Financial Support After a Bike Accident: Insurance Options

Written by:

Anoushka Pinto

Did you know bikes account for 32.93% of all yearly road accidents? According to a 2022 Statista report, this alarming statistic highlights the vulnerability of bikers on India’s bustling roads. In 2022 alone, bike accidents tragically resulted in nearly 75,000 road traffic deaths (Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways). This staggering number emphasises the urgent need for comprehensive protection for riders.

 

Several factors contribute to the high incidence of bike accidents, including inadequate training, poor road conditions, and the lack of proper helmet usage. Despite a significant increase in two-wheeler sales, driven by rising incomes, regulatory measures and road safety education have not kept pace. As a result, India’s roads remain some of the deadliest in the world for bikers.

 

Given these harsh realities, bike insurance emerges as a critical safeguard. It not only protects riders and their bikes from financial losses but also provides much-needed financial aid for medical treatment arising from accidents. In a country where motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence, ensuring that riders are adequately insured is an essential step towards enhancing road safety and easing the financial burden of accidents.

Types of bike insurance coverage plans

1. Comprehensive policy

Coverage

Protects against costs incurred from accidental damages to both a third party and your own vehicle. Includes a personal accident cover of ₹15 lakh for accidental death and disability.

Who is it suitable for?

Ideal for those who already have an active third-party policy and want extensive coverage.

What does it cover?

Accidents, damage in transit, theft, third-party liability, fire, personal accident, natural calamities, add-ons (with additional premium).

2. Standalone own damage policy

Coverage

Covers damages to your bike or scooter caused by natural disasters (earthquake, flood, cyclone, landslide) and man-made disasters (theft, burglary, riot, strike).

Who is it suitable for?

Ideal for those who already have an active third-party policy and need coverage for their own vehicle.

What does it cover?

Accidents, natural calamities, theft, damage in transit, fire, and add-ons (with additional premium)

3. Third-party cover

Coverage

Provides legal liability coverage for injuries or damages caused to a third party or their property by your bike.

Who is it suitable for?

This basic policy is not recommended for bike owners who want full coverage, as it doesn't protect against damages to your own bike. Consider this only if you're willing to pay out-of-pocket for bike repairs.

What does it cover?

Third-party property damage and injury to the third party. Choose the right insurance plan based on your needs to ensure you and your bike are adequately protected.

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

Factors affecting two-wheeler insurance premiums

Several factors influence the premium you pay for two-wheeler insurance. Here’s a look at the key elements that determine the cost:

Market value of the bike

Higher value bikes typically attract higher premiums.

Location of registration

Urban areas with higher traffic density and accident rates usually lead to higher premiums compared to rural areas.

Make and model

High-end models or bikes with specialised features generally cost more to insure.

Claims history

A history of frequent claims might result in higher premiums, while a no-claims record could earn you discounts.

Age of the bike

Older bikes often have lower premiums as their market value depreciates over time.

Bike insurance policies that offer personal accident cover

1. ICICI Lombard

2. HDFC ERGO

3. Bajaj Allianz

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

4. Reliance

5. New India Assurance

6. United India Insurance

7. Tata AIG

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

8. Future Generali India Insurance

9. SBI General Insurance

10. Oriental Insurance

11. ACKO

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

12. Chola MS

13. Digit General Insurance

14. IFFCO Tokio

15. Liberty General Insurance

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

16. Kotak Mahindra Insurance

17. Shriram

18. Zuno (formerly Eidelweiss)

19. Universal Sompo

Need help covering accident treatment costs?

20. Royal Sundaram

Things to consider when choosing the right bike insurance policy

When it comes to picking the best bike insurance company in India, there are some important factors you should keep in mind:

Coverage options

Take some time to understand your specific needs. If you want total protection, a comprehensive policy including third-party liability, own damage, and extras like personal accident cover,  is the way to go. If you’re on a budget, consider a third-party policy with additional add-ons.

Compare policies

Get quotes from multiple providers and compare their policies. Look at the coverage, premiums, and add-ons offered to find the best deal.

Claim settlement process

Do some research on the claim settlement process of the insurance companies you’re considering. Make sure it’s smooth and hassle-free. It is also wise to go for a company with a high claim settlement ratio. This shows that they’re reliable and efficient when it comes to processing claims.

Customer service

You’ll want an insurer that provides prompt and responsive customer service. This will ensure you have a hassle-free experience when making claims or seeking assistance.

Premium costs

Take the time to compare premium rates from different providers. This way, you can find the best value for the coverage you need.

Policy features

Think about whether you need any additional protections offered by the insurer. Look for added benefits like no-claim bonus, cashless servicing, and a wide network of garages.

Evaluate the network of garages

If cashless claims are important to you, check if the insurer has a wide network of garages. This way, you won’t have to make upfront payments for repairs.

Reviews and reputation

Before making a decision, read customer reviews and get a sense of the insurer’s reputation for customer satisfaction. This will give you valuable insights into the quality of service provided by the insurer.

Online convenience

Opt for an insurer that has a user-friendly website. This will make managing your policy and renewals easy.

Policy renewal process

Review how easy it is to renew your policy and whether there are any discounts offered for renewing with the same company.

As two-wheeler ownership continues to rise, it is imperative for riders to recognize the importance of being insured. By investing in bike insurance, riders not only safeguard their financial well-being but also contribute to a broader culture of safety and responsibility on the roads.

In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.

 

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.


Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.


For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.


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