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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.
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.
Choosing a long-term third-party insurance policy offers several advantages:
Ensures that your vehicle remains compliant with legal requirements for five years without the need for annual renewals.
Long-term policies often come with discounted premiums compared to annual renewals, leading to overall savings.
Locks in the premium rate for five years, safeguarding against annual premium increases.
Eliminates the need to remember annual renewal dates, reducing the risk of policy lapses.
There are 3 major types of two-wheeler insurance that are discussed below:
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.
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.
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.
Follow the steps below to calculate the premium of a bike insurance policy for 5 years:
If you are opting for a digital policy, visit the official website of the insurer or download their application.
Fill in the basic details about yourself and the bike model you own.
Finalize the policy type and enter the tenure to be 5 years to get the quote based on your preference.
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.
Premiums are higher for premium bikes than for basic commuter models.
A higher market value (IDV) means a higher premium
Comprehensive plans cost more than basic third-party insurance.
Accident-prone or hilly regions attract higher premiums.
Avoiding small claims helps you earn NCB and reduce renewal premiums.
Older bikes generally have lower IDV and lower premiums.
Keep in mind that researching these factors ensures better value and protection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, buying bike insurance online is completely safe. In the digital-first era, companies with IRDAI approval offer 100% digitally compatible infrastructure.
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.