Why Are Add-On Covers in a Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy Required?

Popular Add-ons in Bike Insurance Policy

Add-on covers come in handy to boost comprehensive bike insurance policy coverage and offer extensive coverage during unforeseen risks by paying a little extra premium. Always do compare two-wheeler insurance plans before making the purchase decision. Here are some of the most popular and useful add-on covers that you must consider before making the final payment:

1. Personal Accident Cover

   As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, a Personal Accident (PA) cover in bike insurance is a mandatory add-on for all two-wheeler owners. All bike owners/policyholders with valid driving licenses and under the age of 18-65 years can benefit from this cover. You can buy PA cover with third-party bike insurance policy or a comprehensive bike insurance policy. As per the latest guidelines by IRDAI, all the bike insurance companies offer a PA coverage of up to ₹15 lakh.

   • Coverage: Up to ₹15 lakh (as per IRDAI guidelines)
   • Who can avail: Valid license holders aged 18–65
   • Applicable on: Both third-party and comprehensive plans

2. Return to Invoice Cover

   Imagine the unthinkable situation when your bike is stolen or facing a total loss where your insured bike is damaged more than 75%. In such a case, general insurance companies compensate based on your bike's Insured Declared Value (IDV). Remember, this IDV is less than the invoice amount of the bike.

   In such a case, a valuable add-on comes to the rescue: Return-to-invoice cover in bike insurance. Unlike the usual depreciation deductions, the RTI add-on cover guarantees the actual price you paid while purchasing the bike, including road tax and registration charges.

   • Coverage: Full invoice value + registration + road tax
   • Best for: New bought bikes or high-value bikes

3. Zero Depreciation Cover

   Like any other asset, regular wear & tear to your two-wheeler causes a reduction in its value over a period. This is where a zero depreciation cover in bike insurance comes into the picture.

   If you do not want a reduction in the claim settlement amount, you must opt for zero dep bike insurance. This add-on cover compensates you for the actual cost of the replacement while settling the claims. Hence, it minimizes the burden of out-of-pocket expenses during the claims settlement and helps you save money.

   • Ideal for: New bikes or expensive repairs
   • Benefit: No out-of-pocket expenses on parts like plastic, rubber, metal, etc.

4. Roadside Assistance Cover

   Imagine you are in the middle of a road journey with a mechanical breakdown. Don't worry; a 24/7 roadside assistance add-on comes to your rescue. A knight in shining armour, an RSA cover in bike insurance ensures assistance reaches you within a specified time. Some valuable services in this cover are flat tyre changing, battery issues, technical or mechanical issues, key-related issues, towing assistance, emergency fuel delivery, taxi arrangement, accommodation services, and pick & drop facility.

   • Services included: Flat tyre change, towing, battery jump-start, key replacement, fuel delivery, taxi/accommodation assistance
   • Ideal for: Long-distance riders and daily commuters

5. No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Cover

   Before knowing about this add-on, you must understand an NCB in bike insurance. An NCB bonus is a discount reward for driving safely and not raising claims during the policy year.

   NCB protection in bike insurance is a valuable add-on that keeps accumulated bonus intact despite raising a claim. Hence, this cover gives you extra protection without worrying about registering for claims during the policy period.

   • Benefit: Retain your NCB percentage (up to 50%)
   • Ideal for: Safe drivers with multiple claim-free years

6. Consumables Cover

   Nuts, bolts, lubricants, screws, engine oil, grease, etc., are minor yet essential elements that keep your ride going on. All these are known as consumables for your two-wheeler.

   The consumables cover in bike insurance is a valuable add-on cover in your bike insurance policy. It offers an extra layer of protection by providing coverage for replacing consumables damaged during an accident, theft, or other insured perils mentioned in the bike insurance policy documents.

   • Best for: Frequent riders and those who want full repair cost coverage

7. Engine Protection Cover

   Engine protection cover is an optional add-on in your two-wheeler insurance policy that safeguards your insured bike engine's against repair or replacement costs arising from:

   • Water ingression (e.g., riding through flooded areas)
   • Lubricant oil leakage
   • Physical damage to engine parts due to external causes
   • Hydrostatic lock (when water enters the engine and causes it to seize)
   • Ideal for: Riders in flood-prone areas, owners of high-end or new bikes, daily commuters, and anyone looking to safeguard their engine against non-accidental damage.
   • Benefits: Cover damages from water ingression, oil leakage, and hydrostatic lock, saves high repair costs, and preserves bike performance.