If you qualify yourself as a bike enthusiast, your bike is definitely more than just a mode of transport for you. It is your passion, a hobby, and sometimes even your best pal. But have you ever stopped and wondered what would happen if something went wrong?
Whether it is a minor scratch or a major accident, the financial and emotional impact can be overwhelming. This is where the role of bike insurance comes in. It is not only a legal requirement, but a safety net that can save you from a financial burden that comes with peace of mind when you hit the road.
No matter where you use your bike. Be it for daily travel or weekend getaways, safeguarding your bike against unforeseen and unfortunate events like accidents, thefts, natural calamities, etc, is extremely crucial. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right policy for you? Read on, so that you don’t settle for an inadequate policy or overpay for standard coverage when better options exist.
Understanding Your Needs: Getting Beyond Basic Coverage
Imagine you meet with an unfortunate bike accident where not only someone else’s bike, your bike is damaged too. A third party bike insurancewill only help you cover the costs of damages caused to third party and third party property. In such a case, you will have to bear the repairing expenses all by yourself.
Let’s face it: third-party insurance is the bare minimum. It’s like wearing a helmet without any other protective gear—you’re still exposed to a lot of risk!
Comprehensive bike insurance, on the other hand, is like wearing full protective gear: it covers not just third-party liabilities but also damages to your bike and comes with a lot of added benefits. Imagine, if you wake up one morning to find your bike has been stolen. Without comprehensive insurance, you’d be left with nothing but a police report and zero claim payout amount. But with the right policy, you will receive the predetermined IDV amount in case of insured bike theft.
The Art of Choosing the Adequate Bike Insurance Coverage
So how do you make a choice from several insurers and policies? Which insurance will help you save the most without compromising on safety? Should you buy a third party insurance or a comprehensive one? Let us answer these questions by addressing some factors to choose the right bike insurance policy and save on premium.
.Your Riding Style: If you’re a casual rider who only takes your bike out on weekends, you might not need as much coverage as someone who commutes on a daily basis. IRDAI has recently started to address these dynamic needs and has facilitated various measures such as Tech-based plans, such as Pay as You Drive, Pay How You Drive, etc.
.Your Bike’s Value: Imagine you have purchased your dream high-end bike and take a trip to the mountains. One wrong turn, your bike skids and is totally damaged. What now? If this thought scares you, you must make sure that you not only get a third party bike insurance but have an insurance that fully protects not only others, but you and your bike as well. Comprehensive insurance ensures that you’re covered for the full value of your bike in case of accidents, theft, natural calamities, etc.
.Including Relevant Add-Ons: Did you know over 13,000 two-wheelers were stolen in just two and a half years in Bengaluru? Or cities like Hyderabad are the most accident-prone cities in India…
If these unsettling numbers make your blood run cold and scare you, then you must definitely not just settle for a third party insurance and choose comprehensive protection for your bike. A comprehensive insurance with the most relevant add-ons can protect you from both theft and accident-related damage. Consider what additional features you need to enhance your policy coverage without breaking the bank and give you the best claim settlement amount.
Finding the Best Fit: How to Choose the Right Bike Insurance Cover?
Feeling stuck and overwhelmed with the number of bike insurance policies available? When it comes to purchasing the right bike insurance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options available. But, with a little guidance, you can find a policy that fits your needs and saves you money. Here’s how you can do it:
Research your Way: Compare and Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance Online
Checking online reviews is a great place to begin the journey of buying a bike insurance policy. You can compare several plans offered by different insurers and choose the best policy that fits your budget using any aggregator website. Here you can compare premiums and features side by side, and also can see what other customers have to say about different insurers. It’s like asking friends for recommendations, but on a much larger scale. Apart from what others say, it is highly recommended to also check what all you need to protect and cover.
Hunt for Savings: Explore Discounts and Offers
Who doesn’t love saving money? Many insurers offer discounts that can reduce your premium costs. Some of the most common ways to save money before buying a bike insurance are:
. Invest in Long-term Policies: Opting for a long-term policy can save you from annual premium hikes and ensure continuous coverage without lapses. Moreover, if you are purchasing a new bike in India, it is mandatory to buy a 5+1 bike insurance policy. It offers 5 years TP (third-party) coverage and 1 year OD (own-damage) coverage.
. Install Safety Devices: Installing ARAI approved anti-theft devices can qualify you for additional discounts as you are eventually helping your insurer and reducing the risk of theft. You’ll be protecting your bike and saving on insurance premium.
. Maintain a Good Driving Record: Maintaining a good driving record can earn you a No Claim Bonus (NCB), which can help you reduce your premium by up to 50% over time. It’s a reward for being a responsible rider and having no claims in a policy year.
Renew Online for Convenience: Stay Compliant and Save Time
Renewing your policy online is quick and easy. It ensures you stay legally compliant and avoids potential penalties and premium hikes due to policy lapses. Most insurers offer seamless online renewal processes that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Use the Power of Comparison Tools: Evaluate Policies with Ease
Imagine being able to quickly compare policies and see which one provides the most comprehensive coverage for your bike’s age and usage that too at the best price. This is where a tool will come handy.
Comparison tools such as bike insurance premium calculator, can be incredibly useful for evaluating estimated premium cost for a particular bike model based on your specific needs. Buying bike insurance online will help you compare and see which policy offers the best value for your money. You must consider factors like coverage, inclusions, exclusions, premium costs, and add-on options. Therefore, comparing various policies is the easiest way to make an informed decision.
Here is what to compare to buy the right bike insurance:
. Coverage Type: Decide between comprehensive, third-party, and standalone own-damage policies based on your needs. Comprehensive policies offer the most protection, covering both third-party liabilities and damages to your bike at a decent amount.
. Premium Costs: Check and compare the premium costs of various insurers to find the best deal and the best coverage.
. Add-Ons Benefits: A comprehensive bike insurance provides all-round protection and better coverage using additional covers like zero depreciation cover, engine protection cover, and roadside assistance cover. These can enhance your policy scope even if they come at a little extra premium.
. Claim Settlement Ratio: Look for insurers with high claim settlement ratios, as they indicate reliability in processing claims.
. Network Garages: Check the number of cashless garages available in your location with each insurer for convenient repairs.
The Bottom Line: Protect Your Bike, Your Money, and Yourself!!!
In the end, bike insurance is about more than just complying with the law; it’s about protecting your financial well-being and enjoying your rides without worry. So, take a few minutes today to review your policy and make sure you have the coverage you need. Trust your wallet, your sanity, and thank us later.
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