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Insurance for bike can be a lifesaver, especially if you're involved in an accident. Bike insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bike, as well as any medical expenses.
There are several types of bike insurance, including third-party liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and standalone insurance.
Third-party liability insurance is a must-have, as it covers damages to other people or property in case of an accident. This type of insurance is often required by law.
Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, covers damages to your bike itself, as well as theft and loss. It's a more comprehensive (no pun intended!) coverage that provides peace of mind.
The cost of bike insurance varies depending on the type of insurance, your location, and the value of your bike.
Do I Need Insurance?
If you own a bike, you need insurance. Purchasing insurance for your bike is essential for maintaining legal compliance and establishing a financial safety net.
Driving your bike without insurance is a punishable offense in the eyes of the law. Two wheeler Insurance is mandatory in India and has proven to be very beneficial as well.
In India, the law requires every vehicle owner to have at least third-party two-wheeler insurance coverage. This is a mandatory aspect of Indian law under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Two wheeler insurance covers damage to the third party, and the insured bike and person are protected from the legal obligations towards the third party. This is known as 'act only' insurance and is compulsory for everybody who buys two wheeler insurance.
If you become a victim of uncertainties like earthquakes or floods, you can always seek a claim for the damages under the bike insurance policy. The insurance policy for bikes also covers the owner and will compensate in case of injuries due to bike accidents.
Here are some key benefits of having a bike insurance policy:
- Financial safety net in case of accidents or damages
- Covers damage to third parties
- Covers man-made disasters like theft, robbery, riots, strikes, terrorist activity, and damage in transit
- Compensates for injuries due to bike accidents
Types of Insurance
In India, two-wheeler insurance is mandatory. The premium for Third-Party two-wheeler insurance is determined by the bike's cubic capacity. Two-wheeler stand-alone own damage insurance premiums differ from company to company.
There are mainly two types of two-wheeler insurance in India. Most of the policies concerning two wheelers revolve around them. With adding certain chargeable benefits in the mix, you are eligible to receive the best offers on your possessions.
Here are the main types of two-wheeler insurance:
Comprehensive vs.
Comprehensive vs. Third Party Bike Insurance: What's the Difference?
Comprehensive bike insurance provides coverage for damages or losses incurred by your two-wheeler, including accidental damages, fire damages, natural disasters, and theft.
You can choose to get comprehensive insurance or third-party insurance, but it's advisable to get comprehensive insurance for better coverage.
Comprehensive insurance covers the insured bike, the rider/policyholder/owner/vehicle itself, and the third party, whereas third-party insurance only covers the third party involved in an accident.
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Here's a comparison of the two:
The premium charge for comprehensive insurance is relatively high compared to third-party insurance, but it provides better coverage and protection for your bike.
HDFC ERGO
HDFC ERGO offers a range of two-wheeler insurance options, including Comprehensive insurance, Third Party insurance, Standalone own damage cover, and cover for brand new bikes.
With HDFC ERGO, you can insure a wide variety of two-wheelers, including secondhand bikes. To renew your secondhand bike insurance policy, simply click on the bike insurance product on the HDFC ERGO website, select the renew option, and complete the process online.
The cap for compensation for third party property damage is ₹ 1 lakh, as determined by a court of law. HDFC ERGO's two-wheeler insurance policy also offers a cashless repair option at network garages in India.
You can further enhance the protection of your bike by adding add-on covers to your comprehensive bike insurance policy. This includes coverage for theft, fire, natural or artificial disasters, and more.
Here are the four types of two-wheeler insurance plans offered by HDFC ERGO:
- COMPREHENSIVE TWO WHEELER INSURANCE
- Third Party Cover
- Standalone Own Damage Cover
- Cover for Brand New Bikes
Features and Benefits
Bike insurance policies offer various features that cater to the needs of two-wheeler owners.
