When looking for cheap motorcycle insurance, many of us tend to focus on finding the cheapest motor cycle insurance available, without considering the policy details. However, the level of cover does vary from policy to policy, so it is worth checking what you're getting for your money.

Below is a list you may want to think about when deciding which motorbike insurance policy to take:

Is this the first motorcycle you have insured?

If so you may not have a 'no claims bonus', but it's worth checking for any special offers.

No Claims Bonus Protection

Have you built up more than 4 years no claims bonus? You should try to protect your 4 years no claims. Are you able to protect your existing No Claims Bonus? If so, what are the terms? i.e. how many claims can be made before you would lose your No Claims Bonus, and over what period?

Free Replacement Motorcycle

Is a replacement bike provided if your motorcycle is being repaired following an accident? Do you really need a replacement if your motor cycle goes in for repair? If you were able to use public transport or rely on lifts from family and friends for a few days then opting for a policy that does not provide a hire bike may reduce your quote.

Garages

If you live in a high risk area consider leaving your motorcycle in a garage overnight. If your vehicle is garaged yourpremiums could be significantly reduced.

Claim Procedure

Are you able to make a claim over the Internet or by telephone? Can claims be automatically approved during a phone call?

Named Riders

If you insure your vehicle for anyone to ride the cost will be understandably higher. You may wish to opt for named riders.

Excess

What is the excess charged when you make a claim? Are you able to increase your excess in order to reduce the premium? If you opt to pay for the first £100 or even £150 you should be able to reduce your insurance costs. By having a higher excess you are indicating that you are unlikely to make small claims and will only need assistance from your insurance company in the event of a major claim.

Legal Expense Cover

Are legal expenses (you'll need it if you have an accident, so make sure it's included at the start) included in the price? Can you increase your premium in order to insure against the cost of taking legal action following an accident?

Overseas Cover

Are you covered for taking your motorcycle abroad? If so, how many days are covered?

Do you have the correct level of cover for your vehicle?

If the trade value is not high then it may be more appropriate to go for Third Party Fire and Theft cover or just third party damage.

Level of policy

A cheaper policy could equal low cover with lots of policy restriction. Ask what garaging; mileage and security restrictions are on the policy.

Security

Use an insurance approved lock and alarm combination. Alarms are useful, but more and more thieves are stealing bikes by lifting them into a van. Attaching your bike to an immobile object with an insurance approved lock will deter most thieves.

Limit mileage

If you ride under 5000 miles a year, some insurers will give extra discounts, however if you ride over this, be pre-pared to pay the difference or have your claim kicked out!

Shop around

Do not automatically renew a policy with your existing insurers, just because it's easy. Try and get the best quote you can and then go back to your current insurers. They may better it, match it or try and get close to it.

Advanced riding courses

Many insurance companies offer reductions for riders who've completed advanced riding courses, for bikes fitted with extra security measures like alarms, or which are garaged and secured by ground anchors.

Be honest

Do not lie about any previous claims or convictions. Do not give an insurance company a false address in the middle of nowhere (because the premium will be lower). Do tell them if you've modified your bike in any way, even it's only a paint job.