The short answer is yes! 1Cover is one of the few travel insurers that automatically covers you when riding a scooter or motorbike overseas. But like all travel insurance policies, certain conditions apply. Cover for riding a scooter in Bali comes with specific exclusions, restrictions and requirements that must be followed to remain insured.
These conditions are designed to reflect the very real risks on Bali’s roads and to help keep travellers safe. Motorbike and scooter accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury among Australian visitors to Bali, particularly younger travellers. Every day, local hospitals treat large numbers of accident victims, many of them involving two-wheeled vehicles.
When it comes to travel insurance there are certain restrictions for you to be covered when riding a scooter. Here's what you need to know.
If you don't have a valid licence, don't ride. To be covered, you must hold a current Australian driver's licence and only ride a scooter with an engine capacity of 125cc or less. A common rental bike i Bali is a 100cc or 125cc, four-gear semi-automatic Honda, known locally as a "Bebek".
If you ride a scooter over 125cc, you'll need an Australian motorcycle licence, otherwise your insurance won't cover you.
You must wear a motorcycle helmet and appropriate safety gear, even if others around you don't, or local laws don't strictly enforce it.
It might not always feel like there are rules in place, but standard road laws still apply. If you wouldn't do it at home, don't do it overseas.
While other vehicles can be a risk, many accidents are are caused by poor road surfaces. Stay alert, watch for hazzards, and keep your speed down to minimise this risk.
It's simple, if you've been drinking alocohol to the extent that your judgement or reflexes are impaired, your travel insurance will be invalid. Not to mention it's illegal and highly dangerous.
Some travellers have been held responsible for damage to motorbikes and scooets that they didn't cause. Choose a legitimate rental company, request pre-rental damage report, and take photos of the scooter before you ride away.
Without travel insurance, you coule be are looking at upwards of $23,000 for a medical evacuation from Bali to Perth or Darwin. Travel insurance for Bali is one of our most affordable policies, so get a before you go.
Driving a rented scooter around Bali is a dream for many tourists heading to this island paradise, but with the often chaotic traffic in Bali’s cities, riding a scooter can be intimidating and dangerous, especially for inexperienced drivers. Scooters are one of the most convenient ways to get around Bali, but if you’re not smart about when, where and if you ride, it can end in disaster. Hundreds of young Australians are injured or killed on the streets of Bali every year so this topic is not one to be taken lightly. The best way to protect yourself should the worst happen and you end up in an accident, is to make sure you’ve brought the right travel insurance along for the ride. So, what else do you need to know and consider before hopping on the scooter? Let’s discuss!
If you’re not licensed to drive a bike in Australia, you’re not licensed to drive it in Bali. This requirement likely won’t prevent you from renting the bike in the first place, but if you’re stopped by the police, or end up in an accident, being unlicensed could derail your holiday entirely. Ticket prices for driving unlicensed can vary in Bali, depending which officer you meet, and your travel insurance will not pay out if you’ve hurt yourself while driving unlicensed so make sure you’re legal before you set off.
This isn’t a requirement, but if you’re staying in Bali long term it may be worth the paperwork to get yourself an Indonesian license. You’ll first have to get an International Drivers Permit (IDP). There’s lots of companies claiming to sell these but there is only one agency actually licensed to do so. In Australia, this one is the Australian Automobile Company. The IDP lasts for only 12 months and costs about $50, so it's easy to see why people opt for an Indonesian license for long term trips. Once you get your IDP some people choose to use an agent to get their Indonesian license. It is not a difficult process to do independently, you just need:
Before you even arrive in Bali, it's a good idea to research where you’re going to rent your scooter from. Prioritise reliability, safety, and transparency. Look for rental shops with positive reviews from fellow travelers or locals, especially around the standard to which the scooters are maintained. Opt for businesses that offer clear rental agreements, including comprehensive cover and transparent pricing. Consider the shop's location; choose one located near your accommodation for ease of access and assistance in case of emergencies. Visit the rental shop in person and inspect the fleet of scooters, to make sure they are in good condition before you drive away.
Bali’s roads can look like a chaotic free-for-all, and while that’s partly true, there are unspoken rules locals follow. One of the most important is momentum - in short, don’t stop unless you have to. Scooters constantly fill the gaps between cars, and stopping unexpectedly can cause bikes to stack up behind you, increasing the risk of an accident.
Riding in Bali means being assertive but predictable. You need to commit confidently at intersections and when merging, while staying defensive and alert for hazards like sudden turns, pedestrians, potholes or vehicles pulling out without warning. Lane markings are more of a guide than a rule, with multiple bikes often sharing the same space. Holding your line and riding straight is essential, as even a small swerve can lead to a collision. Given how quickly things can go wrong, having appropriate travel insurance in place can provide valuable peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
Generally speaking, bikes in Bali are Honda or Suzuki, 100-150cc step-through automatic scooters. They’ll accommodate two people and have flip up seat covers to store your helmet and a small bag. There are some places that will offer you higher performance bikes but that is pretty pointless in Bali as you’re going to need to drive slowly around the streets. Remember, for bikes up to 125cc you must hold an Australian Drivers License in order to be covered by 1Cover travel insurance policies. If your bike is above 125cc you must hold an Australian Motorbike License to be covered.
