Owning a two-wheeler has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. A bike or scooter offers unmatched convenience and accessibility for daily transportation. However, protecting your two-wheeler with an insurance policy is essential.
The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that all vehicle owners have at least third-party insurance. Understanding the cost of two-wheeler insurance is crucial for every bike owner, as premiums can differ significantly based on various factors.
Knowing what impacts these costs can help you make informed decisions and secure the best coverage within your budget. Let’s explore the key factors that influence the cost of a bike insurance policy.
Importance of Bike Insurance
Accidents and mishaps are common with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, making insurance essential. For several reasons, vehicle owners must purchase a two-wheeler insurance policy.
- Financial Protection: It covers repair or replacement costs for damages caused to your two-wheeler due to theft, accidents, or natural disasters.
- Legal Compliance: It is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act to have at least third-party insurance, helping you avoid fines and penalties.
- Third-party Liability: It covers damages or injuries caused to a third party, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- Personal Accident Cover: This policy offers financial compensation for medical expenses or loss of income due to injury or disability.
- Peace of Mind: It ensures you are financially prepared for unexpected events, such as accidents, vandalism, or calamities.
Top 10 factors influencing two-wheeler insurance costs
Buying two-wheeler insurance pays an annual premium in return for coverage against potential risks, such as damage or theft. Interestingly, two individuals with the same vehicle may pay different premiums.
This is because several factors influence the cost of two-wheeler insurance.
Knowing about these factors can enable you to make an informed decision before selecting a policy. Some of the key factors include:
1.Make & Model
Your two-wheeler's make, model, and engine capacity significantly affect the insurance premium. Bikes with higher engine capacities are more prone to accidents, while premium or sports bikes generally attract higher premiums than standard bikes.
For instance, insuring a Yamaha R15 RR will cost more than a Hero Splendor Plus due to the difference in specifications and associated risk factors.
2.Vehicle’s Age
The age of your bike is another key factor influencing insurance premiums. Due to depreciation, older bikes have a lower market value, which reduces the insurance cost. In contrast, newer bikes with a higher market value tend to attract higher premiums.
This is because the cost of repairing or replacing parts for a new vehicle is significantly higher compared to an older one.
3.Insured Declared Value (IDV)
The IDV represents the current market value of your bike and is the maximum amount payable by the insurer in case of total loss or theft. The insurance premium is directly linked to the IDV—the higher the IDV, the higher the premium.
This component is applicable only in comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring that the coverage accurately reflects the vehicle’s value.
4.Type of Coverage
There are two main types of bike insurance plans: comprehensive policies and third-party plans. Third-party insurance covers only damages caused to a third party in an accident.
In contrast, a comprehensive policy provides broader coverage, including third-party damage and protection against theft, natural calamities, and vandalism. Premiums for comprehensive policies are typically higher than those for third-party insurance.
5.Voluntary Deductible
A voluntary deductible refers to the amount you agree to pay yourself before your insurer pays the rest of the claim amount. Opting for a voluntary deductible reduces your premium as you share part of the financial responsibility in case of a claim.
For example, if you opt for a deductible of ₹2,000, your premium might be reduced by ₹500. In an accident with repair costs of ₹10,000, you would first pay ₹2,000 before the insurer covers the rest. So, higher deductibles result in lower premiums.
6.Modification
While modifying your bike can enhance its appearance or performance, it also increases financial risk if the modified parts are damaged. To safeguard these additions, you can insure the modified parts separately.
However, including modifications in your insurance policy will raise the overall premium. The more modifications your bike has, the higher the insurance policy cost.
7.Add-on Covers
Opting for add-on covers, such as personal accident, zero depreciation, cashless hospitalisation, and medical cover, can significantly increase your bike insurance premium.
While these add-ons enhance coverage, it’s important to choose only the ones necessary for your needs. The most essential add-on to consider is the zero depreciation cover, which allows you to receive the full claim amount without deductions for depreciation.
8.No Claim Bonus
Many bike owners are unaware of the discounts available on insurance policies. One of the most common discounts is the No Claim Bonus (NCB). If you don’t file any claims during the policy period, you become eligible for an NCB.
An NCB can offer up to a 50% discount on the premium for the following year. This reward encourages safe riding and helps reduce insurance costs for claim-free riders.
9.Gap in Renewal
Failing to renew your bike insurance on time can result in financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. To avoid this, set reminders to renew your policy before it expires. Most insurers offer a grace period of up to 30 days for bike insurance renewal.
However, if you miss this window, you must purchase a new policy, which might come at a higher premium. Additionally, you could lose the No Claim Bonus (NCB) you had earned, further increasing the cost of the new policy.
10.Location
The location where your bike is registered can significantly impact your insurance premium. Your insurer may charge a higher premium if you reside in an area with high crime rates, heavy traffic, or a higher incidence of accidents.
These factors raise the chances of theft, accidents, or damage, prompting insurers to adjust the premiums accordingly.
How to Calculate Bike Insurance Premium?
Vehicle owners can use an online bike insurance calculator to estimate the premium amount and determine the coverage their two-wheeler needs. This tool helps them make an informed decision when choosing the right insurance policy.
By considering the various factors influencing the cost and entering them into the calculator, you can get an accurate estimate of your bike insurance premium. Comparing different plans using the online calculator will give you a clear pricing list, allowing you to select the best policy.
Understanding the factors that influence the cost of bike insurance is essential for any bike owner. By being aware of these factors, you can make an informed choice when purchasing insurance.
An online bike insurance calculator can further help you evaluate the cost and coverage options, ensuring you select the best policy for your needs and budget. With the right insurance, you comply with legal requirements and secure financial protection.
