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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cover

  • Who can ride my motorcycle?
    The policyholder and any named rider on the Certificate of Insurance provided they hold a valid licence to ride the vehicle. (Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy).
  • Am I covered to ride other motorcycles?
    The policyholder is only covered to ride the motorcycle specified on the policy.
  • Does my policy include breakdown cover?
    Yes. If you cannot ride your motorcycle as a result of a breakdown we will arrange 1 hours free roadside assistance and tow the motorcycle to the nearest competent repairer or to a garage of your choice, whichever is closer. If the repairs cannot be completed where the motorcycle broke down and you are away from home, we can arrange and pay for one of the following:
    • Transport for you and your passenger to your intended destination, within the territorial limits, up to €35 for each person and €70 in total;

      or

    • Bed-and-breakfast only accommodation for one night only while repairs are being carried out, up to €35 (£35) for each person and €70 (£70) in total.

    The help provided depends on the options available to us at the time you contact us. We also offer a message service to let family and friends know what has happened. Full information can be found in the policy booklet.

Discounts

  • What is a no-claims bonus?
    A no claims bonus is a discount which you earn by holding a policy in your own name without any claims. It builds up in years, so the more years you can ride without any claims, the bigger the discount will be, up a maximum of 5 years discount.
  • What is a protected no claims bonus?
    If you have 4 or more years no claims bonus, you can opt to protect your discount. This allows you to have one claim in the insurance year, and still keep your maximum no claims bonus. If you have a second claim in the same year, your bonus will be reduced as follows:

    1 year reduces to zero
    2 years reduces to zero
    3 years reduces to zero
    4 years reduces to 1 year
    5 or more years reduces to 2 years

    If you have a third claim in the same insurance year, your bonus will be reduced to 0 years.

    If you choose not to protect your no claims bonus, you will not lose all of your discount in the event of one claim in the insurance year. Instead, your bonus will be stepped back, as follows:

    1 year reduces to zero
    2 years reduces to zero
    3 years reduces to zero
    4 years reduces to 1 year
    5 or more years reduces to 2 years

    If two or more claims arise in any period of insurance, we will reduce your no claims bonus to zero at your next renewal.
  • I am using my no claims bonus on one motorcycle, and now I want to insure a second motorcycle. Will I get any discount?
    Your no claims bonus can only be used on one motorcycle at a time. This means if you are insuring a second motorcycle for the first time, you will start with 0 years no claims bonus, and will start to earn a second no claims bonus on this second motorcycle.
  • Can I earn a No Claims Bonus as a Provisional Licence holder?
    Yes. As long as the policy is in your own name you will start to earn a no claims bonus straight way, regardless of the licence type you hold.

Documentation

  • When will I receive my documents?
    All documents are issued by first class post. We ask you to allow 3-4 working days for delivery of your documents, although very often they will arrive sooner. If for any reason you have not received your documents within this time, please call us on 1890 89 1890 and we will check when your documents were issued.

    If you have chosen to pay your policy by Cash/Cheque, we will issue you a welcome pack. Once we have received your full payment, we will then issue your Certificate of Insurance.
  • Am I insured to ride, even though I have not received my documents?
    If you have just started a new policy, or you have made an amendment to an existing policy, we will need to issue you new documents by post. Your cover will start from the date and time you have selected, so you will be insured to ride whilst waiting on your documents.

    Please keep your policy reference number with you when you are driving, as if you are stopped this will make it easier for the Gardai to confirm your cover.
  • I need to tax my motorcycle. Do I need my insurance documents?
    Yes. In order to tax your vehicle in your local tax office or post office, you will need to produce your original Certificate of Insurance.

    If you have lost your documents, please contact us on 1890 89 1890 so we can issue new documents. You may be able to buy your motor tax online. To check if you can do this, you can visit www.motortax.ie for further details.

Licence

  • I am waiting to receive my licence. Can I still insure my motorcycle with Liberty Insurance?
    If you are waiting to receive your first provisional licence, you must wait until you have the licence before you can buy your insurance. You can still get a quote and we can cover you instantly once you have received your licence so you can start learning straight away.

    If you have passed your driving test, but have not yet received your full licence, you can purchase your insurance as a full licence holder.

