Temporary Insurance for a bike I don't own with EU cover?

[GTMorgan]

I'm off to Spain in May to do some sections of the TET for 8 days. I'm going with my brother and riding one of his bikes. I presumed, wrongly, that I'd be covered on my policy under the 'riding other motorcycles' 3rd party but, after looking at the small print it doesn't cover outside of territorial limits (UK).
His bikes are on a multi bike policy, can't add another rider to that policy unfortunately, and I can't find temporary cover for use abroad on a bike I don't own, anyone come across this scenario and have a work around?

There are 2 methods, which I'll do if I have to, transfer ownership of the bike to me, so the bike is in my name, then take out a 12 month policy which will have 90 days EU cover, transfer it back to him when we're finished.
Second method is to remove the bike from the multi policy, insure it on its own policy then add me as a second rider.
Would be a lot easier if I could just arrange 10 days cover, I'd rather not give my brother the hassle, after he's been good enough to lend me the bike!

 

[siddo]

Can't you just insure it as you would normally and cancel it within the 14 day period when you return?

 

[GTMorgan]

Can't you just insure it as you would normally and cancel it within the 14 day period when you return?

It's an option but, I'd have to register the bike in my name, and have the V5 for the trip, it also introduces a risk in that if he had the bike stolen from home and the bike wasn't in his name, they wouldn't pay out, slim chance I know but....
Trying to 'hassle' him as little as possible but, I think method 2 will end up being the most sensible way to do it.

 

[Snaf]

Search for border insurance. It's about 80 euros a month.

 

[Berin]

Try Adrian Flux.

They can be quite good with odd requirements.

I stand to be corrected but I don’t think border insurance is available in Europe.

 

[Wapping]

Have you asked your own insurer as to whether they’ll extend your policy to ride your brother’s motorcycle?

This thread is on the same subject. Lord knows if Doc sorted it out and how, but I know he rode the bike for several days.

Thread 'Temporary cover'

Sep 3, 2025

Hi Lads,
I need some temporary cover for a bike which isn't mine registered in Guernsey and need to be covered for Europe. Should I be able to do it with my current insurers which is Bikesure ? Bit late in the day for me to inquire but thought some of you lads might know.

Cheers Doc

• Doc
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Motor Insurance (cars and bikes)

 

[GTMorgan]

Have you asked your own insurer as to whether they’ll extend your policy to ride your brother’s motorcycle?

Yes, my current policy won't cover it because it's not mine.
To make it more difficult, my policy expires whilst I'm away, I've already renewed with another insurer hence, I'd need to get both to agree

 

[Wapping]

Ask your new insurer if they’ll insure the loan bike. If they say yes, then:

A. Start the new policy with the new insurer early.

B. Cancel your existing policy from the sane date, even if it costs something to do it.

That way you only need to persuade one insurer, not two.

 

[GTMorgan]

Ask your new insurer if they’ll insure the loan bike. If they say yes, then:

A. Start the new policy with the new insurer early.

B. Cancel your existing policy from the sane date, even if it costs something to do it.

That way you only need to persuade one insurer, not two.

That's a no go too, just tried, non ownership being the issue.

I have managed to get quote, Adrian Flux, thanks Berin for the suggestion, they'll cover it for the 10 day trip at a cost, £168 but, it's done properly.

 

[Snaf]

I stand to be corrected but I don’t think border insurance is available Europe.

EU border insurance
Non EEC country registered vehicles only, many countries have border insurance from my experiance some we've even had to have a local registration to go with it, some even let you choose the number.

 

[GTMorgan]

EU border insurance
Non EEC country registered vehicles only, many countries have border insurance from my experiance some we've even had to have a local registration to go with it, some even let you choose the number.

I’ll look into this before I accept the quote, looks like it’ll do the trick from what I can tell, thanks.

 

[Wapping]

I’ll look into this before I accept the quote, looks like it’ll do the trick from what I can tell, thanks.

Let the thread know how you get on, please.

Thanks.

 

[Snaf]

I’ll look into this before I accept the quote, looks like it’ll do the trick from what I can tell, thanks.

Just to warn you, it will be basic third party only. I prefer it in some ways to getting a green card if it gives the same cover as you can just walk away from it if you're the cause of an accident without having to deal with another countries insurance system when home. Probably a different story if you're on the receiving end of an accident but Spain should be OKish.
Are Adrian Flux offering fully comp or theft cover.

 

[GTMorgan]

Ok that’s done with border insurance, thanks Snaf. It’s €65 (£58) for 3rd party cover for 14 days. Adrian Flux could only offer 3rd party, no option to increase cover, same price for any bike, no matter what size engine.
Obviously you’d use your own insurance in most cases, this one was awkward/complexed by not being the registered keeper or owner.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Wapping]

…..as you can just walk away from it if you're the cause of an accident without having to deal with another countries insurance system when home

If you are the cause of an accident abroad, you may well be ‘dealing with’ a foreign country’s ‘insurance system’ (and perhaps its legal system, too) whether you have cover via a ‘green card’ (itself all but done away with within the EU and certain additional countries, even for UK held insurance, for most normal bods) or the ‘border insurance’ bought from a provider on the internet.

But I guess it means what you mean by ‘dealing with’?

 

[Snaf]

Yes indeed you'll need to deal with it when there and I did so on more than one occasion but once you're home it's history as far as insurance is concerned.
It's always worth familiarising one self with the insurance and legal position in other countries. Many have a police must attend policy and you must not move any vehicle before they attend.

 

[Berin]

EU border insurance
Non EEC country registered vehicles only, many countries have border insurance from my experiance some we've even had to have a local registration to go with it, some even let you choose the number.

Yes, I’ve used it in Morocco, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and a few other but never seen it for Europe. If as you it’s non EEC then it should apply to British registered bikes.

 

[Berin]

Ok that’s done with border insurance, thanks Snaf. It’s €65 (£58) for 3rd party cover for 14 days. Adrian Flux could only offer 3rd party, no option to increase cover, same price for any bike, no matter what size engine.
Obviously you’d use your own insurance in most cases, this one was awkward/complexed by not being the registered keeper or owner.
Thanks for the help guys.

That’s great! Thanks Snaf, could be useful in odd situations like this!