Owning a two-wheeler in India gives you freedom, convenience, and speed in daily life. Whether you ride to work, college, or a weekend trip, your bike or scooter is a valuable part of your lifestyle. However, with increasing road accidents, thefts, and unpredictable situations, having two-wheeler insurance is not just important—it’s mandatory by law.
Buying or renewing bike insurance online is quick, transparent, and cost-effective. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about two-wheeler insurance in India, including types, benefits, how to compare policies, renewal steps, and ways to save money.
What Is Two-Wheeler Insurance?
Two-wheeler insurance is a financial protection plan for your bike or scooter. It provides coverage against accidents, theft, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities.
In simple terms, when your vehicle is damaged or causes damage to another person or property, your insurance company covers the financial losses according to your policy terms.
Every bike owner in India must have at least a Third-Party Liability Insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Why You Should Have Two-Wheeler Insurance
Many riders think insurance is only to avoid fines, but it offers much more than that.
1. Legal Requirement
It’s compulsory to have at least third-party insurance to ride legally in India. Without it, you can be fined or face legal issues.
2. Financial Protection
If your bike gets damaged due to accidents, natural calamities, or theft, insurance helps you recover financially.
3. Third-Party Coverage
If you accidentally injure someone or damage another person’s vehicle or property, insurance covers those expenses.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing that your bike is protected allows you to ride without stress about unexpected expenses.
Types of Two-Wheeler Insurance
There are mainly three types of bike insurance available in India.
1. Third-Party Liability Insurance
This is the most basic and mandatory insurance. It covers:
- Damage to another person’s vehicle or property.
- Injury or death caused to another person.
However, it does not cover damage to your own bike.
2. Comprehensive Insurance
This is a complete protection plan that includes:
- Third-party coverage.
- Own damage cover (accidents, fire, theft, natural calamities).
- Optional add-ons for extra safety.
It is slightly more expensive than third-party insurance but gives you complete peace of mind.
3. Standalone Own Damage (OD) Policy
If you already have third-party insurance, you can buy a separate Own Damage policy to protect your vehicle.
What Is Covered Under Two-Wheeler Insurance
A good insurance policy provides coverage for several situations:
- Accidental damage to your vehicle.
- Theft of your bike or scooter.
- Fire or explosion damage.
- Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or cyclones.
- Man-made disasters like strikes, riots, or vandalism.
- Third-party injury or death.
- Damage to third-party property.
What Is Not Covered
Like any financial product, two-wheeler insurance also has exclusions. The following are not covered:
- Driving without a valid driving license.
- Drunk driving or substance abuse.
- Normal wear and tear.
- Mechanical or electrical breakdowns.
- Riding outside India.
- Using the bike for commercial racing or illegal activities.
Add-On Covers for Extra Protection
Add-ons are optional benefits you can include in your comprehensive policy to get additional coverage. Here are some popular ones:
1. Zero Depreciation Cover
You get full claim value without any deduction for depreciation on parts like plastic, fiber, or rubber.
2. Roadside Assistance
If your bike breaks down on the road, the insurer sends help such as towing or repair services.
3. Engine Protection Cover
Covers damage to the engine due to water entry, oil leakage, or similar issues.
4. Consumables Cover
Covers the cost of small items like nuts, bolts, and lubricants that are usually not included in standard claims.
5. Return-to-Invoice Cover
If your bike is stolen or completely damaged, you get the full invoice value instead of the depreciated amount.
How to Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance Online
Buying bike insurance online is simple, fast, and transparent. Follow these steps:
- Visit the insurance company’s website or a trusted comparison portal.
- Enter your vehicle details – registration number, make, model, and manufacturing year.
- Choose the type of plan – third-party or comprehensive.
- Select add-ons if needed.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
- Pay the premium online using a secure payment method.
- Download your policy instantly from your email or portal.
The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and requires no paperwork.
How to Renew Two-Wheeler Insurance Online
Renewal is as important as buying insurance. If your policy expires, you lose coverage and may face penalties.
