RIDING A MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER

COVER WITH ZOOM

• Am I covered while riding a scooter, moped or motorbike overseas?

• In short, yes you are covered.  All Zoom policies cover you to ride a motorbike (whether you are the driver or passenger pillion) but you must be properly licenced; wear a helmet; and obey by the rules of the road.

   

• Are there any restrictions on the type of motorbike?

• No, at Zoom we cover you to ride any two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorised bike including motorbikes, motorcycles, scooters, vespas, and mopeds.

• How do I add this cover to my policy? 

• You don't need to do add anything to your policy. Zoom automatically covers you for riding a motorbike at no additional cost. Whether you're hiring a moped for one day or a motorbike for a month, we've got you covered as long as you're wearing a helmet and the driver is licenced to ride that class of bike.

• Is the motorbike or scooter covered if I have an accident?

• No, rental vehicles including motorbikes are not covered by your travel insurance. The same goes for the rental insurance excess, which refers to the amount you’ll have to pay the rental company if the bike gets damaged.  Insurance on the vehicle is generally included in your daily rental cost for the bike.

• Does it matter where I rent the motorcycle or scooter from?

• Your Zoom policy covers you for any injuries you sustain while riding regardless of where you have hired the bike from.  However you should make sure that ther rental company is legitimate.  It pays to read the rental agreement to understand how much you would have to pay if the motorbike or scooter is damaged.   Ask for a pre-rental damage report or take photos of the bike before you leave. There have been cases of travellers being held accountable for damage that they didn't cause.

• Do I have to wear a helmet?

• Yes, preferably one that protects your whole face. It's compulsory to wear a helmet in Thailand, Cambodia and Bali, but no matter which country you’re riding in, to be covered under your travel insurance policy, you must wear a helmet.  Even if you are not reqiured by the law to wear a helmet in that country, our travel insurance policy requires you to wear one. You’ll also need a helmet if you are a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter.  If you’re not wearing a helmet during an accident, you won’t be covered.

• Is my Australian licence valid overseas?

• Licence requirements vary from country to country but an Internation Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised in most countries and recommended as the best way to ensure that you're properly licenced to drive or ride overseas. Particularly where English is not a native language as it provides translations into many languages.
  
  International Driving Permits are issued through state and territory motoring clubs. To obtain an IDP you should contact the relevant IDP authority in your state.
  
  The permit is not a substitute for your licence. It’s proof that you hold a valid driving or riding licence in your home country, and allows you to drive or ride the same class of vehicle covered by your licence in your home country. So if your motorbike licence restricts the engine size of the vehicles you can ride, you can’t legally ride a scooter or motorbike with a larger engine capacity while overseas.
   
  In many countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates, you can only legally drive if you have an International Driver’s Permit.
  
  In some countries, such as in Vietnam, you may also be required to hold a local licence. In a few countries like Laos and Indonesia, there is also the option of getting a local licence instead of an IDP.  Remember though, getting a local licence will only be valid for the country you are in, you can’t use that licence to ride a motorbike or scooter outside that country! This would be riding illegally, and your travel insurance wont provide you with cover.
  
  You still need to carry your Australian driving or riding licence with you when you travel.
  
  Read on for more tips on riding a motorcylce overseas.

• Am I covered for motorcycling overseas with a Learner's permit?

• Generally, in order to obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP), you need to be fully licenced in Australia. However, with Zoom you are covered while riding a motorcycle on L plates provided that your Learner's permit is accepted in the country that you are travelling in for the engine size of the motorbike you ride.

• Are there any exclusions to pay attention to?

• Accidents do happen so it’s important to make sure you have travel insurance that provides cover for riding motorbikes and scooters overseas.  Like all insurances, some limits and exclusions will apply.  We won't pay any claims if you violate your rental agreement; or if you are affected by alcohol or illegal drugs; you don't hold the correct licence for the vehicle you're operating; you are not wearing appropriate protective gear; or you are not obeying local traffic laws. Please refer to Zoom's PDS for more information.