Is FIR Necessary for a Bike Insurance Claim?

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Home / Two-wheeler Insurance / Is FIR Necessary for a Bike Insurance Claim?

Filing a bike insurance claim can be confusing, especially when you find some valid documents missing. The most common question people ask is: Is FIR necessary for a bike insurance claim? 
 

An FIR (First Information Report) is a written document police prepare when there is a report of a crime, accident, or theft. Whether an FIR will be required depends entirely on the situation. Continue reading this blog to learn about the importance of filing an FIR for a bike insurance claim, the claiming process, and more. 

Do You Need an FIR to Claim Bike Insurance?
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An FIR is not always mandatory for a bike insurance claim, but it is essential in certain cases. If your two-wheeler has been stolen, or if there is a major accident involving third-party injury, death, or property damage, filing an FIR is a must. Insurance companies require it as legal proof to process claims in such situations.


However, for minor damages or self-accidents where no third party is involved, an FIR may not be necessary. Instead, insurers might only require photos of the damage, a copy of your driving license, policy documents, and a duly filled claim form.
 

Always check with your insurance provider, as claim requirements can vary. Keeping timely documentation and promptly informing your insurer helps smooth the claim process.

Importance of Timely FIR Filing
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While filing an FIR is crucial in certain scenarios, the timing of filing can also impact your insurance claim. It is advisable to file the FIR as soon as possible after the incident. Delays in filing can lead to complications or even rejection of the claim. 


However, there have been instances where consumer forums have ruled in favour of the claimant, even when the FIR was filed months after the incident, emphasising the importance of comprehensive documentation and communication with the insurer.

How to File the Bike Insurance Claim in India?
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Here are detailed step-by-step procedures to experience a speedy and hassle-free claim settlement for two-wheelers:

For Bike Accident Claim
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  • If an accident occurs, make sure to file an FIR immediately.

  • Tell the insurer to follow a definite period to avoid rejection of claims.

  •  The insurer further appoints a surveyor for a thorough investigation of the case and proceeds to examine the damages caused.  

  • The surveyor further amends the assessment report and sends it out to the insurer. 

  • After the assessment report is approved, the damaged vehicle is sent to the garage within the network for repair.

  • Following the cashless process, the repair bill belongs directly to the network garage.

  • For the reimbursement claim process, the insurer pays out the bill amount following terms and conditions of the policy. 

For Third-Party Claims
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If you encounter an accident and damage a bike of another party, make sure to inform the insurance provider and police immediately. 

  • If you are a victim, take the insurance details of the other party and file a claim under the liability of a third party.

  • The insurer further forwards details to the Motor Insurance Claim Tribunal court for a verdict. 

  • After thorough verification of the case, the tribunal will then decide the compensation amount.

  • This same procedure follows even if you are at fault and must pay out the liabilities to a third party. 

For Bike Theft Claims
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  1. If you have got your bike stolen, file an FIR immediately and make sure to inform the insurer regarding the incident. 

  2. Submit all relevant documents, including the original bike keys. 

  3. If the police are unable to trace the missing bike within a particular period, a non-traceable certificate will be issued. 

  4. Considering it, the insurer will go for claim settlement under the total loss category and end up paying up to the IDV. 
     

What are the Common Reasons for Rejection of Bike Insurance Claims?
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Below are the common reasons for bike insurance claim rejection:

  • An accident takes place while driving while consuming drugs and other intoxicating substances.  

  • Entering incorrect or false information in the respective claim application form

  • Owning a second-hand bike and still keeping two-wheeler insurance under the name of the seller

  • Driving your two-wheeler vehicle without carrying a valid driving license, bike registration certificate, etc. 

  • You fail to inform your insurer regarding the accident within the desired time frame.

  • Repairing your bike without informing the insurer beforehand

  • If the repairing cost of the bike is higher than the depreciated value of your two-wheeler vehicle

  • Damage to the bike occurs because of your negligence or carelessness

  • Claiming a file against an inactive two-wheeler insurance policy will lead to a rejection

Final Words
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An FIR is not always necessary for every bike insurance claim. Filing an FIR is mainly necessary in cases of theft, major accidents or damage or injury. In case of minor damage, an FIR is not needed. 
 

Moreover, make sure to report about any incident immediately to avoid complications during the claiming process. Understanding when to file a FIR is essential to keep yourself prepared and experience a smooth claiming journey.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
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1.Is there any limit on the number of bike claims that you can raise?

No, there is no specific limit on raising two-wheeler vehicle insurance claims. You can raise claims for unlimited times. Do not raise a claim for any minor damages to enjoy the no claim bonus discount benefit. 


2.Is it allowed to raise a claim if I take my bike to any non-network garage?

Yes, you can raise a claim even if you take your bike to any non-network garage. In this case, paying the repairing cost is necessary and then opt for claim reimbursement after submission of all relevant documents.

 
3.Can I claim insurance for a bike scratch?
Yes, you can opt for a comprehensive bike insurance policy and claim insurance for bike scratches. 
 

4.Is FIR necessary for a bike insurance claim?
Yes, FIR is a must for filing a bike insurance claim.
 

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