Follow these steps for easy renewal:
- Visit your insurer’s website.
- Log in using your policy number or registered mobile number.
- Review your existing plan and make changes if necessary.
- Add or remove add-ons as per your current needs.
- Pay the renewal premium online.
- Download the renewed policy instantly.
Renew your policy before expiry to maintain uninterrupted protection and retain your No Claim Bonus (NCB).
What Is No Claim Bonus (NCB)?
No Claim Bonus is a reward for safe riders who don’t file any claims during a policy year. It reduces your next year’s premium by a certain percentage.
| Number of Claim-Free Years | Discount (NCB) |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | 20% |
| 2 Years | 25% |
| 3 Years | 35% |
| 4 Years | 45% |
| 5 Years or More | 50% |
If you renew on time, your NCB continues year after year, helping you save a lot of money.
Documents Required for Buying or Renewing
Generally, the following documents are required:
- Registration Certificate (RC) of your bike.
- Previous insurance policy (if renewing).
- Driving License.
- Address proof and ID proof.
When buying online, most insurers only ask for your vehicle details, and you can upload scanned copies if necessary.
Top Two-Wheeler Insurance Companies in India (2025)
Here are some of the best and most trusted bike insurance providers:
- ICICI Lombard General Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
- HDFC ERGO General Insurance
- Tata AIG General Insurance
- SBI General Insurance
- Reliance General Insurance
- New India Assurance Company
- Digit General Insurance
These companies offer competitive premiums, fast claim settlement, and a wide network of garages across India.
How to File a Two-Wheeler Insurance Claim
There are two types of claims – cashless and reimbursement.
Cashless Claim
- Report the accident to your insurer immediately.
- Take your vehicle to a network garage.
- Fill out the claim form and submit required documents.
- The insurer sends a surveyor to inspect the damage.
- Once approved, the insurer pays the repair bill directly to the garage.
Reimbursement Claim
- Get your vehicle repaired at any garage.
- Pay the bill yourself.
- Submit all documents and bills to the insurer.
- After verification, the insurer reimburses your amount.
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Your two-wheeler insurance premium depends on several factors:
- Type of Coverage – Comprehensive plans cost more than third-party plans.
- Insured Declared Value (IDV) – Higher IDV means higher premium.
- Vehicle Age – Older bikes have lower IDV and premium.
- Location – Urban areas have higher risk, so premiums are higher.
- Cubic Capacity (CC) – Bikes with higher engine power attract higher premiums.
- Add-ons – Each add-on increases the total cost slightly.
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) – Reduces your premium amount significantly.
Tips to Save Money on Two-Wheeler Insurance
- Compare Plans Online: Always check prices and coverage from multiple insurers.
- Avoid Small Claims: Keep your NCB by avoiding small repair claims.
- Install Anti-Theft Devices: Certified security systems can earn discounts.
- Choose Long-Term Plans: 2- or 3-year policies come with discounts.
- Renew on Time: Avoid lapses to keep benefits active.
Why Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance Online?
Buying insurance online is more beneficial than offline. Here’s why:
- Instant policy issuance without paperwork.
- Lower premium due to no middlemen or agents.
- Easy comparison of plans and coverage.
- 24/7 availability for renewal or claim tracking.
- Secure digital payments and instant confirmation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reading the Policy Document: Always check exclusions and terms.
- Choosing the Cheapest Plan: Low premium may mean limited coverage.
- Ignoring Add-ons: Add-ons can save you from big losses later.
- Not Updating Details: Wrong information can cause claim rejection.
- Forgetting Renewal Dates: Leads to policy lapse and higher costs.
Conclusion
Two-wheeler insurance is more than a legal formality—it’s essential protection for your bike and your finances. With online platforms, buying or renewing your policy has become quick, easy, and affordable.
By comparing different insurers, selecting the right coverage, and maintaining your No Claim Bonus, you can save up to 80% on premiums while enjoying full protection.
Your bike deserves the best care—so protect it with the right insurance plan today and ride with confidence every day.