Bike Accidents in India and Insurance Claims

Number of Road Accident Cases in India

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported a 2.6% increase in road fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year. The below table highlights road accident rates in India over the last few years:

Road Accidents and Two-Wheeler Fatalities in India (2019–2024)

*Disclaimer: The figures for 2023 are approximate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially release the data released for the year 2019-2022 as of now.

Key Observations

• Consistent High Fatality Rate: From the above-given data, 44-45% of the road accidents are fatalities are of two-wheeler riders in India.
• Helmet Usage: A significant number of fatalities are caused due to the non-usage of helmets.
• Speeding as a Major Cause: Speeding remains another leading cause of road accident fatalities.

Government Initiatives

The Government of India has implemented several safety measures to address the high incidence of two-wheeler accidents:

• Mandatory Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): Since April 1, 2018, all new motorcycles above 125cc are required to be equipped with ABS to prevent wheel lock during sudden braking.
• Automatic Headlamp On (AHO): All new two-wheelers must have headlights that automatically turn on when the engine starts, enhancing visibility during daytime and adverse weather conditions.
• Dedicated Two-Wheeler Lanes: The Ministry of Road Transport is drafting plans to build dedicated lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and urban roads to reduce accidents caused by traffic non-segregation.
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): A government-backed accident insurance scheme offering coverage for accidental death and disability at a nominal premium, making insurance accessible to a broader population.
• Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC): This initiative aims to reduce road fatalities through a combination of engineering, enforcement, emergency care, and engagement. Implemented on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the ZFC model achieved a 52% reduction in fatalities between 2016 and 2020.

Importance of Bike Insurance In Case of Road Accidents

Bike insurance is crucial in protecting your precious possessions against several unforeseen consequences, including road accidents.

In India, there are two main types of two-wheeler insurance policies are available:

1. Third-Party Bike Insurance: As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, third-party policy is legally required in India and covers liabilities for damage to third-party vehicles, property, or injuries in case of road accident.
2. Comprehensive Bike Insurance: A comprehensive bike insurance policy covers third-party liabilities and damage to your bike. The policy offers coverage against loss due to theft, accidents, natural or man-made disasters, etc.

Documents Required to Raise Bike Insurance Claims Online

In the event of a bike accident in India, certain documents are essential for filing an insurance claim, such as:

• Valid bike insurance policy
• Copy of Registration Book, Tax Receipt (you need to furnish the original copy for verification)
• Police FIR copy
• Driving license of the rider.
• Original repair invoice (in case of repairs in network garage) & payment receipt
• Estimation of total repair bill done by the garage
• Discharge Cum Satisfaction Voucher obtained from the garage and signed by the policyholder with a Revenue Stamp

How to Buy Bike Insurance Online?

Buying bike insurance online from Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited is quite convenient. Here is a step-by-step process to easily buy two-wheeler insurance online:

• Step 1: Click on Two-wheeler insurance button under the Insurance Products drop-down on the home page.
• Step 2: Enter your bike number/registration number and click on View Plans .
• Step 3: Compare multiple bike insurance quotes offered by top insurers in India and choose the right one as per your requirements.
• Step 4: Choose add-on covers, such as zero depreciation cover, NCB protection cover, 24x7 roadside assistance cover, etc.
• Step 5: Pay the displayed bike insurance premium amount using banking cards, UPI or Internet banking.
• Step 6: Receive your bike insurance policy documents at your registered email ID.

Things to Keep in Mindas a Motorcycle Rider

Here are some crucial reminders for motorcycle riders in India to keep them safe at all times:

1. Prioritize Safety: Riding a motorcycle makes you more susceptible to injuries. Always ride safely and adhere to all the traffic rules.
2. Helmet is Must: Helmets are mandatory because they protect your head. Therefore, wear one consistently, not just to avoid fines but for your own protection.
3. Invest in Riding Gear: If your budget allows, consider buying protective gear such as riding gloves, boots, jackets, pants, etc.

In case you encounter a bike accident in India and have a policy through Policybazaar.com, these tips can help ensure a successful claim:

1. Promptly notify your insurer about the incident for speedy claim settlement.
2. File a First Information Report (FIR) is a mandatory step that you shouldn t skip.
3. Keep documents ready. This will facilitate faster claim processing.