Increase in Bike Insurance Claims from Distracted Riding

India’s Two-Wheeler Accident Reality

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) latest annual reports:

• India recorded 480,583 road accidents in 2023, resulting in 172,890 deaths and 462,825 injuries.
• Two-wheelers accounted for the largest share of road accident deaths, approximately 44.8%, which is higher than that of cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
• According to the 2022 MoRTH report, two-wheelers accounted for 44.5% of all road deaths and were involved in the majority of accident cases.
• A staggering 50,000+ people died in 2022 because helmets weren’t worn, highlighting risky & neglectful behavior among riders.
• Young adults (ages 18-45), the core demographic of bike riders, accounted for over 66% of all road accident victims.

What is Distracted Riding?

Distracted riding refers to any activity that diverts a rider’s attention away from safe operation of the bike. Examples include:

• Using a mobile phone for texting, calling, navigating, or even scrolling sometimes.
• Adjusting music or navigation apps.
• Taking photos or recording videos while riding.
• Engaging in cognitive distractions (thinking about something other than riding).
• Using earbuds or headphones that reduce sound awareness.

Unlike speeding or drunk driving, distracted riding operates quietly and often unnoticed until an unfortunate circumstance strikes.

Why Distracted Riding Leads to More Bike Insurance Claims?

1. More Frequent

   Distraction, especially due to phones, drastically increases the risk of crashes because reaction times slow and situational awareness drops.

2. More Severe

   A rider looking down for even 2-3 seconds can travel 50+ meters without noticing road hazards. Texting while riding can be even more hazardous than riding while intoxicated.

3. Involving Property Damage

   Accidents often involve collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and fixed objects, leading to expensive vehicle damage and, therefore, higher third-party bike insurance claims.

4. Linked to High-Risk Groups

   Young riders and urban commuters, who are both heavy buyers of bike insurance, are more prone to distracted behavior, thereby magnifying the payout risk for insurers.

What Bike Insurance Companies Are Seeing?

Insurers in India are reporting a trend of rising bike insurance claims attributed to rider negligence, including distracted riding. How this trend hits insurers:

• Increased comprehensive bike insurance claim frequency (own-damage bike insurance claims).
• Higher severities due to high-speed or distracted crashes.
• Rising payouts on third-party liability due to multi-vehicle involvement.

How Riders Can Reduce Risk (and Insurance Claims)

Here are key actionable tips for riders that help in reducing accidental risk along with the bike insurance claims:

1. Avoid Phone Use Entirely While Riding

   Using a mobile phone while riding whether for calls, texting, navigation, or music becomes one of the biggest contributors to distracted riding–related accidents. Even a momentary glance at the screen takes your eyes off the road, hands off the handle, and mind off riding.

   When you're riding, every second counts. A small lapse in attention can cause:

   • Delayed braking
   • Misjudging distance
   • Missing potholes, pedestrians, or vehicles
   • Skidding or losing balance

   Instead of checking your phone on the move:

   • Stop at a safe spot if you want to attend a call
   • Enable voice-based navigation before starting
   • Keep your phone mounted securely, but not in your hand

   Riding requires full sensory awareness, and using a mobile phone while riding disrupts that completely.

2. Focus on Situational Awareness

   Situational awareness means being fully aware of your surroundings, including traffic flow, road conditions, and rider behavior. Most two-wheeler crashes don't happen because the rider lacks skill and fails to anticipate danger in advance.

   Good situational awareness includes:

   • Scanning the road 10–20 meters ahead
   • Identifying blind spots and overtaking vehicles
   • Watching for sudden lane changes or brake lights
   • Slowing near intersections, turns, and crowded zones
   • Anticipating pedestrian movement and jaywalking

   Riders should avoid:

   • Daydreaming while riding
   • Emotional or rushed riding
   • Aggressive lane switching
   • Tailgating larger vehicles

   A mentally alert rider can predict risky situations before they turn into accidents.

3. Use Legal Safety Aids Such as Helmet, Riding Gear & Reflectors

   Protective riding gear plays a crucial role in minimizing the severity of injuries, especially in high-impact crashes that are common in distracted riding cases.

   Wear a BIS-certified helmet in order to:

   • Reduces head injury risk drastically
   • Improves crash survival chances
   • Protects against debris and wind distraction
   • Enhances concentration while riding

   Moreover, use additional safety gear such as:

   • Gloves
   • Knee and elbow guards
   • Riding jacket with padding
   • High-grip shoes
   • Reflective jackets/strips for night riding

4. Use Hands-Free Navigation & Voice Commands

   If navigation is necessary, hands-free tools are the safest alternative to physically handling your phone. Which is why a rider should do this:

   Riders should:

   • Set the route before starting the ride
   • Use voice navigation prompts instead of looking at maps repeatedly
   • Use a secure mobile mount and do not hold the phone in your hand
   • Rely on Bluetooth-enabled helmets or audio directions

   Hands-free navigation allows you to:

   • Keep both hands on the handlebars
   • Maintain proper balance
   • React faster to sudden road hazards
   • Stay visually focused on the road

   Voice-assist features help reduce:

   • Frequent screen glances
   • Manual typing while riding
   • Mental distraction caused by multitasking

   The aim is not just convenience but safer navigation with uninterrupted riding control.

5. Understand Two Wheeler Insurance Impact & Claim Behaviour

   Every accidental claim linked to distracted riding not only leads to vehicle repair costs, but it may also impact your two wheeler insurance benefits.

   Key consequences include:

   • Loss of No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
   • Higher premium during policy renewal
   • Increased risk profile in insurer records
   • Possibility of partial claim rejection in negligent riding cases

   Repeated claims can also:

   • Weaken your financial protection buffer
   • Reduce long-term savings on policy discounts
   • Affect own-damage coverage affordability

   When riders adopt safer habits:

   • Accident probability reduces
   • Repair expenses are avoided
   • NCB (No Claim Bonus) stays intact, which helps in lowering two wheeler insurance premiums

   Safe riding is not only about preventing injuries, but it also helps riders maintain financial stability and the value of their two-wheeler insurance.

Understand Two Wheeler Insurance Impact & Claim Behaviour

Every accidental claim linked to distracted riding not only leads to vehicle repair costs, but it may also impact your two wheeler insurance benefits.

• Loss of No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
• Higher premium during policy renewal
• Increased risk profile in insurer records
• Possibility of partial claim rejection in negligent riding cases