Insurance

Four out of five motorcyclists have made a claim on their insurance over the past 12 months, driving the average motorbike premium up by 18 per cent to £722 in the last year, according to a survey of 100 bikers covered through AA Insurance Services.

Just 17 per cent of bikers have had a claim-free ride in the past two years, and only 10 per cent have not claimed in the past three years. A five-year claim-free record is enjoyed by just one in 14 bikers.

According to the AA's findings, average premiums differ hugely between younger and older age-groups. Under-30s pay on average £996 per year, while ''silver bikers'' pay an average of only £375, even though they ride more powerful, expensive machines.

·   Younger bikers, those under 30, have held their licences for an average of 4 years;
·   Their bikes are lower-powered, averaging 244cc, and worth on average £2000;
·   In contrast, older bikers over 30 have held their licences for an average of 13 years, and their bikes tend to be more powerful, averaging out at 564cc. Their bikes are also worth more than their younger counterparts, at almost £3000 on average;
·   Men make up the majority of bikers (93 per cent);
·   The average age of a biker is 29; and
·   UK bikers have held their licence for an average of 6 years.

The most popular line for work for two-wheeled road users is IT, with one in six riders an IT employee or consultant. After that, one in nine is a student.

Kerry Richardson, AA managing director says: ''With such a range of age, experience and backgrounds, it is important to shop around for the best quote as different insurers vary in the bikers they will cover.''

MAG Direct Insurance is available Monday to Saturday between 08.30hrs and 18.00hrs. They offer immediate cover with no forms to fill in, discounts for MAG membership, payment by instalments and guarantee to post your documentation out before 15.00 hrs same day.

MAG DIRECT: 0870 165 5252

'OLD' MAG INSURANCE On the subject of insurance. If you experienced problems with the 'old' MAG Insurance / CIA (pre-October 2000), in particular with cover notes being issued late, or not at all, please contact AXA on a local rate number 0845 3000 919 with details of your complaint.

The person on the phone will require specific information e.g. lack of documentation, continuous cover notes, no policy documentation, poor phone answering, slow claim handling, etc. so please have all paperwork ready with dates.

We also want to know if you experienced good service from MAG Insurance Services... Call MAG Central if you did!