US bike insurance for brit

[Britrider]

Hi.. I've been offered free use of a friends bike in the US, I'm a brit living in the UK and going to spend some time in the US again soon and need to now if i can be added to their bike insurance as a named rider.

He seems to think as long as i have a recognized driving license and have his permission then i'm covered....... only i cant get him to call his insurance to get this in writing.

Anyone know the answer.? ... really appreciate some help/advice

Thanks Dave

[docsherlock]

Originally Posted by Britrider

Hi.. I've been offered free use of a friends bike in the US, I'm a brit living in the UK and going to spend some time in the US again soon and need to now if i can be added to their bike insurance as a named rider.

He seems to think as long as i have a recognized driving license and have his permission then i'm covered....... only i cant get him to call his insurance to get this in writing.

Anyone know the answer.? ... really appreciate some help/advice

Thanks Dave

That's usually the way insurance works in North America; often an age restriction too - i.e. must be over a certain age for this clause to apply and that is definitely worth clarifying.

Not much of a mate if he can't be bothered to make a phone call for ya, IMHO.

[Britrider]

Appreciate your reply Docsherlock, it's one of those things... you can ask and ask until you're blue in the face but if they just say 'it'll be ok' .. it's not really the answer i'm looking for from them.. so i'm trying to find out myself if it's legal or not.

I wonder if it's a recognized thing in the US to be able to just ad a named rider.. even if they are a 'foreigner' from the UK.. any help from anyone else, i'd be extremely grateful

Thanks Dave

[docsherlock]

I think it depends on the state - for example, a UK motorcycle license is valid in New York for sure; in Canada, for 3 months only from date of arrival.

I would check the states you want to visit and see if your UK license is valid there; if so, insurnance is likely to cover you as long as you meet the age restrictions as per my post above.

[VicMitch]

Old post, I know, but info is info.

Insurance companies have to insure you for an uninsured motorist, so you can lend your vehicle to someone from time to time. They don't want to but it is in the regulations and they must. The reason they don't want to is that you pay premiums based on your driving record and you might lend your vehicle to someone who is a higher risk.

Once you call them to add someone as an "additional insured", your rates go to whatever the higher risk driver's rate would be.

A rider from abroad with no US driving record would be classified as a "new driver" and could triple the premium.

No use opening a can of worms. If an insurance co can screw you, they will.