The Crusader: New insurance cover ends hell of a ride for veteran biker

There's plenty of reasons to celebrate for one veteran biker who won't be hanging up his helmet any time soon after his long quest to get insurance has finally paid off.

But it's been a hell of a ride for fighting fit gym goer Cliff Ross, 86, whose impressive record includes years of no claim bonuses and no motoring offences.

He came to Crusader after running out of road and not daring to buy a Yamaha he coveted just in case he could never get cover, something recent experience indicated could well be the case.

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"I've tried every comparison website and gone to seven insurers directly but it's been rejections all round," he told Crusader.

"I've been a biker for decades, it means everything to me, life would be so much less without it. I'm fit and raring to go, this is too soon," he declared.

The two obstacles he believed were his age and the fact that a previous bike he had owned had been stolen, but from a locked garage in his home.

Then there was another blow when an insect bite turned seriously infectious and doctors warned him to prepare for an amputation.

"But love of biking saved his life," says Cliff's wife Jenny. "He was so angry he might not ride again it was like a motivation to recover and that's what happened, but the insurance seems even harder."

Could Cliff make another comeback? We reckoned he could. The premium though might cost more, but the price was a richer life so in its way priceless.

We contacted broker group Howden Insurance, a specialist in sectors across the board including motoring matters. "And they have done a great job finding me an insurer," a delighted Cliff reported back to Crusader last week, his zest for life restored as the proud owner of an almost-new Yamaha.

It's insurer Aviva along with Howden who has saved the day, he explained. "They are covering me. My premium is more expensive but it's worth it. I could not have done it without your help." [names have been changed]

How to keep on running with the right cover

Chief executive Kelly Ogley of Howden Insurance consumer and local commercial division advises:

"It's not only veterans but young riders too who are often hit hardest by rising costs. Insurers look at these things clinically. They keep detailed stats. And they know these groups are statistically more likely to have a claim or an incident. But, in the world of insurance, as in the world of motorbikes, it helps to know your way about the machine. Once you master the technicalities you can navigate even the toughest of courses.

"Breaking down the different factors that lead to higher premiums, we've already touched on one: age. Now most policies are designed to cover riders up to around 85. Beyond that many insurers step back. That's why I believe it should be law to retake your test. If you pass, then surely your premium ought to be lower?

"None of us can stall time, but we can all think about where to store your bike. High-powered bikes, especially superbikes, are regarded as higher risk and theft rates in big cities like London or Manchester make insurers even more cautious. So, one golden role is don't keep your ride on the road. Lock it up in a garage. It's easier to insure what's harder to steal.

"It's also working thinking about the type of motorbike you're buying. Insuring 50cc scooters is easy but as soon as you go up to 100cc your insurance starts to rise. And some of these bikes go up to 1000cc which is a lot of power for your body to cope with. I see many older riders change bikes for trikes for added stability. That helps with insurability too.

"Finally, when it comes to motorbikes, it pays to have a good mechanic who can keep you on the road whatever the weather. In the same way, when it comes to insurance you need a good broker who understands the market. At Howden we specialise in custom, modified, and multi-bike policies. We understand these policies inside out not least because many of our team ride the bikes they advise on. So, if your premium is rising don't despair. The right advice and a tailored approach can help riders - old or young - to keep on running."