How does the damage and excess process work if the motorcycle is damaged or an accident happens?

If a motorcycle provided for a tour is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident, the situation is documented and handled according to the applicable rental, insurance and tour conditions. The rider is financially responsible up to the agreed maximum excess, unless exclusions, invalid documents, unlawful behaviour or serious contract violations apply.

For MotoGS WorldTours motorcycles used on European and Balkan tours, the usual maximum excess is EUR 2,000. This amount is normally reserved on the rider’s credit card as a security deposit. If the motorcycle is damaged, the repair cost is assessed using damage documentation, photos where relevant, a professional workshop assessment, a repair estimate or the final repair invoice.

If the repair cost is lower than the agreed excess, only the actual damage amount is charged or deducted. If the repair cost is higher, the rider’s financial responsibility for damage to the motorcycle is normally limited to the agreed excess. The same excess principle can apply in the event of theft, subject to the applicable insurance conditions and exclusions.

The motorcycles provided by MotoGS WorldTours for European and Balkan tours are insured for road use under the applicable rental and tour conditions. This usually includes third-party liability coverage of EUR 100 million as a flat cover, with up to EUR 15 million per injured person. Environmental damage caused by the rider may also be covered up to EUR 5 million, depending on the applicable policy conditions.

If third parties are involved, such as another vehicle, property or injured persons, covered third-party claims are handled by the motorcycle insurance according to the applicable policy. This is important because an accident can involve more than damage to the rental motorcycle itself.

Passengers are covered under the applicable motorcycle liability insurance conditions, usually up to EUR 15 million for personal injury. The rider, however, is not personally covered by the motorcycle insurance as if it were private accident insurance. Riders should therefore arrange their own travel health insurance, private accident insurance or other personal protection before the tour.

For tours outside Europe, such as New Zealand, motorcycles are provided through selected local partners. The same basic process applies: damage or theft is documented, repair costs are assessed, and the rider is liable up to the agreed excess under the local rental and insurance conditions. However, coverage amounts, liability limits and insurance details may differ from the MotoGS WorldTours European/Balkan fleet and are governed by the local partner’s applicable terms.

Optional excess protection, such as HanseMerkur excess insurance, can help reduce the rider’s financial risk for the agreed excess. This can be relevant both for motorcycles provided by MotoGS WorldTours in Europe and the Balkans and for motorcycles provided through local partners, such as in New Zealand, subject to the insurer’s policy terms.

MotoGS WorldTours can provide practical information and help riders understand where excess protection may be relevant, but we are not an insurance agency and do not decide whether a third-party insurer reimburses a claim. The final terms, exclusions and reimbursement decision always depend on the insurance provider and the policy conditions.