the house (and maybe even if there is and you can sign a waiver stating they will not drive either of yours)

You can only operate one at a time, so there is not "twice the risk".
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Not so in Ontario to my limited knowledge. I have owned more than 1 bike at a time. However this was true in the past in British Columbia.
 
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eastcoast_gsx said:
I "THINK" the rate on the second bike should not be anywhere close to the first if you are the only licened driver in the house (and maybe even if there is and you can sign a waiver stating they will not drive either of yours)

You can only operate one at a time, so there is not "twice the risk".
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This does not work in Ontario. Although everyone agrees with you, apparently so many people let a friend permanently ride the second bike that you pay full ride for each one.
 
eastcoast_gsx said:
I "THINK" the rate on the second bike should not be anywhere close to the first if you are the only licened driver in the house (and maybe even if there is and you can sign a waiver stating they will not drive either of yours)

You can only operate one at a time, so there is not "twice the risk".
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No -- in Ontario, you insure the vehicle, not the operator (although the rating characteristics of the primary operator will influence the premium). Although it makes sense in theory that a single operator with multiple bikes should pay significantly less for TPL and AB on his additional bikes, it can't be implemented in practice since any invited operator, whether they live in the household or not, can legally operate your vehicles. There are lots of old threads where this topic is discussed.
 
VifferFun said:
No -- in Ontario, you insure the vehicle, not the operator (although the rating characteristics of the primary operator will influence the premium). Although it makes sense in theory that a single operator with multiple bikes should pay significantly less for TPL and AB on his additional bikes, it can't be implemented in practice since any invited operator, whether they live in the household or not, can legally operate your vehicles. There are lots of old threads where this topic is discussed.
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I thought you could do it with a special form? I remember you saying before that parents with live in children can do this as to not increase their rates.

I "so and so" swear to not let anyone operate the second vehicle.
 
eastcoast_gsx said:
I thought you could do it with a special form? I remember you saying before that parents with live in children can do this as to not increase their rates.

I "so and so" swear to not let anyone operate the second vehicle.
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The form (OPCF28a) goes the other way. 'I dangerous expensive kid agree not to operate said vehicle'. Then the rate is based on the parents only. If the kid drives the car and crashes it, there is no insurance. They don't have a form that restricts you to only one operator.
 
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