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In Western Australia the roads are more open than many other states, with great distances between cities. Get stranded out in the Pilbara and you will have a whole lot of trouble without the right cover.
This article will help you navigate some of the issues Australia's biggest state can sometimes throw at you and where you can find a policy that's right for you.
Ready to compare motorcycle insurance policies?
If you're ready to compare policies, take a look below at some of the cover options that are available to you.
Yes, by law you need to have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This is included in the price of registration in WA. So at the very least you will have coverage for damage you may cause to other people and things, even though CTP doesn't cover you personally.
With the kinds of roads you find in Western Australia, the chance of hitting wildlife such as kangaroos can be quite high. Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong you're covered. That's why, much like the rest of Australia, you should consider getting yourself Comprehensive,Fire and Theft, or Third Party Property Damage insurance. Each policy generally covers the following:
Comprehensive
Fire and Theft
Third Party Property Damage
Damage to other property
Yes
Yes
Yes
Damage to your bike if it's your fault
Yes
No
No
Replacement if your bike is stolen
Yes
Yes
No
Damage caused by storms and flood
Yes
No
No
Damage caused by fire
Yes
Yes
No
Damage to protective clothing
Yes
No
No
What affects the cost of your premiums?
While factors such as age, experience, driving history and the type of bike you own have an impact on premiums, it is possible to find policies with cheaper premiums with similar cover in WA than in Victoria or NSW. That's because in Victoria and New South Wales there are more people on the roads, so statistically there is a higher chance of an accident and as a result the premiums are high. In Western Australia with fewer drivers, the premiums tend to be a little lower.
What to consider when looking for cover in WA
Although your premiums are likely to be less than in other more populated states, you need to consider other factors in Western Australia that you wouldn't have to elsewhere, namely the long distances between civilisation. This could add expenses if you don't get cover for the following:
Cover for roadside assistance for when you're broken down a long way from Kalgoorlie.
The cost of hiring a car to get you back to civilisation.
Extended miles for towage.
Best motorcycle insurance in Western Australia
While there is no catch-all best policy, there are a few benefits to living in WA when it comes to insuring your motorcycle. Consider the following when searching for a policy:
Local market insurers: The distances people drive and the emptiness of the deserts mean that often local market insurers are better equipped to give advice because of their local knowledge of the driving conditions. They can often add a personalised touch when compared to the bigger brands who quote all over the country. If you shop locally, it may cost you less to insure your ride in Western Australia.
Where you store your bike: Western Australia, especially in Perth, has one of the highest motorcycle theft rates in the country, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC). If you store your bike in a secure garage every night, it may help lower your premiums.
Consider a smaller engine and less expensive bike: Your premiums will be even lower if you don't have an expensive bike. Not only is an expensive bike more likely to be stolen, it is usually faster, which will put your premiums up.
Are there any exclusions and additional costs I should be aware of in Western Australia?
There are some special conditions about insurance in the west. In states such as Victoria and New South Wales there are more people on the roads, so statistically there is a higher chance of an accident and as a result the premiums are high. In Western Australia with fewer drivers the premiums are a little lower.
The distances people drive and the emptiness of the deserts mean the local market insurers are better equipped to give advice, because of their local knowledge of the driving conditions. They can often add a personalised touch compared with the bigger brands who quote all over the country. The good news is that, especially if you shop locally, it may cost you less to insure your ride in Western Australia.
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Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, The Telegraph, Explore Travel and Escape. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Kaplan Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
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