Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Just a thought:
What would be the result if new riders were not allowed to buy collision coverage on a motorcycle for the first 3-5 years of ownership? The majority would not be able to afford the lastest Gixxer/R-1/CBR-RR to buy outright and the banks wouldn't finance the purchase without collision coverage. New riders might be forced to ride something they could afford to lose and the entire fashion part of the equation would be lost What would this do for insurance premiums for the masses? What would this do for the health of the new riders? Now go'head shoot this down. But it is interesting to consider.....

it depends. it doesn't seem to matter to insurance companies either way or the other. they make billions each year and keep raising our prices. it would be nice for those "exceptional people" buyin 1k cc litre bikes, but for someone like me on a 2003 kat 600, i can tell you right now i wouldn't buy a bike period. i know i wouldn't ride a bike i didn't like or like the looks of so i wouldn't buy a bike. this bike i really like and can't wait to get on the road in a couple days.

As for insurance rate, the companies make money from new riders with expensive sport bikes. With fewer people in the insurance pool, the overall risk rises and the net effect is either lower profits for the company or higher rates for the rest of us. Guess which it would be.
For most riders, the effect on their choice of bike would be nil. I have never bought collision coverage on any motorcycle anyway. For new riders, the solution is to ride a cheap bike for the first few years - not necessarily a bad thing. On the other hand, if a new rider can afford the insurance on a new R1, then he can probably afford to crash it and cover the loss himself.

I would hate to see "not allowed" regulations. Where could it all lead?

Now, since the insurance companies generally charge a lot for new riders, young riders, and expensive bikes already, why doesn't that stop them?

Heck, I run into many drivers (cars) that don't carry ANY insurance. They should not be driving, legally. Yet they do.

You cannot regulate stupidity in people.

I like the idea for the fact that it may bring down insurance prices.

I don't like the idea as it may put off a lot of younger people from riding at all. I do not like the idea opf motorcycling dying out due to things like this...