Which Type of Two-Wheeler Needs Higher Insurance Coverage? (Scooter vs Sports vs Cruiser)
While buying a two-wheeler, most people consider factors like design, performance, mileage, and budget. However, two-wheeler insurance is an equally significant factor that often gets ignored. The cost and type of insurance coverage for a bike totally depend on the kind of two-wheeler you choose. Whether you're riding a zippy scooter, a powerful sports bike, or a stylish cruiser, the insurance coverage requirements and premiums differ. This article will explore which type of two-wheeler needs higher insurance coverage. Read ahead!
Types of Two-Wheelers and Their Insurance Coverage
Which type of two-wheeler needs higher two-wheeler insurance coverage depends on their usage type. Here is a comparison among scooters, sports bikes, and cruisers to help you make an informed decision not just as a rider but as a responsible owner.
Scooter Insurance Coverage: Light and Affordable
Scooters, also known as scooty in India, are popular among commuters for their fuel efficiency, ease of handling, and affordability. Models like the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, and Suzuki Access are commonly run on Indian roads.
About Scooters and Their Insurance in India
- Low Engine Capacity: Most scooters have engines ranging from 100cc to 150cc, which is considered the lowest.
- Inexpensive Repairs: The spare parts of a scooter are widely available and relatively cheaper than high-end bike models.
- Low Market Value: Scooters are budget-friendly, which also reduces their two-wheeler insurance premium.
What Will be an Ideal Two-Wheeler Insurance Coverage for a Scooter?
Choose comprehensive bike insurance coverage if your scooter is new or used frequently for daily commuting. However, you must choose a PA cover and a zero-dep cover with it to enhance the overall coverage.
Sports Bike Insurance Coverage: High Cost, High Risk
Sports bikes are engineered for speed, acceleration, and high performance. Some of the common ones are Yamaha R15, KTM Duke, Kawasaki Ninja, and BMW S1000RR. These machines are thrilling to ride, but they come with significantly higher insurance requirements.
About Sports Bike and Their Insurance in India
- High Market Value: The more expensive the bike, the higher the insured declared value (IDV), and the higher the premium.
- Accident Risk: Due to aggressive riding styles and high-speed capabilities, super bikes have a higher risk of accidents.
- Theft Risk: Super bikes are attractive targets for theft, especially in urban areas.
- Repair & Replacement Costs: The original parts and performance modifications increase repair costs.
What Would be an Ideal Two-Wheeler Insurance Coverage for a Sports Bike?
Comprehensive bike insurance is highly recommended for a sport bike with add-on covers, such as zero depreciation cover, engine protection cover, 24/7 roadside assistance cover, return-to-invoice cover, and consumables cover. Also, ARAI-approved anti-theft devices should be installed to enhance security and reduce insurance costs.
Cruiser Bike Insurance Coverage: Balanced and Customised
Cruiser bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Harley-Davidson Street 750, or the Honda Rebel are built for comfort and long-distance rides. They have a distinctive style and appeal to mature, touring-focused riders.
About Cruiser Bike and Its Insurance in India
- Moderate Market Value: They are more expensive than scooters but generally less than high-end sports bikes.
- Safer Usage Patterns: Cruisers are rarely used for high-speed racing or stunts.
- Varied Theft Risk: The classic brands may attract thieves, but cruisers are usually larger in size and harder to steal unnoticed.
- Custom Parts: Usually, cruisers have unique or aftermarket parts, which can raise the cost of repairs.
What Would be an Ideal Two-Wheeler Insurance Coverage for a Cruiser Bike?
Comprehensive bike insurance should be purchased if you own a cruiser bike. Also, consider buying an accessories cover, consumables cover, and engine protection cover with it.
Comparison Table: Bike Insurance Needs by Bike Type
Bike Type | Insurance Coverage Needed | Risk Factors | Typical Annual Premium |
Scooter | Low | Low value, low accident risk | ₹1,000 ₹3,000 |
Sports Bike | High | High value, theft, speed risk | ₹7,000 ₹25,000+ |
Cruiser | Moderate | Moderate value, stable usage | ₹3,000 ₹10,000 |
Factors That Influence Bike Insurance Premiums
Regardless of the bike type, insurers look at multiple factors when calculating your premium:
- Bike's Market Value (IDV) Higher IDV = Higher premium.
- Engine Capacity Bikes above 150cc often attract higher premiums.
- Age of the Bike Newer bikes require higher coverage. Hence, the premium will be higher.
- Geographic Location The urban areas typically have higher theft and accident risks.
- Rider's Age and Experience Younger or inexperienced riders may pay more.
- Claims History No-Claim Bonus (NCB) discounts are given for claim-free years.
- Add-ons & Modifications Custom parts and additional features increase the sum insured.
Tips to Lower Your Bike Insurance Premium
Here are a few tips that you can utilise to lower your bike insurance premium:
- Install Anti-Theft Devices approved by ARAI to reduce the overall premium amount.
- Renew Bike Insurance on Time to keep your No-Claim Bonus (NCB) intact.
- Compare Bike Insurance Policies Online before buying. At Policybazaar.com, you can find the best deal that fits your requirements.
- Avoid Unnecessary Claims for minor damages to protect your NCB. Better fix them on your own.
- Opt for Deductibles if you’re a safe rider and want to reduce premiums.
FAQs- Two-Wheeler Insurance: Scooter vs Sports Bike vs Cruiser
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Q1: Which type of two-wheeler needs the highest insurance coverage?
Ans: Sports bikes & cruiser bikes need the highest insurance coverage due to their high speed, higher accident and theft risks, and expensive parts.
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Q2: Is scooter insurance cheaper than cruiser or sports bike insurance?
Ans: Yes, scooters have the lowest premiums due to low engine capacity and lower repair costs than the other two.
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Q3: Why do sports bikes attract higher insurance premiums?
Ans: They're high-performance machines used for speed and stunts, making them more accident-prone and costlier to repair or replace.
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Q4: Is a cruiser bike safer to insure than a sports bike?
Ans: Yes, cruisers have safer usage patterns, moderate speeds, and are generally less risky to insure than sports bikes.
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Q5: Can cruiser bikes handle long-distance and hilly terrain?
Ans: Absolutely. Cruiser bikes are built for long rides and usually have enough torque to easily go on a hilly terrain.
^The renewal of insurance policy is subject to our operations not being impacted by a system failure or force majeure event or for reasons beyond our control. Actual time for a transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
^The buying of Insurance policy is subject to our operations not being impacted by a system failure or force majeure event or for reasons beyond our control. Actual time for transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
#Savings are based on the comparison between highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB.
*TP price for less than 75 CC two-wheelers. All savings are provided by insurers as per IRDAI-approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply.
*Rs 538/- per annum is the price for third party motor insurance for two wheelers of not more than 75cc (non-commercial and non-electric)
#Savings are based on the comparison between the highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB.
*₹ 1.5 is the Comprehensive premium for a 2015 TVS XL Super 70cc, MH02(Mumbai) RTO with an IDV of ₹5,895 and NCB at 50%.
*Rs 457/- per annum is the price for the third-party motor insurance for private electric two-wheelers of not more than 3KW (non-commercial).The list of insurers mentioned are arranged according to the alphabetical order of the names of insurers respectively.Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. The list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in