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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



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  • 1 Post By avola.n.c

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  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2019
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Irish Insurance Nightmare

Hi, all. Longtime lurker, first post.

Any insurance recommendations for a US Citizen purchasing an Irish moto for a few months of cycling (in Ireland)?

I'm new to all this and may have backed myself into a corner, out of excitement and lack of preparation.

An Irish associate of mine was selling his Honda CB 500 in Galway. I expressed interest and began calling the big 4 providers around here: Carole Nash, Axa, Liberty, & Principal.

The first three could not offer a quote without me holding an Irish license. Principal, however, said there was no issue and offered a quote of 500 euros. With that assurance, I went ahead and purchased the bike.

24 hours after purchase, I called back Principal to proceed with the policy. Turns out, they can't insure me after all. Apparently, I spoke to a trainee that day on the phone and he made assurances the underwriters cannot keep. So now I'm back to square one, only now holding a bike I cannot ride legally.

Are there any solutions I haven't considered? It's my understanding that green card insurance from Knopf or TourInsure would not apply, since the bike was bought & registered in Ireland? Or am I mistaken?

For the record, I'm fully aware that I am partly - probably fully - to blame for this pickle I'm in. I should have planned this out better ahead of time. Rookie mistake, unfortunately.

Here's hoping I can salvage the situation and tour this beautiful country. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks, team.

Best,
Nick

*I hold a US motorcycle license. 29 y/o, no claims ever - realize that I didn't specify it earlier*

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  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2019
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Have you contacted https://motofeirme.com/.?

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  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2019
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Is getting an Irish licence on arrival out of the question? Might take a little time out of your vacation, but maybe worth a try. Many countries offer a sort of licence equivalency arrangement so you don't have to go through all the driving test crap.


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  #4  
Old 1 Sep 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by avola.n.c View Post
Hi, all. Longtime lurker, first post.

Any insurance recommendations for a US Citizen purchasing an Irish moto for a few months of cycling (in Ireland)?

I'm new to all this and may have backed myself into a corner, out of excitement and lack of preparation.

An Irish associate of mine was selling his Honda CB 500 in Galway. I expressed interest and began calling the big 4 providers around here: Carole Nash, Axa, Liberty, & Principal.

The first three could not offer a quote without me holding an Irish license. Principal, however, said there was no issue and offered a quote of 500 euros. With that assurance, I went ahead and purchased the bike.

24 hours after purchase, I called back Principal to proceed with the policy. Turns out, they can't insure me after all. Apparently, I spoke to a trainee that day on the phone and he made assurances the underwriters cannot keep. So now I'm back to square one, only now holding a bike I cannot ride legally.

Are there any solutions I haven't considered? It's my understanding that green card insurance from Knopf or TourInsure would not apply, since the bike was bought & registered in Ireland? Or am I mistaken?

For the record, I'm fully aware that I am partly - probably fully - to blame for this pickle I'm in. I should have planned this out better ahead of time. Rookie mistake, unfortunately.

Here's hoping I can salvage the situation and tour this beautiful country. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks, team.

Best,
Nick

*I hold a US motorcycle license. 29 y/o, no claims ever - realize that I didn't specify it earlier*


We're the only current provider of insurance coverage for non EU citizens owning EU registered motorcycles/vehicles, supported for any EU country that is.

You can search our thread here for Lobagola, or check our website or PM me or emal us at: borderinsurance@lobagola.com

Looking forward to your reply.

BR
Dooby
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  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2019
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Originally Posted by PrinceHarley View Post
Is getting an Irish licence on arrival out of the question? Might take a little time out of your vacation, but maybe worth a try. Many countries offer a sort of licence equivalency arrangement so you don't have to go through all the driving test crap.


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  #6  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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Thanks much @Fern, have indeed reached out to Motofeirme. Investigating possible solutions at the moment...

@PrinceHarley, from my conversations w/ national licensing dept, motorcycles in particular require starting the license process over from scratch... Certainly an option, but not ideal.

Appreciate all the input so far, everyone!

- Nick
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  #7  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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Also try buying a bike in UK and insuring with Adrian flux, email Lee.dyer@adrianflux.co.uk

If you need a UK address please drop me a pm.



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