Motorcycle insurance in Western Australia
Your guide to insuring a motrobike in WA.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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.
Do I really need motorcycle insurance?
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 |
|
|
|
| Damage to your bike if it's your fault |
|
|
|
| Replacement if your bike is stolen |
|
|
|
| Damage caused by storms and flood |
|
|
|
| Damage caused by fire |
|
|
|
| Damage to protective clothing |
|
|
|
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.
Picture: Shutterstock
While you are here, you may also be interested in…
More guides on Finder
-
Coronavirus: How to get help if you’re a casual worker
Casual workers could be hit hardest by closures and sick leave. But there are ways to get help.
-
Does car insurance cover towing?
Need free towing? Here's which car insurance policies include it.
-
How does car insurance in Australia cover additional drivers?
Pay more for your premiums, risk paying a huge excess or have your claim refused. Find out how car insurance in Australia covers additional drivers.
-
Dashcams and car insurance
Dashcams are everywhere, but do they really save you money on your car insurance?
-
How to invest in gold in Australia
If you’re thinking of investing in gold, our guide will explain how and where to buy gold in Australia as well as the pros and cons of investing in it.
-
Roadside assistance Victoria
Your guide to getting roadside assistance in Victoria.
-
Third party motorcycle insurance
Your guide to getting third party motorcycle insurance.
Ask an Expert