Some notable features of bike insurance policies include damages to third-party coverage, third-party liability coverage, and own damage cover. IFFCO-Tokio Bike Insurance Policy also offers a comprehensive cover, no claim bonus, and easy claims settlement.
You can renew your bike insurance policy online, which saves time and money. Online renewals bring discounted pricing, a quick and easy process, and secure transactions. Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of renewing your policy online anytime, without worrying about business hours.
ACKO’s Two-wheeler Insurance Policy offers a range of features, including third-party liability coverage, own damage cover, and no claim bonus. They also provide cashless repair service and a claim settlement ratio of 98.40% for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 (Two-wheeler OD portfolio).
Bike insurance policies also offer personal accident cover, up to ₹15 lakhs coverage for permanent disability/death. HDFC Ergo Two Wheeler Insurance offers an AI-enabled tool, IDEAS, for claim settlement. They also provide a range of add-ons, including zero depreciation, emergency roadside assistance, and more.
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A bike insurance policy can provide you with peace of mind, financially securing you from any unexpected damages and losses.
Here are some key features of bike insurance policies:
A bike insurance policy can provide you with financial security and peace of mind, knowing that you are protected in case of any unexpected events.
Insurance Policies
There are three main types of bike insurance plans in India: Comprehensive, Third-party, and Standalone Own-damage. You can also purchase the mandatory PA cover from various websites and apps.
Comprehensive bike insurance offers the most coverage, including damage to your bike and third-party liability. It's a good idea to get a comprehensive policy, especially if you want to protect yourself and others in case of an accident. The premium rates for comprehensive policies are fixed by the insurance firm and can vary depending on the bike's model, engine capacity, and other factors.
You can choose from various add-ons to enhance your bike insurance policy, such as zero depreciation cover or engine protection cover. Some insurance providers also offer a long-term policy option, which can provide discounts for renewing your policy early. For example, HDFC ERGO offers a 3-year long-term policy option for its two-wheeler insurance.
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Here's a comparison of the three main types of bike insurance plans:
Remember to check the insurance provider's claim settlement ratio and other features before making a decision. Some insurance providers, like Bajaj Allianz, offer a high claim settlement ratio of 98%.
Standalone Own Damage
Standalone Own Damage insurance provides coverage against damages to your two-wheeler, but it won't cover third-party liabilities.
This type of insurance policy is ideal for those who already have a third-party policy for their bike. It safeguards your bike from natural calamities, covers damages caused due to manmade calamities, and provides financial protection to the owner.
You can calculate the premium for Standalone Own Damage bike insurance using a premium calculator, which estimates the premium automatically based on your bike's specifics.
The coverage for insured bike only means that you must have a third-party bike insurance plan separately. This policy cannot provide cover against depreciation, electrical damages, mechanical problems/breakdown, and damages incurred due to DUI, drugs usage, and underage driving.
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Here are the key features of Standalone Own Damage bike insurance:
With Standalone Own Damage bike insurance, you can get claim benefits in case of accident, theft, natural or manmade damages.
Policies
There are several types of bike insurance policies available in India, including Comprehensive, Third-party, and Standalone Own-damage policies.
Comprehensive bike insurance policies provide the most extensive coverage, including damages to your bike, theft, and third-party liabilities. They also offer add-on covers for enhanced protection.
Third-party bike insurance policies, on the other hand, are mandatory and only cover third-party liabilities, including damages to property or injuries/death.
Standalone Own-damage policies cover damages to your bike, but not third-party liabilities.
Here's a comparison of the three types of policies:
You can choose from a range of bike insurance plans offered by various insurance companies, including HDFC ERGO, Bajaj Allianz, and IFFCO Tokio.
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Each insurance company offers different types of policies, such as Comprehensive, Third-party, and Standalone Own-damage policies, with varying coverage and premium rates.
For example, HDFC ERGO offers Comprehensive insurance, Third Party insurance, and Standalone Own Damage Cover, while Bajaj Allianz offers Third Party Cover, Comprehensive Two Wheeler Insurance Policy, and Standalone Own Damage Cover.
