Motorcycles are popular in Nova Scotia, just as they are in most
parts of the world. However, northern provinces like Nova Scotia
have some unique dangers for motorcyclists that make the need for
high quality insurance even higher. While Nova Scotia has its climate
regulated by the bodies of water around it, the winters are still
very cold and can lead to poor road conditions. Rain, snow, and
ice can cause most motorcyclists to take their car out that day,
but some adventurous bikers ride even in poor conditions. Nova
Scotia is also known for being foggy, especially in the northern
region. It is obvious why motorcycle insurance is such a competitive
business in Nova Scotia.
Motorcycles do not handle poor weather as well as cars because
they have less traction and a higher relative center of gravity.
The painted lines that separate lanes can also get very slippery
if it is cold or wet out. There does not actually need to be any
rain for these painted lines to get very slippery. When you slip
on a bike it will not only hurt but also can do cosmetic and frame
damage to the bike.
In more than 75% of bike accidents involving another vehicle the
other driver claims he or she did not see the bike. Visibility
is obviously a major concern for any motorcyclist. With only a
small head and tail light it can be very difficult for drivers
to see you in the rain, fog, or even on a clear night. Some drivers
mistake the small headlight of a motorcycle for a car that is further
away.
The Nova Scotia Registry of Motor
Vehicles makes it mandatory for anyone who wishes to operate
a motorcycle to attain a class 6 license. The Registry of Motor
Vehicles also offers training courses to help people attain their
learner’s license and
eventually move up to the full class 6 license. There are waiting
periods between each skill level that limit the displacement of
the motorcycle you can operate. Because of the great municipal
motorcycle-training program that tests important skills like panic
stops, as well as the displacement restrictions, Nova Scotia is
a province of very skilled and safe motorcyclists, but unforeseen
things do happen.
Many of the big national Canadian auto insurance companies offer
coverage in Nova Scotia, and there are some local insurance companies
as well. If you went through the municipal motorcycle-training
program your insurance rates will normally be very affordable.
You can also take additional classes and show proof of completion
to your insurance agent to possibly receive a further discount.
If you ride your motorcycle only during the summer months you can
also sometimes receive a discount, as it is the winter months that
offer the most danger to a rider in Nova Scotia.
No matter what your intended riding months are, or whether you
consider yourself a safe rider or not, motorcycle insurance is
very important because even minor accidents can cause major injuries
to yourself and damage to the bike. Even veteran riders fall down
sometimes, and you want to be able to repair your bike in the case
of a spill.