Navigating the driving conditions in Bali requires a lot of awareness and an understanding of the island's unique traffic system. The roads, especially in urban areas and popular tourist spots, can be bustling with a mix of scooters and cars. Lane discipline may not always be strictly adhered to, and speed limits are sometimes treated more like guidelines. However, behind the apparent chaos, there is a rhythm and flow to the traffic. It's important to remain vigilant and adaptable, anticipate the movements of other drivers and stay prepared for sudden stops or maneuvers. Road surfaces can vary, from well-maintained roads to uneven narrow lanes with potholes. Don’t forget you’ll also have to contend with pedestrians, cyclists, and the occasional livestock crossing the road. Driving in Bali can be stressful and dangerous but keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine.
Before you jump on a scooter in Bali, it’s worth honestly considering your riding experience. If you’re new to two-wheeled adventures or haven’t ridden much in busy traffic, it may be wise to think twice. Bali’s roads can be chaotic, and navigating them safely requires confidence, awareness and skill.
Riders with solid experience are far more likely to feel comfortable handling unpredictable traffic conditions and avoiding common hazards.
Thankfuylly, if you're inexperienced and decide that riding a scooter isn't for you, there are plenty of alternatives to get around Bali. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab make getting from A to B a breeze. Downloading these apps on your smartphone, or using the traditional local motorcycle taxis (ojeks) takes the stress of navigating traffic yourself. Bali's attractions are spread across the island and congestion is common, so choosing these transport options can save time, reduce risk and let you focus on enjoying the Island of Gods rather than the roads.
Much like driving, parking in Bali can feel like a bit of a free-for-all, but there are still basic rules of courtesy that go a long way. Avoid parking in front of people’s homes, shop entrances or driveways, and be careful not to block other scooters in. Space is tight and scooters are often parked closely together, so it’s common for bikes to be moved to make room. No one will be shy about shifting your scooter if it’s in the way; and while you can do the same just remember that this increases the risk of scratches or minor damage.
Most busy spots like tourist attractions, beaches, cafes and shops have official scooter parking. These are usually attended by a local attendant and are the safest places to leave your ride. Wherever possible, use designated parking areas or attended parking bays, which are usually inexpensive and reduce the chance of your bike being moved. It's a good idea to carry small cash, typically around IDR 2,000 - IDR 5,000 for the scooter attendant fee. This isn’t a scam; it’s how local parking systems work.
Always engage the steering lock and avoid leaving valuables or helmets on the scooter.
If you’re heading away from Bali for a short period but want to keep your scooter, parking at the airport is a convenient and affordable option - often far cheaper than paying for taxis to and from the airport.
The cost of renting a scooter in Bali varies depending on the rental company, scooter type and location. As a general guide, standard scooter rentals typically cost between IDR 50,000 and 80,000 per day. Prices can be higher in popular tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud, particularly during peak travel periods.
If you’re staying longer, weekly or monthly rentals often provide better value, with discounted rates for extended hire. When booking, be sure to ask about any additional costs, including insurance, helmets and fuel. Most rental shops include at least one helmet, but extra helmets for passengers may incur a small fee. Fuel is relatively inexpensive. Some operators include basic insurance cover in the rental price for the scooter, while others offer it as an optional add-on. Travel insurance should be taken out separately to ensure the rider or passenger (papillion) is covered in the event of injury.
So those are our top tips if you’re wanting to scooter your way around Bali! While it’s definitely a fun and convenient way to get from A to B, and take in the culture and landscapes of Bali on your way, it’s so important to be smart and safe about it. If you think you’re experienced enough to battle the Bali streets make sure you’re renting a good scooter from a reputable shop and that you are covered by travel insurance for any accidents that may pop up.
Whether you’re heading to Bali, Thailand, the USA or Europe, travel insurance should be one of the first things you organise once your trip is booked. While travel insurance can cover a wide range of unexpected events, it won’t apply if you’re riding a rented scooter without the appropriate licence or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 1Cover’s Bali travel insurance policies are affordable and designed to support you if the worst happens, so make sure travel insurance is packed and ready before you depart.
On the last day of her Bali holiday, 23-year-old Jordon Hunt was on a scooter when a four-wheel drive came straight at her. She woke up in hospital with a broken leg, facing emergency surgery and $48,000 in medical bills.
Luckily, her $70 1Cover travel insurance policy had her covered.
🎥 Watch the video to hear Jordon share her shocking holiday-horror firsthand.
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