Types of Bike Insurance Policies in India

What is Bike Insurance & Why Do Need It?

A bike insurance policy is a legal document offered by the motor insurance company that provides financial and legal protection to a bike owner against several unforeseen circumstances. Since bikes do not have seatbelts or airbags, bikers are more vulnerable to fatal injuries. However, the damages caused can be repaid with the right bike insurance policy coverage.

Apart from being a legal mandate, a comprehensive bike insurance policy offers the required insurance coverage against third-party liabilities and own damages.

How Many Types of Bike Insurance Are There?

There are three types of two-wheeler insurance available in India:

• Third-Party Bike Insurance
• Standalone Own Damage Bike Insurance
• Comprehensive Bike Insurance

These three forms the foundation of all two-wheeler insurance types sold by insurers. Read on to know more about them in detail here:

1. Third-party Bike Insurance Policy

   In India, having third-party bike insurance is mandatory for two-wheeler owners. This policy takes care of the losses caused to the third party, property, or life in case of an accident. It is a liability cover in bike insurance, which does not cover loss or damage caused to your own vehicle.

2. Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy

   A comprehensive bike insurance policy covers both the own damages and third-party liabilities. Under its own damage, it gives protection against burglary or theft and damage caused by accidents, natural calamities, and manmade disasters. Moreover, under this plan, you can purchase add-on covers for specific circumstances by paying a little extra premium.

3. Standalone Own-damage Bike Insurance Policy

   As the name suggests, the Own-damage (OD) bike insurance policy gives coverage to your own vehicle caused due to natural calamities, manmade disasters, accidents, fire, and theft. This policy can be purchased if you have only mandatory third-party bike insurance policy.

   You may also read Own Damage v/s Third Party Bike Insurance Policy

Difference between Types of Bike Insurance Policies

Here is a table showing the key differences between the third party, own-damage cover, and comprehensive bike insurance policy:

What is Covered Under Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy?

It is essential to check your requirements before buying a two-wheeler insurance policy. The type of policy you choose will determine the coverage associated with it. Below are some of the inclusions and exclusions of a comprehensive bike insurance policy:

Inclusions

Here is a list of circumstances covered under a comprehensive bike insurance policy:

• Damages due to natural calamities like floods, landslides, earthquakes, etc.
• Damages from manmade disasters like fire, strikes, terrorism, riots, vandalism, etc.
• Losses are covered if the insured bike is stolen or is a total loss
• Coverage for third-party liabilities such as death, disability, or property damage
• Damages covered to the insured bike in case of an accident
• Loss of the insured two-wheeler in case of housebreaking or fire explosion.

Exclusions

Here is the list of exclusions where you won't receive any compensation under your comprehensive bike insurance policy:

• Damages caused due to electrical or mechanical breakdown
• Damages sustained when the rider was under the influence of any intoxicating substances or alcohol
• Damages sustained when the rider was not holding any of the valid documents, including the DL, RC, PUC certificate, and a valid bike insurance policy
• Loss arising out of the contractual liabilities
• Damages caused due to regular wear and tear.

Why Understanding Types of Two-Wheeler Insurance Is Not Enough?

Many riders know the names of the types of bike insurance, but do not know how they behave during claims.

For example:

• If your bike is stolen, only own damage or comprehensive covers it.
• If your engine gets damaged due to water during monsoon, only comprehensive with Engine Protect helps.
• If your friend rides your bike and meets with an accident, coverage depends on policy type and licence validity.
• If ownership is not transferred after sale, claims can be rejected even if insurance is active.

This is where understanding different types of bike insurance becomes practical.

Which Type of Bike Insurance Is Best for You?

• If you only want legal compliance, choose third-party bike insurance.
• If you want complete real-world protection, choose a comprehensive bike insurance.

For Indian conditions like traffic, theft, monsoon flooding, and costly repairs, comprehensive insurance proves to be the most reliable among all types of two-wheeler insurance.

How to Buy Two-wheeler Insurance Policy Online?

Buying a 2-wheeler insurance online from Policybazaar.com is quite simple and hassle-free. By following the below steps, you can buy bike insurance online:

• Visit the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited
• Enter your bike details and personal information asked in the two-wheeler insurance section
• Compare and select the plan offered by best bike insurance companies of India
• Select any add-on cover (if required)
• At last, pay the premium through UPI, banking cards, or net banking.

How to File Bike Insurance Claims?

In case of any mishap, you can raise a claim against the damages caused to your insured bike. First, you will contact your insurer through phone or mail and claim within the stipulated time. Your insurer will ask you to fill out the application form along with an FIR (in case of theft) or submit mandatory documents (in case of an accident). After this, the surveyor will examine the damage and send your vehicle for repairs.

Either the insurer will settle the bill with network garage in case of cashless settlement or reimburse the bill amount directly to your bank account if you have opted for a non-cashless settlement process.

FAQs - Does Depreciation Affect Your Bike Insurance Premium?