Below, you'll find extensive information on leading insurance age articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Rise In Bike Sales Increases Need For Insurance
By Joyce Darrell
According to reports from America it appears the credit crunch has had an unexpected result when it comes to road fatalities. Previous studies had seemed to suggest the number of road accidents was declining in the US because people were driving both slower and less to save money due to rising fuel prices. But this has also led to a number of people who have taken up riding a motorbike, which has seen the number of fatal accidents rise dramatically.

Accidents on the rise
In Florida specifically, the combination of increased ownership and extremely lax helmet laws has led to a spike in the number of fatal accidents involving motorcyclists. Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Chris Miller said it was the “sheer number” of bikes on the road.


"Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous because you don't have all the protection that an automobile provides you. You don't have airbags or seat belts. You don't have all that steel surrounding your body, so you're going to take a large part of that impact to your body." Said Miller.

According to national data, there were over 1 million bikes sold in the US in 2006, which is up 30% from five years previously and this trend is being echoed across the UK market as well.

Britain witnesses bike sales revival
The UK motorbike sales figures, on the face of it, have declined in the last five years from 169,000 in 2002, to 144,600 last year but according to experts in the sector a number of factors may well encourage sales on an upward trend in the next couple of years.

The rising cost of petrol is a big factor,

which will encourage people back on their bikes, and especially small, economical bikes like those beginning to be imported from China. The government has also added incentives for bike users, with motorcyclists allowed to use bus lanes and save money in congestion charge zones.

"With a robust performance very close to 2007, the motor cycle market and industry is providing further evidence that powered two-wheelers offer a credible and very affordable transport option. We will all continue to face financial pressures in 2009, and with rail fares increasing by as much as 11% and incentives such as bikes being able to use bus lanes, motor cycle use is more relevant and practical than ever." Said Sheila Rainger from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI).

In the years 2002-2004 the motorcycle industry suffered a dramatic decline but in the last couple of year this has levelled off and is now growing, unlike car sales which remain mired because of the credit crunch and David Taylor from the MCI said that he could foresee even more growth.

“When the baby boomers hit their teenage years, motorcycle license holders made up 25% of the male population. It’s only 13% now, so there’s an opportunity for growth.” Added Taylor.

This projected growth in the sector also means that it has never been more important to take out before you think of switching from your car. The chance of having your bike damaged is far higher, with many motorists admitting that they often fail to see motorcyclists, especially in the winter months when it gets dark earlier.
Darrell has more articles pertaining to bike insurance and other insurance related articles.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to insurance that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our insurance age website.