RIDING A MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER

COVER WITH ZOOM

• Am I covered while riding a scooter, moped or motorbike overseas?

• If you are in control of a motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity greater than 125cc, you need to hold a current, valid New Zealand motorcycle licence. If you are riding a motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity lower than 125cc, you need to hold a current, valid New Zealand drivers licence.
  
  You also need to be aware that cover will not be provided to you if you are a passenger on a moped, scooter or motorcycle, and the person in control does not have a valid motorcycle licence for that country.  
  
  Please note that it’s compulsory to wear a helmet while riding a motorbike or scooter in many countries. Regardless of local requirements, Zoom advises you to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever you are a rider or passenger on a scooter or motorbike.

   

• Is the motorbike or scooter covered if I have an accident?

• No, rental vehicles including motorbikes are not covered by your travel insurance. The same goes for the rental insurance excess, which refers to the amount you’ll have to pay the rental company if the bike gets damaged. Insurance on the vehicle is generally included in your daily rental cost for the bike.

• Does it matter where I rent the motorcycle or scooter from?

• Your Zoom policy covers you for any injuries you sustain while riding regardless of where you have hired the bike from. However you should make sure that ther rental company is legitimate. It pays to read the rental agreement to understand how much you would have to pay if the motorbike or scooter is damaged. Ask for a pre-rental damage report or take photos of the bike before you leave. There have been cases of travellers being held accountable for damage that they didn't cause.

• Do I have to wear a helmet?

• Yes, preferably one that protects your whole face. It's compulsory to wear a helmet in Thailand, Cambodia and Bali, but no matter which country you’re riding in, to be covered under your travel insurance policy, you must wear a helmet. Even if you are not reqiured by the law to wear a helmet in that country, our travel insurance policy requires you to wear one. You’ll also need a helmet if you are a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter. If you’re not wearing a helmet during an accident, you won’t be covered.

• Is my New Zealand licence valid overseas?

• Licence requirements vary from country to country but an Internation Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised in most countries and recommended as the best way to ensure that you're properly licenced to drive or ride overseas. Particularly where English is not a native language as it provides translations into many languages.
  
  An IDP is an internationally recognised translation of your current driver licence. It is not a licence in its own right, so you must also carry your New Zealand driver licence with you when driving and stik to the same class of vehicle.  So, if your motorbike licence restricts the engine size you can ride, you can’t legally ride a scooter or motorbike with a larger engine capacity while overseas.
  
  In many countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates, you can only legally drive if you have an International Driver’s Permit.
  
  In some countries, such as in Vietnam, you may also be required to hold a local licence. In a few countries like Laos and Indonesia, there is also the option of getting a local licence instead of an IDP. Remember though, getting a local licence will only be valid for the country you are in, you can’t use that licence to ride a motorbike or scooter outside that country! This would be riding illegally, and your travel insurance wont provide you with cover.
  
  AA is the only place in New Zealand that you can apply for an International Driving Permit.
   

• Are there any exclusions to pay attention to?

• Accidents do happen so it’s important to make sure you have travel insurance that provides cover for riding motorbikes and scooters overseas. Like all insurances, some limits and exclusions will apply. We won't pay any claims if you violate your rental agreement; or if you are affected by alcohol or illegal drugs; you don't hold the correct licence for the vehicle you're operating; you are not wearing appropriate protective gear; or you are not obeying local traffic laws. Please refer to Zoom's PDS for more information.