Dangerous Sports Insurance

Dangerous Sports Insurance
CAN or SHOULD I ride a motorcycle?

i am 15. my birthday is in june, and i want to learn to ride a motorcycle. i have a car already, but i find myself drawn to riding a motorcycle. i have never even touched one before, but i have read some beginner riders books. i want to take the MSF training class, but i dont know if it is a good idea at my age. i know that they are dangerous, but i want to get a small bike, first. i have heard really good things about the kawasaki ninja 250, but that is a sports bike. the insurance company that i have with my car wont even insure it because it is a ninja. what insurance company will? i heard it was a good beginners bike, is that true? what else can i do to be as safe as possible while learning to ride?

Ok Nathan. Just the facts that you are planning on taking the MSF class AND you realise that motorcycles can be dangerous, are enough for me to say you are ready for a motorcycle.

The Ninja 250 is a perfect bike for a beginner (unless you are in excess of 200 pounds or something). And I had no problems insuring my son’s Ninja 250. We use Progressive. Here is a link to them: http://www.progressive.com/

I’ve been ranting a lot on here lately about the attributes of a Ninja 250 as a beginner bike. So, I’ll just add another rant for you Nathan.

The 250 is inexpensive (especially if you get a used one…which I recommend). Parts are easy to get, It’s easy to work on. And it holds its value well so when you are ready for a bigger bike, you can get most of your money when you sell the 250.

As for being safe while learning to ride. First of course is a helmet. And proper riding attire. You don’t have to go out and buy really expensive gear, but some common sense goes a long way….no shorts, sandals, anything with hanging strings or whatever. I wear a simple leather jacket, heavy jeans, and always gloves. Wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles (boots are best though).

The MSF class will teach you quite adequately how to operate your machine safely along with various manoeuvers.

Now as to age for licence or permit…Here in Wyoming a kid can get his permit at age 15. There are some restrictions (like no pillion riders, helmet required, daytime hours), but you can ride independently. At 16 you get a full licence. And if you take (and pass) the MSF class you don’t have to take the road test.

You will love riding Nathan. Even as a parent knowing the hazards of motorcycling, I encourage you to start NOW! Two things a boy needs in life are A DOG and A MOTORCYCLE.

Girls’ Most Dangerous Sport: Cheerleading

Choose The Travel Insurance That is Right For You

It is something that we all need if we are planning to take a trip overseas. Travel insurance will cover most costs in the event of a delayed or canceled trip, death or illness and lost baggage.

The situations that are commonly covered by travel insurance are emergency medical assistance, death, a canceled trip and damaged baggage. You can generally take out travel insurance for any or all of these options, although it may not always be necessary. Make sure you understand exactly what your policy does and does not cover.

If you are traveling overseas, always check your existing medical insurance to see whether it covers you away from home – you may not need to take out extra travel insurance. And you may not need to take out as much travel insurance if you have a major credit card – most credit cards include some kind of basic travel or trip cancellation insurance.

So if you do need travel insurance, where do you get it from? Most cruise lines, travel agents, airlines and tour companies will provide adequate and comprehensive travel insurance. If you are taking a cruise, it may be easier to let the cruise line handle it – they may also be able to offer you a lower rate as they can buy group rate coverage.

Some insurance won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or participation in dangerous activities such as skiing or mountaineering. Decide whether you need this type of insurance before you travel – most insurance companies won’t allow you to add so-called dangerous sports coverage to your policy once you are actually there.

The cost of travel insurance can be a lot higher if you are traveling to certain countries that are considered to be risky or unsafe. These “travel advisories” are maintained on a list by the US Department of State. American citizens are still forbidden to travel to Cuba and obtaining travel insurance to go there is almost impossible.

Some insurance policies will cover acts of terrorism while other policies won’t – always check the small print or contact your insurance company if the policy isn’t clear. Check whether your policy covers you in the event of natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes – especially if you are traveling to certain parts of the world.

If you are traveling to a country where riots, civil disturbances, strikes or other outbreaks are likely to affect your travel plans, look for travel insurance that specifically covers those possibilities – many policies exclude them.

And airlines reserves the right to cancel your flight and offer you a full refund in the event of civil war, hostilities, riots or other things determined to be “acts of God”. As far as lost luggage is concerned, airlines insure your luggage against loss or damage to some degree – you can take out extra insurance if you want to.

If you are traveling as part of a group – often defined in the travel industry as 10 people or more – it is almost certainly easier and cheaper to take out group travel insurance. As long as your group is traveling together, it should qualify.

And so-called “family plans” are often less expensive when it comes to travel insurance for families traveling together – family may include extended family such as cousins, grandparents and various in-laws.

Like most insurance products – travel insurance can be confusing. It’s certainly worth taking out the right insurance – at the right price – so you can actually enjoy that long awaited trip.