Payment options (including Direct Debit)

  • I want to pay for my policy using the easy monthly payment plan, but I do not have a bank account in my own name / my bank account does not accept Direct Debit. Can I still pay monthly?
    Yes. If you do not have a bank account in your own name which accepts Direct Debit, we can accept monthly payments from a bank account in the name of the Policyholder’s spouse/civil partner, their parent, or their son/daughter.

    If you wish to set up a Direct Debit from any of these accounts, we must receive a signed Direct Debit Mandate from the account holder within 14 days of cover commencing. If the bank account is in the Policyholder’s own name, we can accept a paperless mandate.
  • I want to pay my insurance in monthly instalments but I do not have a credit or debit card to pay the deposit. Can I use somebody else's card?
    Yes, providing you have the cardholders permission.
  • What is a paperless mandate?
    Liberty Insurance operate a Scheme called DD+ in association with the Banking Industry whereby Bank Account and Sort Code details can be captured at source without the Customer having to physically sign a Direct Debit mandate form.

    In order to avail of the DD+ process the policyholder must be the account holder of the account to be debited and therefore the payer and the account type provided must be able to handle Direct Debits.

    If you are not the account holder, or if more than one person is required to authorise payment from this account, you cannot avail of this option. If the account is held in joint names you can still proceed as long as only one person's signature is needed for sign-off.

    If you agree to continue with the DD+ process Liberty Insurance will send out a confirmation notice which will include the following:
    • Account name
    • Account number
    • Day of the month to be debited
    • Date of first collection
    • Amount to be debited
    • Frequency of collection

    If you wish to avail of the paperless mandate, you can do so by selecting “Yes” when buying your policy online, or over the telephone.

    If you wish to set up a direct-debit using a bank account which is in the name of the Policyholders spouse, civil partner, parent or child, we can still accept the payments, but we will need the account holder to sign a mandate, which we will send to you.

    Non-return of mandate will result in the cancellation of your policy.
  • Can I change the date that my instalments are collected from my bank account?
    Yes. We can then change your collection date up to 14 days either side of the existing due date, up to 28th of the month. Your instalments will then be collected on the same date of every month.

    It is important to note that we apply for an instalment 3 days before the due date. If you wish to change your instalment date throughout the insurance year, you must contact us 7 days before the instalment is due. To change your instalment date mid-term, contact us on 1890 89 1890.
  • Can I pay my policy in full throughout the year, and will I still get charged the Direct debit service charge?
    If you are paying your policy by monthly Direct Debits, you can pay your policy in full at any stage throughout the year.

    The Direct Debit service charge will only be applied to your premium for as long as you are availing of the Direct Debit option, so you can save money by paying your policy off early. To make an early settlement payment, contact us on 1890 89 1890.

Accidents and Claims

  • What happens if I'm involved in an accident?
    • Check if anyone is hurt and if needed call an ambulance
    • You should notify the Gardai immediately
    • Note the insurance details of any third parties involved.
    • Note the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any independent witnesses.
    • Do not admit liability
    • Contact our 24 hour claims helpline on 1850 85 8530

    We will then assign you a personal claims handler, and deal with your claim as quickly and as hassle free as possible.
  • What do I do if I have an accident abroad?
    • Stop as you are required to by law.
    • Check if anyone is hurt and needs medical assistance.
    • Don’t admit responsibility
    • Exchange details with those involved.
    • Report the claim immediately by calling: (+353 ) 4943 24000 / (+44)2866 347000
    • We have appointed claims representatives available abroad who will assist you with your claim. You will find their details on
      www.dekra-claims-services.com

    We will then assign you a personal claims handler, and deal with your claim as quickly and as hassle free as possible.
  • If I have a claim will you appoint a Repairer/Assessor to deal with my claim?
    If the worst happens and you need to make a claim, our claims team will appoint a Regional Claims Manager to handle your claim. Your motorcycle can be brought to one of our approved repairers or a garage of your choice. In some cases we may appoint an assessor to help quantify the work required to your motorcycle.
  • What is a policy excess?
    The first amount of any claim you must pay. We pay the balance.
  • How much is the policy excess?
    Please refer to your policy schedule for details of your policy excess.
  • What happens if my motorcycle is written off/beyond economic repair?
    We will pay you the market value of the vehicle at the time of the accident but not more than the value specified in the Schedule of Insurance. When calculating the market value of a vehicle our Claims Department review motorcycle sales guides and internet sources in order to establish a fair settlement.

