Holidaymakers warned against renting motorbikes in popular destinations including Türkiye, Spain, Greece and Thailand
British tourists are being warned to think twice before renting a quad, motorbike or moped abroad. Mopeds and quads are widely used by British tourists, especially in popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, Cape Verde, Turkey, Thailand and Vietnam, but personal injury experts say the vehicles offer little protection in the event of an accident .
“It’s easy to do things on holiday that you wouldn’t consider at home, renting a vehicle such as a moped or quad bike significantly increases your risk of serious injury and, most importantly, many travel insurance policies don’t cover these types of activities. ,” say an expert on injury claims at a personal injury firm.
They added: “Travel insurance providers will usually only offer cover for riding a moped abroad if you hold a valid UK driving license to ride a similar vehicle in the UK and they require the use of a helmet at all times. Regardless of the locale, This applies to both.
“Insurance coverage typically covers medical expenses but not personal or public liability. Therefore, it is critical that travelers obtain additional insurance, either individually or through a rental company, to protect themselves against personal liability.
“Many people are unaware that standard travel insurance rarely covers quad bike coverage. Most of the policies we reviewed require additional premiums to be purchased for activity packages. Without appropriate cover, accidents related to quad bikes or motorcycles can Claims for related medical expenses are likely to be made.
If you are planning to rent a motorcycle or any other similar vehicle, the Injury Claims Department has tips for minimizing accidents for those looking to have fun while on holiday.
Stick to organized travel
Experts recommend riding motorcycles only on organized tours and not using quad bikes on main roads.
They said: “It is very dangerous to operate a motorcycle without a license and tourists may get into accidents. Reckless tourists may also pose a danger to pedestrians, who may be hit by an out-of-control vehicle.”
Verify that the tour company is reputable and fully licensed
In many countries, street vendors may pose as travel agents. While not always illegal, these suppliers often lack appropriate personal or public liability insurance. If an accident occurs, you may not be able to receive compensation.
Stick to designated routes and avoid straying “off the beaten path”
While it may be tempting to explore beyond the marked trails, it’s crucial to stay on quad bike tracks that are designed to handle quad bike impacts
Inspection and training
Before riding, make sure you are trained and your quad is in good condition. In addition to this, never forget to wear a helmet that fits you well, suitable clothing that covers your limbs, and shoes that provide good support.
stay alert
Quad bikes have larger blind spots compared to other vehicles. Always look around before making any moves, especially when turning or passing.
Emergency necessities
Carry a basic first aid kit, a map or GPS device, and your cell phone in case of an emergency. It’s also helpful to know how to deal with common mechanical problems, such as a flat tire or engine failure, experts conclude.
