Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Insurance in New Zealand and Australia Insurance in New Zealand and Australia
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
Insurance in New Zealand and Australia
Hello

I'm a 24 year old male from Denmark, and I'm currently planning a six month trip with three months each in New Zealand and Australia.
Danish insurance companies adviced me to use local insurance in NZ and OZ since they won't insure a bike for that long.

I'll buy a bike in NZ, ride it for three months, then sell it. Then I'll do the same for america.

Anyone out there who know some good mc-insurance in NZ and OZ?
In particular, I'm concerned whether they'll insure a big bike (like, 650cc), or if they'll only let me ride a 250 because I'm 24.

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Jophiel - For NZ, amongst other insurers, consider contacting and asking this company to quote: Classic Cover. They have been good to me (as a Brit - i.e. a non-Kiwi) in the past.

Good luck

KEITH
__________________
Right Way Round ...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
Thanks, I've mailed them. Anxious to hear what they have to say.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
They only insure people over 30 :P

Any other takers?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sydney N.S.W. Australia
Posts: 147
Thumbs up Insurance? Why?
Insurance is not compulsory in Australia. I don't bother. Just ride carefully.

Chris.
__________________
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Nov 2008
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
It's not compulsory in NZ either. If you want insurance, open a bank account here with Westpac Bank, I pretty sure they will insure you. I'll find out for you soon. I have friends in the insurance business, who ride too, and will ask them as well.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Cowper View Post
Insurance is not compulsory in Australia. I don't bother. Just ride carefully.

Chris.

Compulsory Third Party insurance is compulsory!

my infos for rego/insurance in oz:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...229#post216489
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Nov 2008
butchdiamond's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NFA
Posts: 126
I use State insurance in NZ for my bike and they should insure you as long as you have an NZ bank account which isn't that hard to open. As Nigel says, Westpac may be a good start, and I know British & American mates who have opened accounts with BNZ (Bank Of New Zealand) easily enough too. Although you do not need any kind of insurance in NZ, I would reccomend it, it's not very expensive for peace of mind.
__________________
BD.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
Thanks all! I'm considering not insuring it if:
a) the bike is cheap enough, and
b) they won't let me ride anything larger that a 250cc because of my age (24)

I have travel insurance, but I should want something to cover others in the case of an accident. I'll check what I have from home, as it may already be covered.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Posts: 20
I've been in the uk for a year, but i come from new zealand and can share some experience.

I started off riding a zzr250, which got stolen, then i got a zxr250, I had no problem getting insurance for either bikes even though i was 20 at the time and had a previous conviction on my cage licence.

at 24, as long as you have an international licence you should have no problem getting insurance to ride anything. because its not compulsory, you will find that insurers want to insure you, otherwise you just wont get insured, and they will get no money.

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
Sounds good.

Does it apply to larger bikes as well? I'm considering a DR650 or similar.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Dec 2008
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up License requirements in NZ
The licensing laws for riding in NZ are based on your own country. Whatever you are licensed to ride in your home country, you can ride in NZ. The requirement is that somewhere on your license document there must be written the classes you are qualified for, in English. Otherwise you will need to get an International License. You won't need to show your license to buy or register a bike, but only when asked by the police.
The roads are pretty narrow and winding, plus most places are heavily policed, so if you see a small bike than a 650, it may still be quite suitable.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
great, that answered my question. Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 15
In some states of Australia - it depends on the bikes power to weight ratio.

Age doesn't matter. If you are on a full license then you can ride any size you want.
Regarding insurance - third party is compulsory and comes with your rego. Comprehensive for your own bike is not compulsory.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Australia & New Zealand from february '08 and 6 months on jophiel Travellers Seeking Travellers 15 2 Dec 2008 10:21
from Australia to New Zealand DaveSmith Trip Transport 3 11 Dec 2004 20:34
Insurance in Australia MikeO Trip Paperwork 15 18 Mar 2004 20:57
ride round Australia & New Zealand DaveSmith Route Planning 16 24 Feb 2004 02:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top