Is your motorcycle covered if it is stolen?

Only if you have comprehensive cover. The unified loss and damage policy lists robbery and theft among the events it pays for.¹ Third-party cover pays other people for harm your bike causes them, and nothing for your own bike.²

What should you do first?

Report the theft to the police and tell your insurer as soon as you can. The policy says the insured must notify the police and the company “promptly and as soon as practically possible” after a theft, and cooperate with the insurer.¹

The insurer cannot refuse a claim only because you told it late, if you had an acceptable excuse.¹

How much will the insurer pay?

If the motorcycle is not recovered, it is treated as lost. The insurer pays the insured value agreed when you bought the policy, less 20% depreciation, and adjusted for the part of the policy period already used.¹ The deductible percentages do not apply to a total loss.¹ Once the insurer pays on a total loss, the bike belongs to the insurer if it is found later.¹

If the bike is found damaged, the insurer repairs it as for any other claim.¹

Are your accessories and helmet covered if they are stolen?

Usually not on their own. GIG Gulf’s motorcycle wording excludes theft of accessories unless the whole motorcycle is stolen, and excludes theft of helmets and protective clothing.³

Ask your insurer in writing whether accessories, luggage and riding gear are covered for theft.

What if someone crashes your stolen bike?

The third-party policy still pays the people hurt. The insurer then has recourse against the thief only, not against you.²

Can a theft claim be refused?

The policy expects you to take reasonable precautions to protect the motorcycle from loss.¹ It also excludes loss while the bike is used for a purpose not on your application.¹

Keep your keys, purchase papers and registration card together so you can hand them to the insurer.

The small print

• Theft as an insured event is Chapter Two (1) of the unified loss and damage policy. The notice duty is Chapter Three (5), the duty to protect the vehicle Chapter Three (2), late notice Chapter One (6), total loss Chapter Two (5), salvage Chapter One (8), and recourse against the thief Chapter Five (7).¹
• In the third-party policy, recourse for harm caused by a stolen vehicle is against the thief only, Chapter Five (10).²