Motorcycle Rental Insurance in Singapore: What to Check

General information only, not insurance advice. Policy terms change, so read the wording or ask the insurer or rental company directly.

In Singapore, motor insurance is required by law for any vehicle on the road. If you rent a motorcycle, you need to know whose insurance covers the bike, who covers you, and what you owe if something goes wrong. An earlier version of this article profiled several insurers' products for owners. Those offers change often and mostly cover owned bikes, so this version focuses on what applies to renters.

Who provides the insurance

There are usually two routes:

1. The rental company's policy. Most rental operators insure their fleet and include the cover in the rental fee. This is the simplest route. Ask for a copy of the policy summary or certificate.
2. Your own policy. Standard motorcycle policies from Singapore insurers are written for the owner's own bike. Some offer named-rider or any-rider options, but these are tied to the insured vehicle, so do not assume your own cover extends to a rented bike. Check with your insurer in writing.

Types of motorcycle cover

Singapore motorcycle policies generally come in three levels:

• Third Party Only (TPO): covers injury or damage you cause to others, but not your own bike.
• Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT): TPO plus loss from fire or theft.
• Comprehensive: adds cover for damage to the insured bike, including from your own accident, subject to the excess.

Questions to ask a rental company

• Is insurance included, and is it comprehensive or third party only?
• What is the excess (the amount you pay per claim), and is it higher for young or inexperienced riders?
• What is excluded? Common exclusions include riding without a valid licence, drink riding, racing and riding outside permitted areas.
• Who pays for towing, repair downtime and loss of use?
• Does cover apply to a pillion passenger?
• What is the process after an accident, and who do you report to first?

Licence and eligibility

Rental companies and insurers will normally require a valid licence for the correct motorcycle class. Check what they accept if you hold a foreign licence, and whether you need an International Driving Permit. If you ride outside the terms, the insurer may refuse a claim.

Tips

• Photograph the bike on collection and return to avoid damage disputes.
• Keep a copy of the policy schedule and the emergency contact number with you.
• Read the excess and exclusions before you pay, not after an accident.