Who Can Ride Your Insured Motorcycle? Explained

Motorcycle Insurance: What Category of Riders Are Insured?

Reading time: 3 mins

Ever wondered if you can ride your friend's motorcycle? Motorcycle insurance in Singapore goes beyond simply protecting your bike - it also defines who can ride it legally under your policy. That's where rider categories come in. For owners of two-wheelers, do you know that you have the option of adding someone else as the main rider or additional riders under your motorcycle insurance policy? Here's a quick guide on rider categories insured!

Types of rider categories in your motorcycle insurance policy

1. Policyholder (aka Vehicle Owner)

This refers to the registered owner of the vehicle. Basically, only the registered owner of the motorcycle can sign off on the insurance policy document as the main or primary policyholder.

2. Main Rider 

This is the person that uses the motorcycle most frequently. Take note that the main rider must be aged 21 to 65 years old, with at least 2 years of riding experience.

3. Named Riders 

These are riders that you specifically list as part of your motorcycle insurance policy. They have to be aged 21 to 65 years old, with at least 2 years’ riding experience as well.

4. Authorised Riders 

These are family or friends that are not named within your motorcycle insurance policy, but you allow to use your motorcycle. 

5. Any Rider

These are unnamed authorised riders you choose to share your motorcycle with.
 

Who can be named under your motorcycle insurance policy?

If you have listed someone as a Named Driver under your policy, that rider will enjoy the same coverage as you. You can choose to add on the ‘Any Rider’ optional benefit so that all authorised riders share your same coverage when riding your motorbike.

However, all authorised – or – unnamed riders must meet the following criteria, to be covered under your motorcycle insurance policy. The authorised rider must:

• have a valid Singaporean motorcycle license, with a minimum of 2 years driving experience in the country.
• have no at-fault claims (meaning accident-free) for 3 consecutive years prior to the start of the policy.
• not be under suspension or disqualification from driving in the last 5 years.
• not use the insured motorcycle for rental or delivery purposes, even if the delivery usage is declared and selected within the motorcycle insurance policy.
• ride the motorcycle only with the permission of the policyholder.
• be at a minimum age of 25 or 30 years old, and a maximum age of 65, depending on which ‘Any Rider’ optional benefit is selected.

Riders that will not be covered under your motorcycle insurance policy

However, most insurers strictly exclude some riders from your insurance policy. Insurance companies typically will not cover you if:

• Your application to renew your policy in the last 3 years has been declined.
• Your policy has been terminated in the last 3 years.
• Your license has been suspended or cancelled in the last 5 years.
• Your motorcycle is registered under your company (i.e. business use).
• You use your motorcycle for commercial purposes, hire or reward.
• You use your motorcycle to perform delivery of services, whether on a full time or part time basis, unless you declare such usage truthfully and select the right cover.

What happens to your No Claims Discount (NCD) if you add a named rider to your insurance policy?

Adding a named driver to your motorcycle insurance policy won’t change the way your NCD is accumulated. However, a claim made by any insured/authorised rider on your policy can affect your NCD, because the claim sits on your policy.

Should you consider listing named riders and authorised riders under your policy?

Adding named riders to your motorcycle insurance is useful if someone will ride your bike regularly, such as during daily commutes or long trips. But keep in mind: adding a rider with a high-risk profile could increase your premium.

If you’re ok letting your bike buddies ride your motorbike frequently, adding on ‘Any Rider’ may be a better choice, as it allows friends or family to use your motorcycle without being individually named. However, only riders who meet your insurer's criteria - such as age and riding experience - will be covered. Others remain excluded. 

Before finalising your insurance decision, it’s always best to compare motorcycle insurance quotes online for the best options. If you’re undecided on which provider to use, consider speaking to a qualified insurance professional.