Can’t I use standard motorbike insurance for my off-road bike?
If you’re using your off-road bike for normal road use then you can get a standard policy. But if you’re planning to use your off-road bike for what’s it’s made for, you will need specialist cover. Equally, it may be worth speaking directly with the insurance provider to see what they can offer.
Many standard motorbike insurance policies won’t cover you for your off-road bike. You’ll need to read the small print in any existing policy you have but chances are it’ll say something along the lines of you not being covered for any purpose other than what’s stated on your insurance certificate. And most standard policies will only cover you for regular road use. Some policies will however, explicitly state that you won’t be insured if your bike is used off-road.
If you use your bike off-road and only have standard insurance and come to make a claim, your provider can decide not to compensate you. So if you’re in any doubt, it’s always best to check what your policy says.
As an off-road rider you’ll probably have a different set of needs to a regular road bike user anyway, so chances are a standard insurance policy simply wouldn’t cut it when it comes to meeting your needs.