What safety requirements must your motorcycle meet?
Of course, you always want to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen. One of the most important things you can do to better secure your motorcycle is to use an ART-approved lock. But which motorcycle insurance policies actually require such a lock, and what risks do you face if your lock doesn’t meet your insurer’s requirements?
Mandatory lock for your motorcycle: ART 4
An ART lock is a lock with a quality certification mark. The quality is rated on a star scale: from one star (low security) to five stars (locks for home storage).
When an ART slot is required
Do you have motorcycle insurance with limited comprehensive coverage or full coverage? If so, the insurer has a security requirement. With these types of insurance, the insurer assumes the risk of theft.
Insurer's Requirements for an ART Lock
For your motorcycle insurance, you need at least an ART 4 lock. This level provides sufficient security according to the insurer's requirements. You must also have both original keys, at least one of which must show clear signs of use.
The Validity of an ART Lock
The approval of an ART lock may expire. The ART Foundation regularly checks whether locks still meet the requirements. If you’re not using an approved lock, you won’t be covered in the event of theft. So always check whether your lock is still valid according to the insurer’s requirements.
Exception to Third-Party Liability Coverage
Do you only have basic liability coverage? In that case, there is no theft coverage, and there is also no requirement to use an ART lock.
Overnight Parking
It is best to park your motorcycle in a securely locked space at night. Always use an ART 4-approved lock.
Don't have a locked space? Then park the motorcycle out of sight from the public road. Secure an ART 4-approved chain lock or U-lock to a wall or ground anchor with the ART certification mark, or to another sturdy, fixed object.
If you can't hide the motorcycle from view or secure it to an object, lock it using the standard locks and an ART 4-approved lock.
SCM Security
Additional security requirements apply to some motorcycles. This depends on the catalog value of your motorcycle. Your policy terms and conditions or the endorsement sheet will indicate whether your motorcycle must meet one of the SCM M-classes listed below.
Class M1
Consists of a system that automatically activates and prevents the engine from moving on its own; no detection and no alarm.
- Block on the engine management system
- Attack resistance of at least 3 minutes
Class M2
Consisting of a system that automatically activates and prevents the engine from moving on its own, with an emergency power siren alarm, supplemented by tilt detection.
- Optical Signaling
- Motion Detection
- Acoustic signaling via an emergency power siren
Class M3
Consisting of an M2-class system that meets the requirements of SCM Regulation MF-04, supplemented by a tracking system that meets the requirements of SCM Regulation TT03.
Certificate
When you purchase an SCM security system, you will receive a KIWA SCM (Stichting Certificering Motorrijtuigbeveiliging) certificate. This certificate is valid for three years. After that, you must have the security system inspected annually by a certified company.
You can only receive compensation for any damage if you have a valid certificate. The certificate is therefore proof that your motorcycle is properly secured.
What else can you do to prevent theft?
The insurer's requirements are the bare minimum. But with a few extra tips, you can further reduce the risk of theft. Thieves often look for easy targets, so make sure your motorcycle is less attractive to them. Tips:
Use additional security measures in addition to the mandatory ones.
Park your motorcycle in a place where there are a lot of people. That way, thieves won't have a chance to steal it.
Won't be using your motorcycle for a while? Store it indoors in a garage.
Secure the motor to the ground or to a pole.
Engrave the license plate number into the frame. This will make the motorcycle less valuable to thieves.
Use a brake disc lock.
If things do go wrong
Even if you take every possible precaution, you can never completely rule out theft. That’s why good motorcycle insurance is important to protect you financially. For theft coverage, you’ll need either third-party liability plus limited comprehensive coverage or third-party liability with comprehensive coverage motorcycle insurance.
So be sure that your motorcycle meets the insurer’s security requirements. Insurers are increasingly imposing additional security requirements. If your motorcycle does not meet these requirements, you may have to pay a higher deductible in the event of damage or theft, or you may not receive any compensation at all.
Premiums also vary significantly from one insurer to another. So be sure to compare your options carefully before making a decision. With Alpina’s comparison tool, you can see multiple options at a glance and avoid paying too much.
Do you have questions about your lock or your motorcycle insurance? Feel free to contact us via chat or by phone at 088 688 3710.
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