Before choosing a policy, make sure to understand the coverage, premium rates, and add-ons available.
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Insurance Process
Buying bike insurance online is a straightforward process. You just need to fill in your bike details, select the coverage plan, and make the payment.
You can buy two-wheeler insurance online with the following simple steps: Fill out Bike Details - Enter basic information about your bike registration number and confirm details like make model, claim history etc.Select and Customize - You can select the bike insurance plan type like third party or comprehensive and can include the add-ons coverage as per the requirements.Download Policy Document - After plan selection, please make the payment and your policy would be generated immediately.
The two options to choose from are: Comprehensive cover policy: This bike insurance policy covers the overall settlement, which includes third party, policyholder, rider and damage repair of the vehicle.Third-party cover policy: Here, the bike insurance company only covers the liability arising from the third party and is compulsory in India by IRDA.
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How to Raise
Raising a cashless claim for your bike insurance is a straightforward process that involves three simple steps. Intimate your claim by any of the methods suggested by your insurance provider.
The first step is to intimate your claim, which can be done through various methods such as phone, email, or online portal. You can also submit a claim form available on the insurance provider's website.
The next step is to upload documents and photographs of the damage caused to your bike. This will help the insurance provider assess the damage and settle the claim accordingly.
The final step is claim settlement, which can be done directly with you or at a network garage. The insurance provider will cover the repair costs, and you won't have to pay a single penny out of your pocket.
Here are the three steps to a cashless claim:
- Intimate: Intimate your claim by any of the methods suggested by your insurance provider.
- Survey: Upload documents and photographs of the damage caused to your bike.
- Claim Settlement: Claim settlement directly with you or at a network garage.
Steps to
Buying insurance online is a straightforward process. You can purchase two-wheeler insurance online with just a few simple steps.
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To buy a bike insurance policy online, you'll need to fill out your bike's details, select the coverage plan, and make the payment. You can also add-ons to get maximum coverage at a lesser premium cost.
Here are the steps to buy a two-wheeler insurance policy online:
- Fill out Bike Details - Enter basic information about your bike registration number and confirm details like make model, claim history etc.
- Select and Customize - You can select the bike insurance plan type like third party or comprehensive and can include the add-ons coverage as per the requirements.
- Download Policy Document - After plan selection, please make the payment and your policy would be generated immediately.
To register a claim, you can use one of the three options provided by Bajaj Allianz. These options include registering online, talking to a representative, or using the Motor OTS feature via the Insurance Wallet app for damages less than Rs. 10,000.
To calculate your bike insurance premium, you'll need to account for various factors such as the bike's make/model, age, geographical location, NCB, etc. You can use a bike insurance premium calculator to display your two-wheeler vehicle insurance quote.
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Here are the steps to calculate the premium:
✅ Step 1: Visit our website or log in to the mobile app and provide basic details of your two-wheeler (registration number, make, model, year of purchase, etc.)
✅ Step 2: Select the type of policy and the tenure.
✅ Step 3: Once you select the policy and tenure, you will be able to see the bike insurance quote.
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Own Damage Calculation
To calculate the Own Damage premium for your bike, you'll need to use a bike insurance premium calculator. These calculators can be found on insurance company websites or through online tools.
The calculator will require you to enter your bike's registration number, which will help fetch the necessary bike details. This includes the make, model, and manufacturing year of your bike.
The Own Damage premium is calculated based on several factors, including the bike's make and model, age, and geographical location. Additionally, the Insured Declared Value (IDV) of your bike will also play a role in determining the premium.
Here's a breakdown of the factors that affect the Own Damage premium:
- Bike's make and model
- Age of the bike
- Geographical location
- Insured Declared Value (IDV)
To get an accurate quote, you can use a bike insurance premium calculator, which will estimate the Own Damage premium automatically based on your bike's specifics. Some insurance companies also offer online calculators that can help you calculate the premium based on your bike's details.
