Do You Need a Return to Invoice Cover for New Bikes in 2025?

What is Return to Invoice (RTI) Cover in Bike Insurance?

Return to Invoice Cover is an optional add-on to available with comprehensive bike insurance policy. If you buy bike insurance policy, the payout amount after theft or total loss is based on the current market value of your bike, which reduces over time due to depreciation.

But with the help of the RTI add-on cover, your claim payout amount is the original purchase price from your invoice (including registration & road tax).

Let's understand this with the help of an example: Suppose you bought a bike for ₹1.8 lakh and it's stolen after 6 months:

Without RTI: Claim = ₹1.6 lakh (reduced payout amount)

With RTI: Claim = ₹1.8 lakh (full original on-road price)

Why is RTI Cover Important for New Bikes in 2025?

The following reasons will explain why having RTI add-on cover with your two-wheeler insurance policy is essential:

1. High Theft Risk for New Models

   New bike or scooter models are attractive targets for thieves because they have higher resale value, their spare parts are costlier, and easier to sell in illegal markets. Hence, RTI cover ensures you do not lose money replacing a stolen bike.

2. Financial Security in Accident-Prone Areas

   If you are residing or riding on a narrow or congested road, it means there are higher chances of an accident. An RTI cover in bike insurance means financial security even if you ride in an accident-prone area. Moreover, it protects in case of total loss scenarios, where the bike is damaged more than 75%.

3. Perfect for Owners Without Secure Parking

   Bikes parked on streets, in open lots, or in areas without CCTV are at greater risk of theft. RTI helps offset this risk by covering your full purchase price.

4. Peace of Mind for First-Time Owners

   If this is your first bike, RTI ensures you don't bear a heavy financial burden if disaster strikes early in ownership.

When Should You Buy RTI Cover?

• Within 1-3 years of buying your bike (most insurers only allow RTI in this period).
• For premium or high-value models like superbikes or flagship scooters.
• If you live in high-crime zones.
• When secure parking is not available.

When RTI Cover May Not Be Necessary?

• Bikes older than 3 years (coverage not offered).
• Low-value bikes where the depreciation loss is minimal.
• Bikes are kept in highly secure, private parking with low theft risk.

What are the Drawbacks of the RTI Cover?

• This does not work in the case of partial damage repairs.
• Limited age eligibility, as this add-on is usually available for bikes up to 3 years old.

RTI Cover vs Zero Depreciation Cover in Bike Insurance

It's easy to confuse these two add-ons, so we have differentiated between RTI and zero-dep cover available with your bike insurance policy:

Pro Tip: It is a good idea if you want a complete protection. For complete protection in the first few years, get both RTI + Zero Dep in bike insurance.

When is the RTI Cover Useful?

Key Takeaway

Return to Invoice (RTI) cover is strongly recommended for new bikes in 2025. In case of theft or total loss, you get the bike's full original on-road price (including road tax and registration), not just its depreciated market value.

This makes RTI especially valuable if:

• Your bike is less than 3 years old.
• You live in a high-theft or accident-prone area
• You don't have secure parking
• You own a premium or high-value bike