Things Your Bike Insurance Policy May Not Cover

Using a two-wheeler in India’s congested roads on a daily basis comes with several risks. One way to protect yourself from such risks is to purchase two-wheeler insurance. It will take of both you and your bike or scooter in case of a mishap. The insurance will provide compensation for the damage thus, providing financial stability in case of a crisis. There are three types of insurance for two-wheelers in India that include third party bike insurance which is compulsory, the standalone own-damage cover and the comprehensive bike insurance plans. In this article, we will explain these three types of insurance in greater detail and what coverage they provide.

What are the Types of Insurance Available for Two-Wheelers in India?

There are three types of insurance available for two-wheelers in India: 

• Third Party Insurance for Two-Wheelers: This type of insurance cover is obligatory for every two-wheeler in India. The cover takes care of third party liabilities in case of a mishap such as an accident on the road. It covers bodily injuries, death and property damage of the third party only. Since the cover is compulsory, if caught without it you will be fined Rs 2000 and/or be imprisoned for up to 3 months.
• Standalone Own Damage Insurance for Two-Wheelers: This type of cover is not obligatory but it offers coverage for own damage costs in the event of a mishap. Moreover, the insurance will take care of your two-wheeler in a vast number of possible situations such as cases of theft, vandalism, natural or manmade calamities and road accidents by providing compensation for the damages.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plan for Two-Wheelers: This type of insurance plan will take care of both the own damage costs and third party liabilities in case there is an accident of any sort. Moreover, it offers this coverage under a single premium. If you are looking for insurance that is trouble-free and provides all-around protection for your two-wheeler this is the one to choose.

What is Not Covered By Two-Wheeler Insurance?

Understanding what is not covered by two-wheeler insurance is just as important as knowing what it offers compensation for. Here are some aspects that are not covered by two-wheeler insurance:

• If there is a mishap caused due to speeding the insurance provider will not compensate for the damages as it falls under the misuse of the two-wheeler.
• If a mishap occurs while the bike is driven by someone other than the owner, the insurance provider will not compensate for the damages either.
• Your Bike insurance takes into consideration the natural wear and tear of the two-wheeler, i.e., the depreciation to calculate the IDV. Insurance providers will not pay for this unless you have a Zero Depreciation Cover.
• If the two-wheeler has an electrical or mechanical failure, it is not going to be covered by the two-wheeler insurance.
• If there is a mishap due to illegal driving. Thus in cases where an underage driver using the two-wheeler or the owner’s licence has expired when an unfortunate event occurs the insurance company will not compensate for the damages.
• Your two-wheeler insurance is only valid within the borders of India. Hence, if you meet with an accident outside India the cost of damages will not be covered.
• You cannot use your two-wheeler for commercial use if you are registered as a private two-wheeler. If this comes to light at the time of claim settlement, the insurance company will refuse to compensate for the damages.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the insurance company does not provide compensation for several situations, mostly those which fall under the category of illegal driving or misuse. Thus, it is crucial that one stay away from such compromising situations as the risks are even higher without the protection that insurance provides in other situations. Lastly, make sure your two-wheeler insurance is valid, by renewing it on time. Purchasing and renewing insurance is now a simple process and can be done entirely online. With just a few clicks you can check the different two-wheeler insurance companies, the quotes they are offering and their network of cashless garages. 

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.