Emergency Assistance in TW
Emergency Assistance in TW is a lifesaver for long-distance riders and daily commuters. It's an add-on cover that can be bought with standalone own-damage and comprehensive bike insurance policy.
This add-on cover provides support in case of a breakdown in the middle of the highway, especially helpful in remote or unknown areas. It's a must-have for those who go on long rides regularly or commute long distances to work by their two-wheeler every day.
The Emergency Assistance Service will add to your overall premium, but it also has several benefits, including breakdown assistance, towing, fuel replacement, and minor repairs. With this cover, you can get back on the road quickly and safely.
This add-on provides 24/7 support in any roadside assistance situation, compensating for flat tyres, jump-starting the bike, breakdowns, and other electrical problems, fuel assistance, electrical or mechanical breakdown, towing, delivery of the repaired two-wheeler, urgent message relay, and more.
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Insurance Add-ons
Insurance add-ons are a great way to customize your bike insurance policy to fit your needs. You can choose from various add-ons to enhance your coverage.
One popular add-on is the Zero Depreciation Cover, which ensures that you get the full claim amount without any deductions related to depreciation. This cover is especially useful for new bikes, as it helps to maintain their value.
You can also opt for the Towing charges add-on, which reimburses you for the cost of towing or arranging towing services. This can be a lifesaver if your bike breaks down in an isolated area.
The Loss of key add-on covers you in case you lose your bike's key or the locking system is damaged due to attempted theft. This can save you from a lot of hassle and expense.
Consumable Cover is another useful add-on that covers expenses for engine oil, grease, and nut and bolts. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses when you need to repair or replace these items.
Here's a summary of some popular bike insurance add-ons:
- Zero Depreciation Cover: Covers depreciation of bike parts
- Towing charges: Reimburses towing or arrangement costs
- Loss of key: Covers loss of key or damage to locking system
- Consumable Cover: Covers engine oil, grease, and nut and bolts expenses
- Electrical & Non-electrical item cover: Provides advanced protection for bike components
Remember to choose add-ons that are relevant to your needs and riding habits. Adding random add-ons can increase your premiums unnecessarily.
Insurance Exclusions
Damages to your vehicle due to electrical or mechanical issues are not covered under ACKO's Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan.
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances will void your insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Repair or replacement of vehicle components subject to regular wear and tear is also not covered.
Here's a list of exclusions to keep in mind:
- Substance use: If you get into an accident because you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then such an incident will not be covered.
- Rider's negligence: If any injury or damage is caused due to neglect on your part, then we will not cover the losses incurred.
- War and similar conditions: If your two-wheeler gets damaged due to war, nuclear weapons, or civil war like situations, your bike will not be covered under all such situations.
Liabilities
Liabilities are a crucial aspect of insurance, and it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not. Bike insurance plan will cover your legal liability for third party losses.
If you're involved in an accident, you'll want to know that your insurance has got you covered. This means you won't have to worry about paying for damages or medical expenses out of pocket. Bike insurance plan will cover your legal liability for third party losses.
Exclusions
Exclusions can be a real bummer when you're trying to get your bike insured. Many people don't realize what's not covered until it's too late.
Damages to your vehicle due to electrical or mechanical issues are not covered by most bike insurance policies. I've seen this happen to friends who didn't realize their policy didn't cover mechanical breakdowns.
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances will also void your insurance claim. This might seem obvious, but it's surprising how many people don't think about the consequences of driving under the influence.
Repair or replacement of vehicle components subject to regular wear and tear is not covered by most policies. This can be frustrating, especially if you're not sure what's considered normal wear and tear.
Here are some common exclusions to watch out for:
- Substance use: If you get into an accident because you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your claim will not be covered.
- Rider's negligence: If any injury or damage is caused due to neglect on your part, your losses will not be covered.
