Can I register my motorcycle without insurance?

Whether you're buying a used motorcycle or one brand-new off the lot, you'll need a valid registration document to operate your new vehicle. But what about insurance? Is it possible to register your motorcycle before you have valid insurance? To learn more about the registration process and your motorcycle insurance, keep reading.

What is a vehicle registration?

First things first--what exactly is a vehicle registration? Before you hit the road, you need to register your motorcycle with the government beforehand. This registration essentially confirms that your bike has undergone an inspection and is safe to operate on Canadian roadways.

When you register your motorcycle for the first time, you will usually get a licence plate, licence plate stickers, and evidence of registration to keep on your bike. Ultimately, if you're ever pulled over by a police officer, you will need to show proof of registration. Keep in mind that you have to renew your registration on a regular basis, but the frequency of your renewal will vary based on which province or territory you live in.

Do I need insurance coverage before I can register my motorcycle?

The short answer is yes. Before registering your motorcycle, you will need to have the minimum insurance requirements for your bike prior to booking your registration appointment. Oftentimes, you'll need to show proof of coverage in order for your registration to be accepted.

How to register your motorcycle

If this is your first time registering a vehicle or motorcycle, for that matter, there are a couple of steps you'll need to follow to ensure your registration process is as smooth as possible. Here's what you need to do:

Collect your documents

Before booking an appointment, you'll need to gather a copy of the necessary documents to bring with you to a service centre. The documents you require include:

• A valid driver's licence.
• Your ownership document.
• Bill of sale and transfer documents if you purchased the motorcycle from another owner.
• Proof of coverage.

Book an appointment at a service centre

Once you've collected your necessary documents, you can go ahead and book an appointment with a service centre. Typically, you can do so online to ensure you have a booked time slot. Other locations may offer walk-in appointments depending on the province or territory you live in.

Fill out the application

During your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out a registration form and submit the documents we mentioned above. Once the application has been approved, you'll receive your licence plates, proof of registration, and other documents. Note that your proof of registration will have your expiry date listed on it. Make sure to save this date in your calendar so you can get your motorcycle registered before the end date.

It's also important to mention that to have your motorcycle registered, you will need to pay a registration fee. This fee will vary between provinces and territories.

Receive your vehicle registration

Now that you've got proof of your registered bike make sure to carry it with you on your own or store it somewhere safe on your motorcycle. These documents should be on you at all times in case you are ever pulled over.

What happens if I don't have my vehicle registration on me?

If you are pulled over without proof of registration, you can face significant consequences as a rider. Beyond getting a ticket from the officer, if your registration is expired or you do not have proof of insurance, you can have your licence suspended, and more. Driving without insurance or a valid registration is illegal and puts all motorists on the road at risk. To ensure you're following traffic laws, keep an extra copy of your documents on you at all times and be aware of your expiration date to ensure you never go without coverage.

Can you ride a motorcycle without insurance in Canada?

No, all motorists in Canada, regardless of whether they're operating a motorcycle or vehicle, must have valid insurance to travel on public roads. That said, the policies and minimum coverage requirements will vary between provinces and territories. Here are the most popular types of motorcycle coverage available:

Third-party liability insurance

All riders must have third-party liability insurance. With your liability insurance, you'll be protected if you're involved in a car accident that injures or damages the property of a third person. If a lawsuit is brought against you, this section of your insurance policy will pay for legal costs, repairs, healthcare expenses, and other litigation-related charges up to your coverage limits.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another type of insurance policy that all riders must have, except for those living in Newfoundland and Labrador. This component of your motorbike insurance will pay for medical costs, rehabilitation charges, and other charges if you, your passengers, or pedestrians are hurt in a collision, regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured motorist insurance

Uninsured automobile insurance is the final insurance policy motorcycle riders need to purchase. If you are in an automobile accident that involves an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, this plan will pay the costs of vehicle repairs or replacements. It also covers policyholders if they are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is optional. However, most bikers opt to add this to their overall insurance plan. Comprehensive coverage will pay for the cost of repairs or replacements if your bike is damaged in a non-collision incident. Common risks covered by this policy include theft, vandalism, damage from fire or falling objects, and certain weather events. Note that you will need to pay a deductible to your insurance company before your policy kicks in to cover the rest of your costs.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage compensates you for repair or replacement expenses incurred as a result of an accident in which you are deemed to be at fault. Again, you'll need to pay a deductible to your insurance company before your coverage will pay for the remaining costs.

