Benefits of Long-Term Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy

In India, the maximum percentage of uninsured vehicles has been two-wheelers. One of the main reasons for this was because only one-year insurance policies were being provided for two-wheelers, till recent times. Last year, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) gave the go-ahead to insurers to provide long-term policies for two-wheelers for a maximum of 3 years, to solve this issue.

So are there any additional benefits in investing in long-term insurance for two-wheelers?

Advantages of Long-Term Two Wheeler Insurance

1. Discounts offered

   Policyholders can avail of discounts on two-wheeler long-term motor insurance. Since insurers are able to save on administrative costs through long-term plans, they provide various discounts and incentives to customers. This is over and above the underwriting benefits provided and the no-claim bonus. When it comes to motor insurance, while third party bike insurance is mandatory by law, own damage insurance is optional. Insurers like New India Assurance are also offering upfront discounts for own damage insurance with their three-year third-party insurance policies.

2. Long-Term Two Wheeler Insurance Renewals

   Having to renew a policy every two or three years is much more convenient than having to renew it on a yearly basis, more so if one has more than one policy. If a policy lapses, the policyholder has to go through many hassles to have the policy renewed. If there should be an accident after the renewal date has passed, then the policyholder can’t make a claim either.

   Furthermore, the insurer might insist on having the vehicle inspected before renewing the policy or issuing a new policy. What’s more, you might have trouble finding an insurer willing to provide cover for your car, if lots of time has passed since your policy has lapsed. The threat of such complications arising if you havelong-term two wheeler insurance coverage is far less.

3. No claim bonus

   Long-term two wheeler insurance have an added advantage over short-term policies when it comes to the no claim bonus (NCB), as seen in the case of some insurance policies. An NCB is a discount provided to the policyholder for the next year of the policy, if they have not made any claims during the previous year.

   Also, some long term policies might offer a higher NCB at the end of a 3 year policy as opposed to the cumulative individual NCB at the end of three years, in the case of short-term policies.

4. Cancellation/Termination of Long Term Two Wheeler Insurance policy

   Some insurance companies also provide policyholders refunds in certain cases where a policy is terminated or cancelled. For example, in the case of loss or theft, it provides a refund up to a certain percentage of the premium for the full unexpired years in their long-term policies – a benefit not provided with single-year policies.