Is it Mandatory to Get a 5-Year Insurance Policy from a Bike Dealer?

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Home / Two-wheeler Insurance / Is it Mandatory to Get a 5-Year Insurance Policy from a Bike Dealer?

Purchasing a bike always remains a dream for a lot of Indians but with ownership comes certain rules that are crucial to follow. As per the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) regulations, having bike insurance for 5 years is mandatory. This mandate includes a 5-year third-party plan and a 1-year own damage plan. 


The regulation came into being since many people were driving their bikes without a valid insurance policy, which led to chaos. So, keep reading to know the significance of a 5 years bike insurance policy, its types and factors that affect the premium. 

Is It Mandatory to Purchase the 5-Year Policy from the Bike Dealer?
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While it is mandatory to have a 5-year third-party insurance policy when buying a new two-wheeler, there is no legal obligation to purchase this policy directly from the bike dealer. Buyers have the freedom to choose their preferred insurance provider.
 

Bike dealers often offer insurance policies as part of the purchase package for convenience. However, these policies might come at a higher premium due to added commissions and limited options. Therefore, it is advisable to compare bike insurance offerings from various providers to ensure you get the best coverage at a competitive price.

Benefits of Opting for a 5-Year Third-Party Insurance Policy

Choosing a long-term third-party insurance policy offers several advantages:

Continuous Compliance
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Ensures that your vehicle remains compliant with legal requirements for five years without the need for annual renewals.

Cost Savings
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 Long-term policies often come with discounted premiums compared to annual renewals, leading to overall savings. 

Protection Against Premium Hikes
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 Locks in the premium rate for five years, safeguarding against annual premium increases.

Reduced Administrative Hassle
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Eliminates the need to remember annual renewal dates, reducing the risk of policy lapses.

Types of 5-Year Two-Wheeler Insurance
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There are 3 major types of two-wheeler insurance that are discussed below:

Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan
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Even though IRDAI does not mandate a comprehensive bike insurance plan, it is logically a smart choice. A comprehensive plan covers third-party liabilities as well as own damage protection. Furthermore, you have the option to buy add-ons like zero depreciation cover, engine protection cover, etc. 

Third-Party Liability Bike Insurance Plan
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A third-party liability plan is a mandatory insurance plan for those who own a bike in India. It is a basic plan that covers third-party damages. Lack of customisation and not offering Own Damage cover are two major pitfalls of this plan. 

Standalone Own Damage Bike Insurance Plan
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This insurance plan offers coverage against all kinds of damage to your bike. However, this plan does not include the third-party cover. So, if you are planning on getting this policy, you need to buy a third-party insurance plan separately. 

Calculating Bike Insurance Premium
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Follow the steps below to calculate the premium of a bike insurance policy for 5 years:

Step 1
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 If you are opting for a digital policy, visit the official website of the insurer or download their application.

Step 2
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 Fill in the basic details about yourself and the bike model you own. 

Step 3
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Finalize the policy type and enter the tenure to be 5 years to get the quote based on your preference. 

Factors Affecting Bike Insurance Premiums
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When buying bike insurance, several factors influence the premium you’ll pay. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision

Keep in mind that researching these factors ensures better value and protection.

Bike Model & Variant
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 Premiums are higher for premium bikes than for basic commuter models.

Insured Declared Value (IDV)
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 A higher market value (IDV) means a higher premium

Type of Coverage
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Comprehensive plans cost more than basic third-party insurance.

Vehicle Location
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Accident-prone or hilly regions attract higher premiums.

No Claim Bonus (NCB)
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Avoiding small claims helps you earn NCB and reduce renewal premiums.

Age of the Bike
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 Older bikes generally have lower IDV and lower premiums.

Keep in mind that researching these factors ensures better value and protection.

Final Words
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So, if you are wondering whether to have a 5-year valid insurance policy for your new bike, the answer is yes. According to the regulation of IRDAI, it is mandatory to own a third-party insurance plan valid for 5 years along with an own damage plan valid for at least 1 year. Based on the make and model of the two-wheeler you own, the premium rates vary. It is always a smart option to compare different insurance policies, their coverage, and add-on options before making the final call.
 

Frequently Asked Question
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The following section answers some common questions regarding Is it Mandatory to Get 5 Years Insurance Policy from Bike Dealer?

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1.Do I need to renew bike insurance each year if I buy a 5-year plan?

Yes, you need to renew the Own Damage cover each year. It is also recommended to renew your policy before its expiry to stay out of trouble. Since the Third-Party liability cover will be valid for 5 years, you do not have to renew that. 

2.Is it mandatory to get a 5 years insurance policy from a bike dealer?

Yes, according to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is mandatory to have a bike insurance plan that is valid for at least 5 years.  

3.How much does a bike insurance premium cost?

The premium mainly depends on the cubic capacity of your bike. On the basic plan, you can choose add-ons like the consumables cover and engine protection cover. These will come at a higher premium and with broad coverage. 

4.Is buying bike insurance online safe?

Yes, buying bike insurance online is completely safe. In the digital-first era, companies with IRDAI approval offer 100% digitally compatible infrastructure. 

5.Can I opt out of only the Own Damage cover for my scooter? 

No, insurance companies do not allow policyholders to opt out of the Own Damage Cover. Since third-party policy is a legal necessity, you cannot opt out. 
 

Nikhila PS profile avatar

Written by

Nikhila PS

Senior Content Editor

Rekhit Singh Kaushal profile avatar

Reviewed by

Rekhit Singh Kaushal

Senior Director - Motor Underwriting