    If your vehicle is less than 12 months old and the cost of repairs will be more than 60% of the manufacturer’s list price, including taxes, or it is stolen and not recovered, we will replace it with a new vehicle of the same make and model. However, we will not pay for a replacement vehicle if the replacement cost is more than the value shown in the schedule.

    We will only do this if a replacement vehicle is available and anyone who has an interest in the vehicle agrees. If a replacement vehicle is not available, we will pay the market value of the vehicle immediately before the loss happened, as long as it is not more than the value in the schedule

Existing Customers

  • What should I do if I want to make a change to my policy e.g. get another motorcycle?
    You can make many changes to your policy using our online service (MyAccount).

    These changes include:
    • Add Rider,
    • Change of cover,
    • Change of vehicle,
    • Change of contact details,
    • Change of registration,
    • Change class of use.

    You will be free to get quotes for any of the above changes to your policy at anytime.

    You will need the username and password we provided you when you got your quote or started your policy. If you have any difficulty, you can follow the help guidelines in the login process.

    Alternatively, you can contact us by phone to make any changes on 1890 89 1890 between the hours of 8am and 7pm Mon-Fri, and 8am-4pm Sat.
  • How do I know what my renewal premium will be?
    Your renewal notice is automatically issued approximately 30 days before your renewal date. We will post this directly to you, and you can also view your renewal details online using MyAccount. This will enable you to renew your policy online.
  • What happens if I want to cancel my policy?
    You may cancel your policy at any time by notifying us and returning your Certificate of Insurance. If you cancel within the first 14 days of cover, you will pay for the length of time you have been covered, plus an administration fee of €50.

    If you cancel your policy after the first 14 days, but still within the first year of insurance with us, we will work out your refund according to our cancellation rates which can be found in your policy booklet.

    If you cancel your policy following a claim there will be no refund of premium due. The cancellation rates are based on the yearly premium being paid in full. Please refer to the policy booklet for full details. To cancel your policy, please contact us on 1890 89 1890.

Premiums

  • How does my address affect my premium?
    The price of the policy is based on the risk. This is calculated on all details, such as licence type, driving history, vehicle type, value and location. Some areas are proven to have more claims than others.

    This may work in your favour, as if you live in an area which has a history of low claims, this will be reflected in a lower premium.

    Unfortunately, if you live in an area with a history of higher claims, this will also be reflected in your premium Incorrect information could invalidate all or part of your policy.
  • Will the new Insurance Compensation Fund levy affect my insurance premium?
    The new 2% Insurance Compensation Fund levy applies to policies incepted or renewed on or after 1 January 2012. The price we have quoted you includes this statutory charge.

Gender Directive

Other

  • Can my quote be sent to me?
    In most circumstances you can request your quotation to be sent to you by E-mail or SMS in our call centre. To request your quote, contact us on 1890 89 1890.
  • How can I contact Liberty Insurance?
    Phone 1890 89 1890 (RoI Lo-Call)

    E-mail us at info@libertyinsurance.ie
    or write to:
    Liberty Insurance,
    Dublin Road,
    Cavan,
    Co. Cavan.
  • Can I insure a motorcycle which isn’t registered in my name?

    If the vehicle you want to insure is registered in a leased company name or your spouse/civil partner/common law partner or parent’s name then you can still insure it with you as the policyholder. If you are declaring yourself as the policyholder then you must be the main rider of the vehicle.

    You should state during the quotation stage that you are not the registered owner of the vehicle. You should also check your documents carefully when you receive them to ensure you are happy with all the information we hold.

    If this or any information is not declared correctly it will affect your right to make a claim on the policy.

Remember we're here to help. If you have any other questions, just ask. You can contact us on 1890 89 1890 or e-mail us at info@libertyinsurance.ie.

We appreciate all comments, feedback and suggestions. Help us to improve our service, or just let us know what you think.

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