How Bike Insurance Add-Ons Can Help You Save on Major Repair Bills?

What Are Bike Insurance Add-Ons?

Add-ons are customisable features that you can include in your bike insurance policy by paying additional premiums to get added benefits. Think of them as boosters extending your bike’s coverage and filling the gaps a standard policy may leave behind.

Popular Bike Insurance Add-Ons That Help You Save Big on Repairs

Bike insurance add-ons aren’t just optional or a choice but now act as an essential element. You can avoid heavy out-of-pocket expenses by investing a small additional premium in the right add-ons. Here are a few popular bike insurance add-ons that are worth it:

1. Zero Depreciation Cover

   • What it does: A zero dep cover or bumper-to-bumper add-on cover in bike insurance covers the full cost of replacing bike parts that are damaged in a road accident without factoring in depreciation.
   • Why it matters: Normally, insurers deduct depreciation from the claim amount, which means you pay the rest. With this cover, you will receive the full claim payout amount.
   • When it helps: In case of a road accident involving parts like plastic, rubber, or fiber components,
   • Savings: It helps you save up to 30–50% of part replacement costs.

2. Engine Protection Cover

   • What it does: An engine protection cover pays for the bike’s engine and gearbox damaged due to oil leakage, water ingression, or mechanical failure.
   • Why it matters: A damaged engine or its parts are usually not covered under a regular policy.
   • When it helps: During floods, water-logged roads, or oil-related failures causing abnormality in the two-wheeler’s engine or its working.
   • Savings: It helps save costly engine repairs, which can lead to heavy financial loss ranging from 100s to 1000s.

3. Roadside Assistance Cover (RSA)

   • What it does: An RSA cover in bike insurance is an extended warranty that offers 24x7 support for technical or mechanical breakdowns, such as flat tyres, towing, fuel delivery, battery issues, and more.
   • Why it matters: Emergency services are usually hard to find during odd hours and can also be expensive.
   • When it helps: It comes to rescue you when your bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you got no chance to continue your journey.
   • Savings: It helps save the cost of towing and emergency repairs, often ₹1,000–₹5,000 per incident.

4. Consumables Cover

   • What it does: It covers consumables like engine oil, brake oil, nuts and bolts, lubricants, etc., during repairs.
   • Why it matters: All consumable items are excluded from a standard comprehensive bike insurance policy.
   • When it helps: As it covers the cost of consumables, any time your bike is in the garage for repairs, this add-on cover will help.
   • Savings: It covers the smaller but frequent costs that increase over time.

5. Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover

   • What it does: In case of total loss (more than 75% damaged) or theft, it pays the original invoice value of the bike, including registration and taxes.
   • Why it matters: A basic bike insurance policy pays only the depreciated market value.
   • When it helps: In case your bike is stolen or completely damaged due to insured perils.
   • Savings: It helps you save thousands of rupees, especially with newer or premium bikes.

Are Add-Ons Worth the Extra Premium?

While add-ons increase your insurance premium slightly, the long-term financial protection they offer can outweigh the additional cost. For example:

Tips to Choose the Right Bike Insurance Add-Ons

• Consider your location – While choosing a set of add-ons, always consider the place you reside or planning to ride the bike.
• Check your usage – Here, usage refers to whether you are a regular or seasonal rider. Choose add-on as per your usage pattern.
• Bike’s age and model – As higher-end bike models or sports bikes have value; you must consider choosing zero dep cover with your base policy for them.
• Budget smartly – It is wise to balance add-on benefits with your yearly premium affordability.