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Wiser Choice insurance: any good?

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iacchi
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Joined: 07 Sep 2021
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PostPosted: 15:01 - 12 Jun 2026    Post subject: Wiser Choice insurance: any good? Reply with quote

Hello,
the time has come to renew my bike insurance (since I bought a bike here in the UK I've always been insured with Bennetts), and looking at comparison websites my cheapest choice is with Wiser Choice insurance (about £70 less than Bennetts, and if I understood correctly both are brokers and the actual insurer would be Aviva in both cases). However, since I'm not British (I've been in the UK about 6 years), I'm really not familiar with your insurance companies, and before switching I was wondering if I could get your opinion about this insurer, just to avoid it if it's actually terrible. A second option (a bit more expensive but still quite cheaper than Bennetts) would be Devitt. Thanks in advace to everyone replying!
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Minty
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Joined: 23 Dec 2005
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PostPosted: 18:01 - 12 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

All you can do is check the reviews and my personal tip is to make sure the excess is not a load higher which has brought the cost down. Ultimately the underwriter is Aviva so that is fine.
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iacchi
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Joined: 07 Sep 2021
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PostPosted: 18:09 - 12 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

The excess is actually a lot lower Laughing I'll have a look around for reviews of course (both have a good score on trustpilot), but I was hoping in some comments that go beyond reviews if there is general knowledge on a particular provider. If there isn't, then I'll definitely go with the cheaper one.
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 20:53 - 12 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

Often these weird and wonderful insurance brand names are just brands attached to another larger more well known broker, but I am not sure if that's the case this time around.

I did a google and there seems to be mixed to positive thoughts on it, but who knows? You probably will be fine unless you have to claim.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Capt Sisko
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 22 Jan 2022
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PostPosted: 09:44 - 13 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

If all you're after is a piece of paper to say you're insured go for it, but remember cheap is often cheap for a reason. Check for things like handling charges should you need an amendment to the policy, who they use for repairs, can you actually speak to someone should the sh*t hit the fan. Insurance policy profit margins aren't great and companies look at numerous hidden ways of clawing back that margin.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 11:05 - 13 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

The thing to remember about insurance companies is they are not in the business of paying out money. They are in the business of making profits for their shareholder. As an insured, you aren't really the customer, you are the product.

So go into any insurance contract with low expectations of what will happen in the event of a claim and you will not be disappointed.

The only useful thing I have ever had from an insurance company is the ones that bundle reasonably priced breakdown recovery in with their policies.

Any time I've claimed from a policy, I've been left with the feeling I'd have been better not to bother. Even when they pay out, the amount has never been enough to put you back where you were to start with and they claw all the money back through increased premiums and loss of NCB over the next few years anyway.

As such, I don't keep bikes I can't afford to loose, wouldn't claim off my insurance in any case and just go for a policy which is cheap and easy and provides breakdown cover.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 11:30 - 13 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

stinkwheel wrote:
As such, I don't keep bikes I can't afford to loose, wouldn't claim off my insurance in any case and just go for a policy which is cheap and easy and provides breakdown cover.


Yes, I try to follow this principle. I can’t understand why people might want to buy a Ducati Superleggera because I’d be terrified to ride it. A bike worth a quarter of the price will give you the same thrill. However I was pleasantly surprised after my Buell was written off as I got more than what I paid for it even considering excess. Carole Nash were quite good in that regard. I was fully expecting a total nightmare but considering how attached I was to that bike, it all went quite smoothly.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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Polarbear
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Joined: 24 Feb 2007
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PostPosted: 14:45 - 13 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

Have to agree with above. I'd go 3rd party if it was cheaper than FC, but it isn't.

The only claim I have done was in a car when my Jag was mounted by a lorry at a roundabout. Direct line were brilliant with the claim but despite it not being my fault and having protected NCD my premium rocketed.

So now, I just get the cheapest. Same with bike insurance.
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iacchi
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Joined: 07 Sep 2021
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PostPosted: 12:04 - 14 Jun 2026    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks to everyone for their insights!
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