Extra riding courses in/near London

Ice Burger · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Apr 2019 Karma :

I'm 20 and looking for cheaper insurance, I've heard passing through some extra bike training schools can take a bit off your premium. Anyone have experience of this? I'm looking for the most cost effective school I can go to. Thanks

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Get some quotes to see just how little difference such qualifications make to the price. Razz

davebike · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Nov 2013 Karma :

IAM / RoSPA may help but not a lot !
I IAM and a former Observer never seemed to save m much but the training helps avoid accidents so may save in the long run
I a member of London Advanced Motorcyclists LAM they are based in South London /North Kent / East Surrey I recommend them
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MCN · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2015 Karma :

Arfa__ · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Karma :

I've been part of the East London Advanced Motorcyclists (ELAM) - https://www.elam.org.uk for half dozen years. I found it helped my riding, made some good mates in the group and enjoyed the social aspect of the group too.

Sure IAM has a bit of an old fogey image, hi-vis and GS riders etc. Yes, there's a number like that, but not all. Also, I've found the London groups to be a bit more diverse: younger folk (OK, late 20's/early 30s up), a wide variety of bikes ridden, more women and less mono-cultural.

IAM should be restarting observed rides in a couple of weeks, but you may find some groups have a backlog of people waiting, so get yourself signed up asap if that's your choice.

Personally I found the IAM Surety insurance (underwritten by Cornmarket) has given me very competitive premiums for last few years, between 25-50% less than the best MCN compare results would thrown up. Plus they always give class 1 business use cover (in case you get involved as an observer). However, it'll depend on your bike, your exact location and circumstances. I've a cheapo old commuter hack, others in the group with big expensive adventure/supersports bikes living within the M25 couldn't get insurance from them. So don't bank on the insurance saving. Some other insurers may give a slight discount for being a member, but don't expect much.

I hear good things about the RoSPA training too, though these seem to be delivered purely as training with none of the social group aspect.
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kolu · Nova Slayer Joined: 29 Sep 2019 Karma :

Hi Arthur!

ELAM member here too, very fresh one though. The applied roadcraft approach to speed and position in the presence of hazards on road (anything that might cause you any harm, force you to react to avoid harm, or obscure anything of these two kinds) has saved my skin twice in last half year minimum.