Although cars remain the largest private vehicle in Italy, there has been a real boom in motorcycles and scooters, especially in large cities.
According to what was disclosed in Repubblica, from 2023 to today over 337,000 two-wheeled vehicles have been registered , conquering the European record. In order to be able to circulate, however, it is necessary to know the rules and possess a series of documents in compliance, including the stipulation of an insurance coverage .
One of the most important aspects when driving on the road is to have good motorcycle liability insurance which is not only a legal requirement but a real protection in the event of accidents, both for the driver and for third parties. We want to provide you with a complete insight into the topic by explaining legal requirements, advantages, coverage and much more.
Mandatory Motorbike Insurance in Italy: What You Need to Know
Civil liability in Italy is mandatory for both motorcycles and cars. All motor vehicles that travel on the road, according to the law, must have an insurance policy capable of covering damage caused to third parties, whether people, vehicles or things. Failure to do so entails administrative sanctions, seizure of the vehicle and sometimes even criminal consequences.
The obligation is not only for vehicles used daily but also for those stopped and parked in public areas ; in short, the exemption can be given only for two-wheelers that lie in private gardens or garages. For example, there are people who use mopeds only in spring and summer, stipulating quarterly or six-monthly contracts with their insurance company.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
Now you are probably wondering what kind of protection is included in a simple RC contract. Here is what you need to know:
- Protects against property damage such as that caused to other vehicles or private property;
- It compensates for physical injuries including medical costs, disability compensation or death.
It should be clearly underlined that the basic RC policy for mopeds does not cover damages suffered by the driver of the insured motorbike and his vehicle if he is found to be at fault for the accident; to be covered in that case it is better to take out a complete protection , adding additional guarantees such as injury to the driver or coverage against theft and fire .
While it is a legal duty to fulfill , there are also advantages to signing the contract. Let's start by highlighting how it guarantees financial protection in the event of compensation claims.
Then we need to understand the potential to drive around peacefully , knowing that we are in order and protected. An additional plus? It can be customized with a series of additional protections to meet your needs. And no, it is not mandatory all year round: you can choose quarterly or six-monthly contracts, as long as the vehicle is not parked in a public area without an RC.
How to choose the right one for you
By contacting an insurance company , or by getting several quotes to find the best option for you, you will realise that in addition to a basic RC you can add a series of guarantees that will be a plus.
The first aspect to consider is certainly the deductible and the maximum . Although the law provides for a minimum imposed, it is better to opt for a solution that offers greater protection.
As for the pluses that we suggest you take into consideration, there are:
- Theft and fire coverage especially useful for new vehicles or for those who park in unattended areas;
- Roadside assistance to ensure you get quick tow truck interventions in the event of breakdowns or accidents;
- Legal protection to cover expenses in the event of disputes;
- Driver accident insurance for those who want to protect themselves 100%.
Save on merit classes
Just like cars, the cost of motorcycle insurance is directly influenced by the merit classes , that is, the system that rewards virtuous drivers by offering advantageous quotes. Every motorcyclist starts from class 14 and then scales down over time to the lowest and most convenient ones.
But be careful, thanks to the Bersani Law there are various ways to save: you can inherit the merit class of a cohabiting family member, starting from a more economically competitive situation.
As you may have understood, insuring the motorcycle is a legal obligation for what concerns the RC but there are additional accessory forms available that can improve the coverage and therefore make the motorcyclist feel safer. Consult a trusted company and request a personalized quote, so as to have in your hands an advantageous contract with a competitive price but above all protective.