Motorbike Insurance in Portugal : Know and Understand All the Ins and Outs

 

Avoid the traffic jams, enjoy the exceptional sun and excellent quality roads… with a love for speed, you know your motorbike will be your preferred means of transport in Portugal whether travelling to work or getting away on the Marginal Road headed towards Cascais!

But, in order to fully enjoy your bullet bike, you’d better be well-insured whether you just wish to cover your mandatory minimal civil liability obligations or you want more complete insurance that covers theft, for example.

 

Portuguese law of 13 August 2009, known as “lei dos125” has significantly changed motor traffic in Portugal by increasing the number of 2-wheelers on the roads as well as the number of accidents! In fact, after that date, anyone over the age of 25 in possession of a valid driving licence is permitted to ride a motorbike up to 125 cc. The current government plans to further modify this law by introducing a practical exam before being able to ride a motorbike… and, therefore, better control the number of accidents on the roads.

The motorbike insurance offer in the Portuguese market has been greatly beefed up since 2009, to cover these more exposed drivers.

 

Is motorbike insurance mandatory in Portugal?

Yes, insuring your motorbike is mandatory with at least what is known as “third-party” insurance: it doesn’t cover damages to the responsible party’s vehicle in the event of an accident; it only covers the damages caused to third parties travelling on a public road. This option may seem to be sufficient if your motorbike is rather old or you only use it occasionally (at weekends, for example).

Can I loan my motorbike to someone?

As in all automobile insurance policies, there’s a mandatory clause covering a second driver or occasional driver who is not specifically named in the policy. If you loan your bike, you must nonetheless make sure the driver you loan your two-wheeler to is older than 25 and has had a driving licence for more than 2 years in order to benefit from the same cover as you do.

All-risk insurance: what does it cover?

• Mandatory civil liability
• Theft and fire. Since motorbike theft is much more common than car theft, all-risk insurance insures this risk as well as fire.
• All-accident damages: you are covered even if you’re responsible for the accident
• Collision damage: because you may collide with another vehicle on the road or an animal or pedestrian, this guarantee covers you in all of these circumstances.
• Roadside assistance

All-risk insurance… are you still covered if you have an accident?

YES. All-risk insurance even covers you if you are responsible for the accident.

But, be aware. If you cause the accident and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, no insurance company will pay any indemnities for your bodily injuries or material damages (even if you’re the only one injured). Only damages to third parties will then be covered.

Attention…. police controls are rather common in Portugal, especially if your registration plates have not yet been exchanged. So, be careful as your motorbike insurance does not protect you from fines for speeding or driving drunk (0.5 g/L in Portugal)!

To compare the best motorbike insurance offers on the Portuguese market and get quotes adapted to your needs, don’t think twice. Complete our online motorbike insurance form.

 

About us INOV Expat

INOV Expat is an insurance brokerage firm aimed at French and English-speaking expatriates in Spain, and now in Portugal, which has signed partnership agreements with the leading insurance companies on the market. We know just how much moving to another country can bring about a lot of surprises and procedures which are sometimes quite complex. So, ever since its foundation in 2004, INOV Expat has not only aimed to assist its expatriate clients search for “custom insurance” but also defend their rights in the event of a claim.

 

Ask for your free quote online: automobile, health, home, business, travel, or other insurance. Check our website: pt.inovexpat.com or by email welcome@inovexpat.com.