Motorcycle insurance. Would like some advice please

MrsCoppertop

I have had motorcycle insurance for several years. I possess a 1978 Honda Express which is used mainly evenings and weekends during the summer, I am the policy holder with my husband as a named rider. This year I elected to use the MSE search tool to obtain new quotes for my motorcycle insurance which is due for renewal on the 8th June 2025. The renewal preium from my present insurance company was coming in at £96.76 as opposed to the £71.61 that I paid last year.

The top half dozen quotes I received using the MSE search tool were lower than the £96.76. I elected for Bikesure at £88.16 to include free legal cover. That evening Thursday 22nd May 2025 I went to Bikesure website and paid the premium by credit card with the motorcycle insurance starting on the 8th June 2025.

I received the Certificate of Insurance and other download packages, which I have since read through. The following day I received an email and attachment letter stating I needed to contact them as they had searched online databases and regrettably they believe my bike insurance policy is based on incorrect information. I needed to contact them otherwise they would cancel the policy and refund my payment minus their administration charges. I was working so my husband called but lost patience with the amount of questions. He advised Bikesure that we would be cancelling the payment and taking our business elsewhere.

After speaking to my credit card provider it appears Bikesure withdrew their premium of £88.16 on the 22nd May 2025. It was not a pending payment due for release on the 8th June 2025 when the new policy was due to start. They had taken the funds completely.

I have since obtained motorcycle insurance elsewhere, they have not returned querying the information or stating any incorrect details have been forwarded. I have written to Bikesure requesting they repay the £88.16 in full, I am still awaiting their response.

Would like some advice please as to whether anyone else has encountered similar issues with Bikesure. Would also appreciate thoughts on why Bikesure would take £88.16 in advance, especially as the policy was not due to start for another two weeks.........is this ethical practice?

Thankyou in advance for all replies and offers of help.

Mark_d

It's not unusual for the insurer to take the payment in advance - because they start incurring costs as soon as you buy the policy - for example producing your policy documents.

DullGreyGuy

Normal practice on new business to collect funds immediately, it will be refunded less their cancellation fees per their communication. There is no requirement for insurance to be fee free in the cooling off period.

Ayr_Rage

" I needed to contact them otherwise they would cancel the policy and refund my payment minus their administration charges. I was working so my husband called but lost patience with the amount of questions. He advised Bikesure that we would be cancelling the payment and taking our business elsewhere "

Sounds like your husband may have lost it to some degree and they may have marked the account accordingly.

You'll just have to wait for their reply but don't expect a full refund.

Mr.Generous

Quite a low quote for a motorbike, when you consider the tearaways that generally ride the express, the speeds they reach and the wheelies, burn outs etc.

PS does it still have the front shopping basket?

MrsCoppertop

Thankyou very much to everyone who has taken the time to reply.

Ayr_Rage said:

" I needed to contact them otherwise they would cancel the policy and refund my payment minus their administration charges. I was working so my husband called but lost patience with the amount of questions. He advised Bikesure that we would be cancelling the payment and taking our business elsewhere "

Sounds like your husband may have lost it to some degree and they may have marked the account accordingly.

You'll just have to wait for their reply but don't expect a full refund.

Unfortunately my husband had a poor experience with Adrain Flux Insurance several years ago, this was obviously at the back of his mind on this occasion. Patience is not his virtue!