What is Covered in Bike Insurance Policy

When you purchase a bike, you check out all the options available and then go for the one the suits you the best. It is not an easy task. Similarly, while buying bike insurance it is essential to know all the options in hand before choosing what fits your requirement. When it comes to bike insurance, there are two kinds of policies that you can opt for;

Liability Only – Also known as the third-party policy, this plan covers minimum requirement for any vehicle insurance as per the mandatory rule of Indian laws. Any vehicle driven on Indian roads must have a third-party policy. In case of an accident, the policy protects for injury or death of third party, or any damage to third party property.

Comprehensive policy – A comprehensive policy includes third-party liability as well as coverage for damage to own vehicle in case of an accident or event. This policy also offers benefit of multiple Add-ons.

Bike insurance coverage

When you purchase the liability only policy, you choose the basic plan and only need to consider for the sum insured and premium. However, when you buy a Comprehensive insurance policy you need to look into several factors. It is highly significant to go understand all the norms of such policy as it shall cover any damage incurred due to any of these occurrences. It shall compensate for any bodily injury or death of insured as well.The factors include;

• Natural Calamities like floods, earthquakes, fire, hurricanes, lightning, storms or typhoons, even explosions or self-ignition
• Manmade harm or damage to your vehicle as a result of human activities like accidents, thefts, or malicious acts
• Personal accident cover in case of any complication or permanent or temporary disabilities of insured and the passenger
• Add On coverage for extra protection

Which plan suits you best entirely depend on your requirement however; it is vital to ensure that your bike is optimally insured and that you renew your bike insurance on time.

Bike insurance exclusions:

Every bike insurance plan comes with exclusions based on regular use of the bike. The insurance does not include factors like;

• Normal wear and tear of bike
• Mechanical and electrical breakdown
• Damage or loss incurred due to driving under the influence of alcohol
• Damage or loss incurred when driving without a valid driver license
• Damage or loss incurred from a war-like situation

Difference between the bike insurance policies in India

Third-party liability	Comprehensive policy
Covers only third-party damage or loss	Covers for both third-party as well as insured damage or loss
Mandatory insurance as per Indian laws	Optional insurance
Premium fixed as per IRDAI regulations	Premium fixed as per IRDAI regulations as well as customization for the insured
IDV not considered while calculating sum assured	IDV calculation is significant while fixing sum assured
Standard premium rates applicable	Optimal cost for the coverage applied
Add-ons not available	Add-ons are offered to maximise benefit
Insurer and Motor Accident Tribunal finalize the amount payable under the claim	Insurer finalizes claim for insured, for third-party claim both Insurer and Motor Accident Tribunal finalize the amount payable
Damage or loss to bike due to theft, natural calamities, or human riots does not get covered	Damage or loss to bike due to theft, natural calamities, or human riots is provided in Comprehensive cover

 

IDV in bike insurance policies

When calculating premium for your bike the IDV is taken into consideration. It applies only for Comprehensive insurance policy as the third-party liability insurance is tariffed on basis of vehicle category.

Ideally, you want to opt for a policy that has lower premium so you may declare a lower IDV for your bike. But keep in mind, at the time of claim processing, the insurer will evaluate bike age and corresponding IDV. The depreciation deduction would also be considered when finalizing any claim. Hence in many cases, though your premium is high, depreciation would result in lower claims.

You can always reduce the cost of depreciation by opting for Add-ons like Zero Depreciation or NCB cover. In such plans, you get compensation for damage or loss without financial deductions towards the depreciation of parts. There is other Add on covers option as well that provide great benefits like engine protector cover, consumables cover or return to invoice cover.

Conclusion

So, as you choose your bike insurance remember to consider all the points and benefits that would make the decision for your easier and within your fit. Always remember to compare policies and make an informed decision.