Thats exactly what Ive been told by a customs agent in Chennai. And because of some lovely taxes in my home country, I'd value this bike at around 8000 euros now.

Means I would have to pay around 320 euros just to get the thing insured for full value during these 1-2 days that its supposed to take, to fly it as cargo first to Kuala Lumpur, and then on to Bangkok.

I even contacted several other companies that said might offer their help on this, but the amount theyre asking just seemed to get even higher (said its like this, because its an imported bike, though I dont understand whats that got to do with it).

Man, that is a ridiculously expensive insurance!! Its very close to what I pay back home to use the bike for the whole 6 months, that is the normal riding season over there (and that includes everything; theft, fire, if I crash it just out of my own stupidity, etc.)

How can this be - is this insurance made of gold, or what? And an even more stupid question: isnt the airline (Malaysian Airlines) by default responsible for their cargo at all, if I decide Im not going to take such a hefty-priced policy? Or they will pay some compensation by the kilo, so it will be the same, whether your transporting potatoes, or something more valuable?

How do people normally do, when putting their bikes into transport - just hope for the best & fear for the worst..??

I've got only tomorrow (Friday) working hours to sort something out, so if there are any good ideas, I would appreciate a quick reply. Otherwise, I think Im going to value it just 1000 or 2000 euros, and for the rest simply count on my luck... (I know its rare for anything to happen, its just that its completely out of my own hands now.)