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown: Any damage or loss caused to your bike due to an electrical breakdown or mechanical failure will not be covered.
- War and similar conditions: If your bike gets damaged due to war, nuclear weapons, or civil war-like situations, it will not be covered.
Insurance Costs
The cost of bike insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors. The minimum cost of bike insurance is between Rs 1,001 and Rs 5,000 on average in India.
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The third-party liability premium is a mandatory component of bike insurance, and it's fixed by IRDAI depending on bike engine capacity. For example, the one-year third-party bike insurance price for a bike with a cubic capacity of less than 75cc is Rs. 538.
The own damage premium, on the other hand, depends on several factors such as the bike's make/model, age, and geographical location. A two-wheeler with effective safety devices installation can get a discounted premium.
The cost of bike insurance can also be affected by the bike's IDV, which reflects the market value of the bike. If the IDV is lower than the market value, the bike insurance premium will be less.
Here's a breakdown of the third-party two-wheeler insurance prices for FY 2024-25:
To calculate the premium for your brand new bike, you can use a bike insurance premium calculator. This online tool enables you to check the premium of your two-wheeler insurance policy by entering some basic information such as the bike manufacturer's name, model & variant, manufacturing year, fuel type, and invoice value.
Insurance Claims
If you need to file a claim for your bike insurance, you have multiple options to do so, including through the QCS mobile app, call centre, website, walk-in, SMS, or email.
You can register a claim online without any physical paperwork involved, but you'll need to upload soft copies of certain documents.
To file a claim, you'll need to provide documents such as your driving licence, bike's registration certificate, proof of identification, and bike insurance policy.
If you're filing a claim for a minor damage, you can take advantage of the quick claim settlement process, which promises effortless, paperless, and quick settlement for damages up to Rs. 50,000.
Here are the documents required for filing a bike insurance claim:
- Driving Licence (DL)
- Bike’s Registration Certificate (RC)
- Proof of identification of the policyholder
- Bike Insurance Policy
- Original two-wheeler keys
- First Information Report (FIR), if required
- Non-traceable Certificate (If required)
- Fire brigade report (if lodged)
- Original repair bills
- Original payment/cash receipts
Insurance Requirements
In India, you need to have a third party bike insurance policy to legally ride your two wheeler. This is a requirement as per the Motor Vehicle Act.
The Motor Vehicles Act states that you need to have a third party bike insurance policy to ride your two wheeler in India. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines.
Third party bike insurance is mandatory for new bikes. This means you can't ride a new bike without having a valid third party insurance policy.
The third-party bike insurance policy is compulsory for all motor vehicles in India, including two-wheelers. This includes all types of two-wheelers, from scooters to motorcycles.
To get a third party bike insurance policy, you'll need to provide proof of identity, registration certificate of the bike, and proof of address. You may also need to provide your old policy number for NCB, if you have one.
Here are the documents required for bike insurance at Bajaj Allianz:
- Proof of Identity (Ration Card/Voter ID, Driving License/Passport)
- Registration certificate of the bike
- Old policy number for NCB, if have
- Proof of address (voter’s ID card/passport/Aadhaar)
Insurance Options
You can choose from a range of bike insurance plans, including third party, comprehensive, and comprehensive plans with depreciation waiver.
There are multiple types of bike insurance plans to suit your needs, such as HDFC ERGO's four types: Comprehensive insurance, Third Party insurance, Standalone own damage cover, and Cover for a brand new bike.
You can also customize your bike insurance plan by adding add-ons, such as zero depreciation cover, which can be purchased as an add-on to your basic two-wheeler insurance plan.
Here are some key differences between third party and comprehensive two-wheeler insurance:
Consider your bike's engine capacity, age, and IDV when choosing a bike insurance plan. Also, think about your coverage needs, riding habits, and insurance company features when making a decision.
