Can I Claim Bike Insurance for Minor Scratches?

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Home / Two-wheeler Insurance / Can I Claim Bike Insurance for Minor Scratches?

Minor scratches on bikes may seem insignificant, but they can still raise questions about insurance coverage. If you are wondering, "Can I claim bike insurance for minor scratches?", you are not alone. Many policyholders are unsure whether such small damages are worth reporting or even eligible for a claim. 
 

So, read on to know more about how two wheeler insurance policies handle minor scratches, what factors to consider before filing a claim, and when not to make a claim. 

Understanding Bike Insurance for Minor Damages
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Yes, you can claim bike insurance for minor scratches if you have a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy or a standalone own-damage cover. However, it is generally not recommended for minor damage. 


Your policy has a deductible (a fixed amount you pay out-of-pocket for each claim). If the repair cost for minor scratches is less than or close to your deductible, it does not make financial sense to claim. Moreover, frequent claims can lead to your insurer viewing you as a higher risk, potentially increasing your premium in subsequent years.
 

What are the Types of Two-Wheelers Insurance Claims?
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There are two types of two-wheeler insurance claims you can consider:

Cashless Claims
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If you want to avail the benefits of a cashless claim, you must visit a network garage for the repair. Network garages are usually affiliated with different insurance companies. Therefore, repairing your bike there will allow you to repair your bike without any extra charges except for the deductible amount. 

Reimbursement Claims
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In the context of a reimbursement claim, you need to submit the repair bill to the insurer at the time of making a claim. Once the insurer verifies the documents, you will be reimbursed. 

How to claim insurance for bike damage? 
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The process of claim settlement in a bike differs depending on what type of insurance plan you own. Read the table to know more:

 

Steps for Claim 

Own Damage

Third Party 

Step 1

In case of your own bike damage, inform the insurer as soon as possible. If you delay, your claim might be rejected. 

If your bike causes damage to a third party, an FIR, along with a notification to your insurer, is a must. 

Step 2

A surveyor then assesses the situation and verifies the case. 

The insurer forwards the whole matter to the Motor Accident Tribunal.

Step 3

After verification, the claim gets approved. 

It is up to the Tribunal to finalize the amount that needs to be paid.

What are the Necessary Documents While Filing a Claim?
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Here is a list of documents required for a two-wheeler insurance claim: 

Own Damage

Third Party 

Theft

A valid bike insurance policy

A filled claim form

Claim form and insurance copy

Copy of FIR to the Police

FIR Copy

FIR Original

Road tax receipts and Registration Certificate

Third-party insurance copy

Subrogation Letter

Driving license of the driver

Registration Certificate of  Bike

Set of Keys, Registration Certificate

Repairing invoice 

Driving License of the person driving 

Previously owned insurance copy (If any)

Payment Details and receipts

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NOC from the financier

Benefits of Not Claiming Bike Insurance for Minor Issues
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Policyholders often remain confused, thinking, "Can I claim insurance for bike scratches?". Technically, you can, but check out the benefits of not claiming these minor issues:

Zero Impact on No Claim Bonus
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Whenever you make a claim, it impacts your NCB or no-claim bonus. If the damage is minor and can be handled easily, choose to resolve without claiming insurance. This will help you to avail NCB at the time of renewal. 

Higher Chances of Approval for Major Claims
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If a rider files for multiple claims for minimal bike issues, it will send a negative message to the insurer regarding their risk tolerance. As a result, the rider might face difficulty getting approval while making major claims. 

Finding Quick Resolutions Without Hassles
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Making a claim, waiting for approval takes time and has a lot of hassles. If you are looking for a quick resolution for minor damage, it is best to take charge on your own rather than waiting for an insurance company to intervene. 
 

Final Thoughts
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Overall, to answer your question of whether to claim bike insurance for minor scratches, the answer is yes. However, claiming for minor issues might impact NCB (No Claim Bonus), you might not get approval for major claims, and your reputation for risk tolerance to your insurer might go negative. So, make your decision wisely. Going through your policy documents carefully will help you get clarity. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions
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1.Can we claim insurance for bike repair for minor scratches?
Yes, only comprehensive bike insurance policy plans cover minor scratches. It covers minor damages to your bike, bodily injuries and third-party liabilities. 
 

2.Do I have the option to choose my preferred IDV when buying a policy?
Yes, you have the option to customize the IDV according to your preference. But, make sure that the IDV is set accurately since the IDV determines the insured sum amount. If it is too low, the premium decreases, whereas if the IDV is set higher, the premium increases. 
 

3.How to avoid claim rejection for my bike insurance?
It is highly recommended to have enough evidence of the accident and maintain transparency when it comes to making a bike insurance claim. Take sufficient pictures, inform your insurer as soon as the accident takes place, and have all the necessary documents while claiming. 
 

4.Do I need to submit an FIR during a bike insurance claim settlement?
Yes, definitely. You need to submit a copy of your FIR, authorized by a police officer, while claiming from your insurer. 
 

5.Is it important to know the claim settlement ratio before buying a bike insurance policy?
 Knowing the claim settlement ratio helps you to get an idea about how much you can rely on your insurance provider. An insurance company with a higher claim settlement ratio is much more reliable than any other insurance provider. 
 

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