Car insurance is not just about cars. If you drive a motorbike or trailer, you should know whether you can take it on the road without insurance. Each of these vehicles has its own specifics, so you should know their rules and know what coverage is worthwhile for you. After all, without insurance, the cost will remain on you in the event of an accident or other unforeseen situations. So, in this article, we’ll look at compulsory motorcycle insurance and trailer insurance.
While compulsory liability insurance for cars is fairly standardised, it pays to take an individual approach when insuring motorbikes or less common vehicles. For example, motorbikes have a much higher risk of accidents, trailers may require special cover and caravans have other factors to consider, such as damage to equipment. Therefore, always deal with insurance for each vehicle separately and don’t want to apply agreed terms from one to the other.
Scooters have become a common sight in larger cities. Today and every day, hundreds of people use them to shorten their journeys. However, there is a risk of more than one accident when weaving between pedestrians. Let alone with electric scooters, which can travel at unexpectedly high speeds. Because whoever rides a scooter has the same responsibilities as a cyclist. Legislation on compulsory liability insurance for scooters is still evolving and is being amended. However, at the moment:
A normal (mechanical scooter) is not considered a motor vehicle and therefore compulsory insurance is not required.
An electric scooter that has a power of over 250 W and can travel 25 km/h or more is considered a motor vehicle. You must therefore have compulsory insurance for an electric scooter intended for use on the road and exceeding these limits under the Czech Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Act.
There are currently ongoing discussions in the European Union as to whether compulsory liability insurance should be introduced across the board for electric scooters. Some countries have already done so, so the question is whether and when these rules will change in the Czech Republic.
Don’t keep it to yourself and use our online legal advice service. The available solicitor covers all areas of law, so whatever you need advice on in the legal world, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re available online from anywhere and will respond within 48 hours.
Motorcycle insurance is different from car insurance in many ways. The main reason is the higher risks associated with riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents tend to be more frequent and have more serious consequences. Therefore, insurance companies take into account specific factors when calculating the price of motorcycle insurance that do not play such a role in the case of cars.
A two-wheeled vehicle is less stable than a car and therefore more sensitive to road irregularities, sudden changes in direction or weather conditions. In addition, powerful machines can accelerate to high speeds in seconds, increasing the risk of accidents caused by unexpected manoeuvres. Motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact in an accident and, unlike drivers in cars, are not protected by bodywork, seat belts, airbags or crumple zones. Thus, even in a minor collision, they can suffer serious injuries.
Therefore, insurance companies take several factors into account when determining the price of motorcycle insurance:
In addition to the basic motorcycle insurance, it is then possible to take out various additional insurance policies. The rider’s and co-passenger’s accident insurance covers the cost of treatment after an accident. Luggage and equipment insurance protects against theft or damage to helmets, cases and so on. And, as with cars, motorcycle insurance can also be supplemented with assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident.
Tip: Find out what all affects the price of compulsory liability insurance and how to find out how much you will pay for compulsory liability insurance.
A common mistake made by drivers is to assume that by attaching a trailer to the car, the compulsory car insurance automatically covers the towing vehicle. However, this only applies under certain conditions. In some cases you need to take out separate insurance for the trailer, especially if it is a heavier trailer or if the trailer is used for specific purposes, for example as a caravan.
When is towing insurance sufficient?
If your trailer is a light trailer, so its maximum permissible weight is no more than 750 kg, then it is automatically covered by the towing vehicle’s insurance. This means that if you cause an accident with such a trolley, the damage to third party property (for example, to another vehicle, railings or public property) will be covered by your car insurance.
When do I need to take out separate trailer insurance?
Separate trailer insurance will cover you if your trailer exceeds 750 kg. This obligation therefore applies to, for example:
In these cases, the law considers the trailer to be a separate vehicle, which must have its own green card confirming the compulsory insurance agreed.
The separate compulsory trailer insurance then protects against damage the trailer may cause in the event of an accident. This means that it covers the consequences if the trailer, for example, becomes detached from the towing vehicle and causes damage to another car or property. However, beware that compulsory insurance does not cover damage caused to your own trailer, for this you need to take out breakdown insurance.
The cost of trailer insurance depends on several things. First of all, the weight matters, because the heavier the trailer, the higher the premium rate. Next, it depends on the purpose of use, as a recreational trailer may have better terms than a cargo trailer. In most cases, it all depends on the risks associated with the particular trailer.
Don’t choose the lowest possible cover, as in a major accident the limit of indemnity may not be enough to cover all your costs. On the other hand, don’t buy unnecessarily expensive extra insurance that you won’t use (for example, roadside assistance when you know you’re only taking the wheelchair to the nearest village). For ordinary motorbike users, compulsory motorbike insurance with basic cover is sufficient. However, sporty riders should also pay for breakdown insurance. Owners of caravans and trailers should take advantage of theft insurance , as these objects are often targeted by thieves.
It’s not enough to think only about cars when insuring vehicles – compulsory insurance also covers motorbikes, trailers and, in some cases, electric scooters. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of accidents, so insurance prices are based on engine size, driver experience and usage. Trailers up to 750 kg are covered by the towing vehicle’s compulsory liability insurance, but heavier trailers, caravans or special trailers need their own insurance. For electric scooters, it depends on power and speed – more powerful models require compulsory insurance as motor vehicles. When choosing insurance, it’s important to consider not only the price, but also the appropriate additional cover that can protect both the vehicle and its user.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
In person and online. Just choose the appropriate service or opt for an independent consultation when you are unsure.