Accident forgiveness

One final type of optional insurance coverage popular among Canadian bikers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.

Note: Coverage varies by province.

How much does motorcycle insurance cost?

Like all types of insurance out there, your motorcycle insurance cost will depend on numerous factors. An insurance company will take a look at your driving experience, your claims history, what type of bike you ride, the insurance policies you purchase, and more. Therefore, if you want to save on your insurance coverage, we suggest shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers so you can find the best deal out there.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance is an optional insurance policy that offers motorcyclists emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This helps cover towing, battery problems, tire repair, fuel, breakdown insurance, and more, depending on the specifics of your policy. If you ride your motorcycle for extended periods of time, you should consider adding this kind of insurance to your existing coverage to guarantee that you have emergency assistance while on the road.

What is civil liability?

Quebec requires civil liability coverage, but not every province does. In a nutshell, regardless of the motorcycle you use, it will compensate you for damage that was caused by other people.

What are the benefits of riding a motorcycle?

If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle but are unsure whether or not trying a different mode of transport is right for you, know that there are actually many benefits of riding a motorcycle that a lot of Canadians aren't aware of! Whether you want to customize your bike, join a biking community, or travel the great outdoors, like motorcycle routes around Alberta or the rest of Canada, motorcycle ownership offers a unique experience that you can’t get from a car.

How can I properly share the road with motorcycles?

Motorcycle riders are naturally more vulnerable than those operating motor vehicles, so sharing the road with motorcycles in a safe manner is critical to avoiding vehicle accidents. As a motorist, you have to be constantly aware of your blind sports. Motorcycles are more compact and may be less apparent than standard vehicles. Another technique to keep motorcyclists safe is to provide them with enough space to travel. There should be at least two vehicle lengths in front of you and the motorcycle ahead of you. Finally, remember that you should concentrate at all times. Distractions can slow your reaction time and impair your capacity to maintain complete control of your motor vehicle.

How can I safely travel in a group with other riders?

If you ride motorcycles, you may enjoy travelling in groups with other riders. Because there will be other motorists surrounding you, group motorcycle safety is critical. Before you leave, make sure you are aware of where you're headed and share contact information with the other members. Don't forget to fill up your tank with gas and do a full inspection of your bike before you hit the road. Furthermore, while on your journey, we suggest placing the more seasoned riders in front of the rest of the group. This can help maintain good speed and make younger riders feel more at ease.

How can I stay safe as a motorcycle rider?

Aside from attending a motorcycle safety course, touching up on your motorcycle riding safety at every opportunity during the year might help you gain confidence as a rider in general. Wearing a helmet and other protective gear is one of the most critical safety precautions to take. If you are new to riding motorcycles, stick to residential roads until you feel more comfortable near traffic. We also encourage riding in a group with seasoned riders to make yourself visible to others. Finally, we recommend leaving enough space on the road for yourself to lessen your chances of getting into an accident.

Do I need year-round motorcycle insurance?

A big motorcycle insurance myth out there is that riders should cancel their coverage during the winter months as year-round motorcycle insurance is not needed when this could not be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that storing your bike in a storage unit or your garage for the winter does not necessarily mean that it is safe. With severe weather conditions, potential theft and vandalism, and other risks, if you do not have insurance coverage for your bike, you could put yourself at risk of having to pay for your coverage out of pocket. Therefore, while you may not operate your bikes for a couple of months of the year, it may be worth insuring it, regardless of whether it is for peace of mind or to protect your finances.

Purchase motorcycle insurance with BrokerLink

Insuring your cars and motorcycles can be a daunting experience. But with the help of the team at BrokerLink, your insurance process will be a breeze.

With years of experience and access to multiple auto insurance policies from some of Canada's top insurance providers, our brokers are able to help you compare costs, customise your insurance plan, and help you qualify for discounts.

If we're in your neighbourhood, come and visit us in person to work with a broker one-on-one. If there's no BrokerLink nearby, you can also contact us over the phone to speak with a team member at any time. And, if you're still browsing for options, take advantage of our free online quote tool to get a competitive insurance quote from the comfort of your own home!

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