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Multiple Plans
You've got options when it comes to choosing a bike insurance plan. You can opt for a third party bike insurance plan, which starts at just INR 538 yearly for bikes with an engine capacity of up to 75 cc. This plan is mandatory by IRDA and covers only the third party legal liabilities.
You can also choose a comprehensive bike insurance plan, which covers the complete settlement of third parties and damages occurred to the policyholder and two-wheeler. This plan is not a compulsion, but it's highly recommended as it provides better coverage and protection.
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IFFCO Tokio offers easy-to-understand and affordable third party bike insurance plans, comprehensive & depreciation waiver in your bike insurance plans. You can also opt for long-term third-party bike insurance cover or a single-year own damage insurance.
Here are some key differences between third party and comprehensive two wheeler insurance:
With so many options available, it's essential to choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. You can compare and select the plan that best matches your two-wheeler insurance needs, without being influenced by anyone else.
Insurance Options
There are two main types of bike insurance policies: Third-Party and Comprehensive. Third-Party insurance is mandatory by law and only covers damage to others, while Comprehensive insurance covers both third-party liability and damage to your own bike.
The type of policy you choose will depend on your risk tolerance and budget. If you're on a tight budget, Third-Party insurance might be the way to go. However, if you want to ensure you're fully protected, Comprehensive insurance is the better choice.
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A higher engine capacity typically means a higher premium, but it also ensures you get the full value in case of a total loss. For example, if you have a bike with a high engine capacity, you may pay more for insurance, but you'll also be able to claim a higher amount in case of a loss.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing between Third-Party and Comprehensive insurance:
Ultimately, the right insurance policy for you will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. Be sure to research and compare different policies to find the one that best fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.
Insurance Tips
To get the best bike insurance policy, it's essential to know the correct market value of your bike. Knowing the actual value can help you decrease the bike insurance premium because the lesser the IDV (Insured Declared Value), the lower the premium.
The IDV is the maximum sum insured you decide, representing the market value of your bike at the time of purchasing your bike insurance. Make sure to choose an IDV that accurately reflects your bike's value.
To save money on your premium, consider choosing a higher voluntary deductible. This can lower your premium, but be prepared to pay more out of your own pocket in case of a claim.
The two-wheeler insurance market has added new terms and conditions over the years. Familiarize yourself with the basics of every two-wheeler insurance policy to make an informed decision.
Here are six essential things to know about bike insurance:
- Every bike owner can claim a personal accident cover of Rs.15 lakh under their two-wheeler insurance policy.
- The add-ons offered by two-wheeler insurance firms are optional coverages that require extra payment.
- Discounts are approved by the IRDA for insured owners with anti-theft devices, recognized automotive associations, and good driving records.
- The online system makes it easy to purchase and renew two-wheeler policies with complete confidentiality and data security.
- No claim bonus discounts are easily transferred if you buy a new two-wheeler vehicle.
- Choose between comprehensive and liability-only two-wheeler insurance plans, with the latter having a lower premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company is best for bike insurance?
Choosing the best bike insurance company depends on various factors such as coverage, premium, and customer service. Consider popular options like Bajaj Allianz Bike Insurance, TATA AIG Bike Insurance, or Royal Sundaram General Insurance to find the one that suits your needs.
Does bicycle insurance cover theft?
Yes, bicycle insurance typically covers theft, but coverage and limits may vary depending on your policy and insurer. Check your policy details to see if theft is included and what's covered.
How do I file an insurance claim for a stolen bike?
To file an insurance claim for a stolen bike, start by reporting the theft to the police and gathering necessary information, then contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process.
Can you insure a pushbike?
Yes, you can insure a pushbike, also known as a bicycle, to protect it against theft, loss, or damage. Find out more about bicycle insurance and compare quotes to get started.
How much is it to insure a bicycle?
Bicycle insurance policies start at $100 per year. The cost depends on factors like coverage, bike value, and riding habits.
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