How to File a Claim for a Bike Damaged in a Cyclone?

Are Cyclones Covered Under Bike Insurance Policy?

Under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, every two-wheeler owners must at least have a third-party liability insurance policy. However, it is not enough to cover the damages caused to the own vehicle. To cover the damages caused by natural calamities, you must have a comprehensive bike insurance policy.

Steps to Follow in Case Your Bike is Damaged in a Cyclone

If your bike is damaged by a cyclone, avoid moving it immediately. Instead, you can follow the below procedure to repair your motorcycle:

Step 1: Notify the insurance company

If a cyclone or a natural disaster has caused damage to your bike, you should first inform your bike insurance company. If you have purchased the bike policy from Policybazaar.com, you can easily connect with our claim assistance team through a dedicated toll-free number or email.

For major accidents or severe cases, the IRDA (Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India) contact the insurance provider to offer a fast-track online claim settlement process. It is recommended to keep your bike insurance documents ready and registration details accessible.

Step 2: Gather evidence

After filing a claim:

• Take clear pictures and videos from all angles of the damaged bike. It should include close-ups of any dents, broken parts, or collapsed structures.
• Ensure all the photos and videos are clear, as you will have to share these media files with the surveyor when accessing damages.

Step 3: Submit necessary documents

Once you inform the claim settlement team about the damage, submit essential documents, like:

• Two-wheeler insurance policy details
• Driving license
• Bike registration certificate
• Pictorial evidence.

After submission, you will receive a "bike insurance claim reference number" from the insurance provider for online tracking.

Step 4: Vehicle inspection by the surveyor

Next, the insurer arranges for an inspector or surveyor to assess the damages during the vehicle inspection process. Make sure you provide accurate & precise information during the inspection. Further, the surveyor will submit the assessment report to the insurance company.

Step 5: Repair your bike

Next, take your bike to the nearest network garage for cashless repairs. However, if you have opted for reimbursement repairs, take your bike to any garage in your locality. Also, make sure to keep all the repair receipts & bills for submission.

Step 6: Claims Settlement

The insurance company decides the claim amount based on the surveyor report and repair estimate. The claims are settled directly with the network garage in case of cashless repairs. However, for reimbursements, the expenses will be credited to your registered bank account.

Things to Keep in Mind When Your Bike is Damaged in Cyclone

If your insured bike is submerged in a cyclone, it is crucial to take all precautionary actions to prevent further harm. Here are some key pointers that you should keep in mind:

• Avoid Starting the Engine: Resist yourself to start or push-start it if it is submerged in the water. Doing so can lead to severe damage to the bike's engine.
• Notify Your Insurer: Inform about the cyclone-induced damages to your insurance provider.
• Collect the Evidence: Collect the evidence of submerged bike, including pictures and videos. This will help in a hassle-free claim filing process.
• Wait for Assistance: Once you have notified the insurance provider, await assistance. Depending on your policy coverage, the company will process and settle the claim accordingly.

Moreover, only proceed with repairs after informing the insurer. Repairing it without notifying may result in claim rejection.
Filing bike insurance claims is a streamlined process. To prevent delays or rejections, adhere to guidelines such as timely reporting, truthful information, avoiding repairs before informing the insurer, and choosing the right network garages. In addition, ensure your two-wheeler insurance policy is active before proceeding with the claim.