You may wonder how being convicted of a traffic offence will affect your motorcycle insurance. Fortunately, convicted drivers may obtain motorcycle insurance as well, providing they fulfil the necessary terms and restrictions. Therefore, minor offences usually do not significantly influence your vehicle insurance profile. However, if you commit a significant offence, you may have problems renewing your insurance or purchasing new two-wheeler insurance. Also, keep in mind that third-party bike insurance is a legal obligation. Therefore, ascertain that your bike is at least insured under this coverage.
Motorcycle riders with traffic violations, criminal convictions, endorsements on their licences, penalty points, or prior driving suspensions will benefit from comparing prices from specialists in insurance for convicted riders. Regardless of your history, you want the right insurance coverage at a reasonable cost, whether you ride your bike for social or domestic purposes or simply for fun.
Read more - Negative Impacts of Drunk Driving in Two Wheeler Insurance
Major Offences by Bike Riders
The following are significant offences that may influence your bike insurance purchase, renewal, and claim processes.
1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs critical thinking. These substances include alcohol, marijuana, and other mind-altering drugs. Driving under the influence of intoxicating drugs is a criminal offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 2019.
2. Hit and Run Case
Following an accident, the motorist who caused the accident is required to report the accident and assist the wounded in obtaining medical attention. Failure to do so is deemed a "Hit and Run" offence. The offence is considered more severe if the victims suffer significant damage or die from their injuries.
3. Driving with a False or Invalid Licence
Driving without a licence or with an expired or suspended licence violates the Motor Vehicles Act. The current punishment for these offences is INR 5,000 and up to three months in jail.
4. Careless Driving
Reckless driving is defined as driving carelessly with little concern for the safety of others or property. It is a serious offence that is penalised by law. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, irresponsible driving can result in an INR 5,000 punishment.
5. Vehicle-related Injuries or Fatalities
A primary offence is committed if a motorcyclist is at fault in an accident that results in a third party's death or significant harm. Article 304A of the Indian Penal Code is typically used to prosecute motorcycle offenders. The possible punishments are two years in prison, a fine, or both.
Minor Offences Committed by Bike Riders
Being convicted of these offences may impact your bike insurance purchase, renewal, and claim processes, depending on the policy conditions.
- Riding at or below the posted speed limit
- Disobeying traffic regulations
- Riding a motorcycle with a loud silencer
- Riding without a working horn
- Using a motorcycle without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Taking a trip on your insured two-wheeler
How to Get Cheap Motorcycle Insurance for Convicted Riders
It may be challenging to acquire bike insurance after being convicted of a traffic offence, based on the circumstances, but it is not impossible. If you are a convicted cyclist, here are some recommendations to help you discover and purchase affordable bike insurance.
1. Online Plan Comparison
If you have already been convicted, compare two-wheeler insurance coverage online. Then, choose one that is available to you and suits your needs.
2. Make Direct Contact with Insurance Providers
You can contact insurers if you cannot locate a suitable auto insurance plan online. Typically, bike insurance websites include a toll-free number and an email address. You may thus call the insurance provider directly, explain your position, and learn about your possibilities.
3. Purchase a Low-cost Motorcycle
Expensive bikes (such as superbikes and sports bikes) often have a larger cc engine. Their spare components are incredibly costly. As a result, they have a higher insurance premium. To keep your premium low, buy a low-cost bike with a less powerful engine.
4. Improve the Safety of Your Two-wheeler
You may reduce the likelihood of your bike being stolen by upgrading its security system. So, to keep your bike safe, invest in anti-theft gear recognised by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Knowing you are proactive may impress the insurer, resulting in a discount for a comprehensive policy.
5. Take Riding Lessons
It is suggested that convicted drivers enrol in a driving school to minimise their premium. In addition, consider enrolling in advanced riding lessons to enhance your abilities and earn the goodwill of the insurer, which will lower your price.
Conclusion
Motorcycle insurance is crucial to safeguard the rider and other road users. However, purchasing bike insurance could be challenging if you've previously been found guilty of a road crime. But, there are ways to improve your chances of finding bike insurance even if you have a criminal record, as this article has listed. Therefore, be careful to heed these recommendations and purchase your bike insurance policy.
Read more - Here are the Answers to All Your Two Wheeler Insurance Claims Queries
