When you’re out on the road, every rider knows it’s vital that you have suitable gear, but you should also make sure that you have the right phone numbers saved on your phone in the event of an accident, emergency, or possible breakdown. No one wants to think about the worst happening when they go out for a ride, but it’s crucial that you’re prepared just in case, and this preparation will save you a headache later. Our guide will cover the essential phone numbers every motorcyclist should have on their phones and why you should get them saved on yours today.
Insurance
Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK and provides financial protection if you are involved in an accident or have your bike stolen. As a motorcyclist, your bike is essential for enjoying your passion, and many bikers get the best insurance money can buy. However, many people don’t think to save their insurer’s number on their mobile phones and often have no idea what their policy number is without digging out the paperwork.
If you are in an accident involving another person, the first thing you need to do is ensure everyone is safe and that the necessary emergency services are called. Once you have done this, you need to contact your insurance and start a claim. It is essential to make your claim while the details are still fresh in your mind, as they can begin to fade quickly. If you wait for a few hours and have to spend time searching your home for the relevant documents, you may not remember all of the vital details, which could affect your claim. Without all of the information, your insurer may not be able to claim back the costs for repairing your motorbike, which could lead to your premiums going up.
Legal Support
Motorbiking offers a sense of freedom you can’t get in a car and provides endless fun even if you’re only commuting to work. However, as a biker, you’re also more vulnerable to injury than those in larger vehicles. In the event of a collision, it’s vital that you have a solicitor that you can call for legal support in order to cover injuries you may have sustained.
In the UK, there were 13,570 motorcyclist casualties in 2020 alone, and over 20,000 bikers were injured in the same year. Your insurer may offer legal coverage, but many bikers prefer to have a separate specialist on hand to ensure their needs are covered and opt for expert motorbike accident solicitors. If you’re looking for suitable legal support to help your personal injury claim, or you want the number on your phone just in case, check out Sheldon Davidson Solicitors.
Breakdown Cover
Nobody wants to experience a breakdown, and it can be a huge inconvenience when it happens to you, but if you don’t have breakdown cover, you could be left stranded for hours as well as out of pocket a few hundred pounds. Unlike drivers, if you break down on your bike, you have nowhere to shelter from the cold and rain, which makes for an unpleasant experience, and you’ll likely want someone to get to you as soon as possible. Don’t face hours in the cold and costly emergency call out charges in the event of a breakdown; make sure you have appropriate breakdown cover that will get you on the road again or back home if the worst happens.
Emergency Contact
When it comes to riding your motorbike, no one likes to think about the worst happening. However, if you do find yourself in an emergency situation, it’s vital that you have your emergency contacts saved and easily accessible on your phone. Suppose you’re in an accident; you will want your loved ones to know exactly where you are and if you need them to meet you at the hospital. Furthermore, if you have a concussion following an accident, the police or ambulance workers may want to call your emergency contacts on your behalf to ensure you have care in place once you are discharged.
Add to your preparations by investing in a GPS tracker that will let you send your location to your emergency contacts at the push of a button. This tool is vital for instances where you don’t have a phone signal or if you are unsure of your location and need help. Most trackers also have non-emergency functions to let your family or friends know you’re ok if you’re running late or if you have a breakdown but can’t get a signal.
Garage
When you’re not on the road, you need to keep your motorbike in peak condition and having the number for a good garage saved on your phone will save you plenty of time later when you need to go in for a service. Doing your research and finding a suitable garage before you need one will make it easier to book in advance if your service and MOT dates tend to creep up on you. Being prepared is the best way to ensure you don’t have any surprises when you go out on a ride.
