In India the two-wheeler market is huge. Almost every household in India owns at least one bike or scooter. A two-wheeler is a fast and economical mode of transport within the city as well as rural areas. However, when you are out on the streets on your bikes and scooters, you are exposed to various dangers such as accidents, theft and other natural disasters. To protect yourself and your vehicle, you must get your vehicle insured. Generally, a new vehicle comes with a five-year insurance. But if your vehicle is old and your insurance has lapsed, insurance renewal won't happen, leaving you uninsured and forfeiting all your benefits. Let us try and understand the process of getting two wheeler insurance.
Types of Two-wheeler Insurance
Generally, the two wheeler insurance companies in India offer two types of insurance policies – third-party liability and comprehensive cover.
Third-party Liability Insurance
This type of insurance covers any damages to a third-party vehicle or individual. This includes deaths, physical injuries, vehicle damages, medical expenses, and property damages you are liable for. Third-party bike insurance is mandatory in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Comprehensive Insurance
This type of insurance provides complete protection, both to you and the third party. It provides coverage for personal accidents, theft or natural calamities like fire or floods. It also offers coverage against man-made calamities, including riots, strikes and vandalism. A comprehensive bike insurance policy provides personal accident coverage to the rider. This includes coverage for physical injuries, partial or permanent disability and death. In short, it provides all-round coverage. Although it is not compulsory to get comprehensive insurance, it is generally the most recommended one.
Consequences of Expired Two-wheeler Insurance Policy
Forgetting to renew your two-wheeler insurance can prove costly as you would lose your coverage and other policy benefits. If your two-wheeler faces any damage during this period, you will have to pay for all the repair costs yourself. The other consequences are as follows.
1. Fine or Imprisonment
If found riding a two-wheeler without valid insurance, you may be penalized by INR 2000 and/or imprisoned up to three months. If you are found guilty for a second time, the penalty shall be INR 4000 and/or imprisonment upto three months.
2. Failure to Comply with Laws
Every two-wheeled vehicle that travels on the road is required to carry insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Your insurance coverage will expire and be deemed void if you don't renew it on time. Without a legitimate two-wheeler insurance policy, you risk fines and other legal repercussions.
3. Increased Financial Liabilities
A two-wheeler insurance policy protects you financially against third-party liabilities and own damages. If your bike insurance policy expires, you lose out on all these benefits. In the case of an accident or any other mishap, you will have to pay for all the damages from your own pocket.
4. Forfeiture of NCB
No-claim bonus (NCB) is a premium reduction provided by insurance companies if a vehicle owner has maintained a claim-free record during the duration of the policy for automobile insurance. If you do not renew your policy even within 90 days of the expiration date, the policy will lapse, and you will lose any accumulated NCB.
5. Increased Premium
The bike insurance company reserves the right to alter the premium amount when renewing the insurance after it has expired. You won't be able to take advantage of any benefits, such as premium savings or NCB if the policy is lapsed due to non-renewal. You will end up spending more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Two-wheeler Insurance Renewal
There are two ways by which you can renew your two-wheeler insurance policy. One is online and the other is offline.
Online Insurance Renewal
Step1. Visit the official website of your insurance company or any other insurance company of your choice.
Step 2. Log in using your user ID and password. If you are a first-time user, sign up using your valid email id and mobile number.
Step 3. Enter the details of your insurance policy, such as policy number, vehicle number, insured declared value (IDV), etc.
Step 4. Now select a new type of policy you want i.e. third party or comprehensive.
Step 5. Select bike insurance add-ons such as zero depreciation cover, pillion passenger cover, etc.
Step 6. Make the payment using your debit card, net banking or UPI. Once the payment is successful, the insurance company will email you the renewed insurance policy.
Note that while some two-wheeler insurance providers will analyse your two-wheeler through video call, others offer policy renewal without examining the vehicle. You must speak to a customer service representative of the insurance company to learn the steps involved in renewing your policy.
Read more - Is Online Bike Renewal Really Safe?
Offline Insurance Renewal
Step 1. Go to the nearest branch of your insurance company.
Step 2. Carry all insurance-related documents such as old insurance policy, registration copy of the vehicle, valid PUC certificate, your identity proof and address proof.
Step 3. Submit the documents to the insurance provider for verification.
Step 4. The surveyor will inspect your two-wheeler to see whether it qualifies for insurance coverage.
Step 5. Once the surveyor completes the inspection and submits the report, Once the surveyor completes the inspection and submits the report, you can make the payment to renew your policy.
You may receive the renewed insurance policy in person on the same day or via post a few days later.
Conclusion
If you realize your insurance has expired, contact your insurance provider and renew your policy. Avoid using your two-wheeler during the expiry period because if an accident happens you will not get any insurance benefits.
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