| In 2007 alone, 1000's of Chinese bikes, scooters and | | | | names such as Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. The parts |
| mopeds were imported into the UK. This seems to be | | | | and spares can be easily picked up at the usual local |
| a growing trend, with more and more manufacturers | | | | repairer. This all helps with the insurance side of things, |
| importing them into the UK. Currently an estimated 450 | | | | but with over 450 different import manufacturers, you |
| separate manufacturer's import into the country and | | | | can imagine how difficult the parts are to find. |
| this grows every year. With this in mind, more insurers | | | | Another problem with import bikes, scooters and |
| are joining the game to get these insured. However, | | | | mopeds, is that they require registering in the UK. Many |
| import bike insurance can still be difficult to find. | | | | are sold without first being registered. However, before |
| So why buy a Chinese import bike? For one, they are | | | | registering a vehicle, it requires insurance, and many |
| generally half the price of a standard moped or | | | | insurers will not insure without a registration number |
| scooter; this is despite the import costs. They are | | | | plate, a perfect catch 22 situation. Although many |
| normally based on current mopeds and scooters | | | | insures understand this and are providing this insurance, |
| manufactured by major companies, just with a | | | | it still can be difficult to track this type of insurance |
| different name on them. These are also known as | | | | cover down. |
| replica bikes. A majority of these bikes will need | | | | The most popular scooter on the road today, is the |
| registering in the UK, at a cost of 55.00, pounds a small | | | | Baotian BT 50cc, an import bike, over 1000 were |
| price to pay considering the cheaper cost for the bike | | | | imported during 2007, figures supplied by the MCIA |
| itself. | | | | (The Motor Cycle Industry Association Limited). This |
| Import bike insurance can be tough to find, a majority | | | | gives you an idea of just how popular these bikes are, |
| of insurers and brokers have never heard of the | | | | out selling major manufacturers like Honda, Suzuki and |
| vehicle you're looking to insure, and that's usually where | | | | Yamaha. |
| the conversation ends. However, with the popularity of | | | | You may ask yourself, where can I buy these bikes? |
| these scooters and mopeds, more and more insurers | | | | Well, many local dealers are starting to sell them, and |
| are providing competitive schemes to support the | | | | there are plenty of bargains available on EBay's |
| demand on these types of vehicles. | | | | auction site. The majority are sold through internet only |
| One of the main problems with import bikes and in | | | | bike shops, delivered direct to your door, again this |
| particular the import bike insurance is that many of | | | | promotes the problem of repairs and spare parts, |
| these vehicles parts are not readily available. In the | | | | many of these vehicles are not sold with any |
| event of a claim and the bike needs repairing, it is | | | | warranty. |
| difficult and costly for the insurer to source the parts | | | | In short, these bikes, scooters and mopeds are a |
| and authorised repairers. That is why many of the | | | | perfect way of commuting to and from work. They |
| insurers will opt out of offering a fully comprehensive | | | | are cheap to buy, cheap to run, very economical, and |
| quotation, or they may offer an expensive quote, often | | | | parking is generally not a problem, and with more |
| more than the value of the vehicle itself. | | | | insurers realising the demand on these bikes, they are |
| As many import bikes, scooters and mopeds are | | | | helping on the insurance availability, cost and cover |
| based on current models manufactured by major | | | | provided. |