Maz, I always drive a scooter in Goa, but I have my own insurance an drive a scooter in the UK. This year because of the incessant rain, we decided we'd hire a car and made a point of asking for a proper rental. We still didnt get it, but got someones car as a loan. It clicked when they said if we had an accidnet we pay and the old favourite of if you get stopped by the police, then it is your friends car. We changed our minds there and then. There are places that do proper rentals, and they are becoming more readily available, but always check the fine detail as they are not always what they seem!.

Maz, I always drive a scooter in Goa, but I have my own insurance an drive a scooter in the UK.

Are you saying that you have insurance to cover you on a scooter in Goa, Martin?

I have just read my travel insurance policy and it says you are covered for bikes up to 125cc and are only covered for higher than that if you have a licence.

luci

Correct, some policies cover up to 125cc and most scooters in Goa are below this, although a lot of "small" motorbikes are above, however..................its worth looking at what is excluded if your disaster occurs due to riding a bike (even if you are theoretically covered). Most policies exclude personal accident and medical, and they most certainly do not cover damage to the hired bike or anything/anyone you hit, so what are you covered for?
Also imagine the scenario if you have an accident, do you really think you will be able to stand there on the Mapusa/Calangute road and exchange insurance details before proceeding on your merry way. The reality in Goa, even if you have insurance taken out and paid for there is - You crash, you pay.

My mate T has got a skateboard he reckons it's the best way of getting around Calangute. His wife is on about getting one next week aswell.

Are you saying that you have insurance to cover you on a scooter in Goa, Martin?

Johnny, yes I do. my insurance covers me for driving a scooter up to 125cc abroad

The reality in Goa, even if you have insurance taken out and paid for there is - You crash, you pay.

Too true

Hi Lucy, please could you tell me who your policy is with as we always use a moped and I dont think our current company covers this.

Anyone thinking of driving in goa see following links:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=138502

http://headlinesindia.mapsofindia.com/state-news/goa/in-goa-church-steps-in-to-appeal-for-safe-driving-15856.html

KEEP DEATH OF THE ROADS. GET A TAXI!!

And anyone offering advice to others on this subject, please make sure your facts are 101% correct because......
1) if your motorcycle insurance includes riding abroad, it will almost certainly exclude India, and quite rightly so.
2) as stated in my previous post, check whats excluded because the liklihood is that it will be most things.
3) whatever the guy who hires you the vehicle says, your cover will be at best minimal, at worst, non-existent
4) even if you have a proper hire bike with yellow number plates, although the insurance premium your hirer is paying is extortionate, it is not worth the paper it is printed on as far as you are concerned...........you may as well be uninsured.

At the end of the day, if you are going to ride/drive in Goa, put your rose-tinted goggles on and look in all directions at once, coz thats where they will be coming from

arpora kid wrote:

Hi Lucy, please could you tell me who your policy is with as we always use a moped and I dont think our current company covers this.

It's with Direct Travel Insurance and you can read their policy wording on their website. They are not the cheapest, but I think they give very good cover.

luci

In the space of an hour the other night I saw three crashes in involving scooters on the stretch of road between Candolim and Calangute Everywhere you see people swathed in bandages or using crutches. Regardless of insurance, or more likely the lack of it, I cant understand why people would even consider using them here whilst on a two or three week holiday, with the standard of driving and the condition of the roads.
Alan

Thanks guys for all your replies. I think that with the level of traffic driving around Candolim now would be madness. I have had bikes in Goa before BUT the traffic wasnt nearly as bad as it is now.

I think in quieter areas they can still be useful but unless you ride in the UK and are suitably equiped (NOT SHORTS AND SUNGLASSES) and have insurance then dont do it..

Thank you Lucy really helpful

Even if your insurance does cover scooter hire, I'm sure it would be invalidated if you weren't wearing a crash helmet. Not many people do and it would be extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear one.

For the first few years I was firmly in the "not on your life" camp with regard to scooters. I thought holidaymakers using them were mad. And then.....I tried one for a day or two.

It was brilliant and really opened up the holiday because we could do so much more without resorting to buses or taxis. I use one all the time now and love it. I know it's dangerous - I drive slowly and obviously keep off the "coffees" during the day. It's a calculated risk - some people wouldn't dream of taking it (and I fully understand why) and some of us are prepared to have a go. Mine's booked for next February!

Make sure that you have an International Driving Permit and your UK driving license and that both include the motorcycle category.
Otherwise: you leave yourself open to bribes when stopped, or maybe worse.

Don't think you won't be stopped - we were stopped twice last year and once the previous year.
I love to see the disappointment on pc plod's face when I produce my IDP & license. I think the police make quite a lot of money out of these spot checks.

The only good bit about being stopped is the faces of the policement when they realise they can't get money out of you!!! - Sometimes they riggle and worm, but inevitably they fail.... - One of the perks of a holiday I'm sure if you ahve all the right paperwork...

Make sure that you have an International Driving Permit and your UK driving license and that both include the motorcycle category.

Yes..... I stopped carrying my licence because my petrol was being stolen (I kept it under the saddlle). I got stopped and Mr Plod demanded 900 rupees. I said I didn't think so and ended up paying 450 rupees. Well and truly ripped off!

I did suggest that perhaps Mr Plod's time would be better spent looking for the petrol thieves but he seemed to have a huge attitude problem where his sense of humour should be.

Live and learn!

I love to see the disappointment on pc plod's face when I produce my IDP & license

Hmm...yes, we were stopped 3 times last season. First: on the NH 17 (yes had helmet on) just past Sirlim - heading for Patnem. Second: just over the Nerul bridge (always an easy favourite). Third: just before coming into Anjuna. Each time we got the 'head-shake' thing (there really SHOULD be a 'smilie' for that) and a cursory wave on....when we showed the IDP . Other docs ready....if they decided to get 'difficult'.

I'm sure they'll step up the campaign THIS season