Is it Possible to Get Zero Depreciation Beyond 5 Years with Bike Insurance?

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Home / Two-wheeler Insurance / Is it Possible to Get Zero Depreciation Beyond 5 Years with Bike Insurance?

When it comes to protecting your two-wheeler, zero depreciation bike insurance stands out as a popular add-on. It ensures that you receive the full claim amount without any deduction for depreciation on bike parts, which is especially beneficial during repairs. 

However, a common limitation is that most insurers only offer this cover for bikes up to five years old. This raises an important question: Can you get zero depreciation cover beyond five years with bike insurance? In this article, we will answer that question in detail and explore how zero dep works, its benefits, exclusions, and alternatives for older bikes.

What is Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance?
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Also known as Zero Dep, it is an add-on available with comprehensive bike insurance.  Zero Depreciation is also known as nil depreciation cover or bumper-to-bumper cover.

For instance, person A has zero depreciation add-on, and person B only has comprehensive bike insurance.

If both of them get in an accident, and the repair bill for Person A and B comes out to Rs. 30,000. Then the insurer will settle the claim for person B after subtracting the depreciation amount, and they will only get Rs. 15,000. For person A, the depreciation amount will not be subtracted while making a claim. Thus, their insurance settlement amount will be Rs. 25,000.

Please note that these values are just taken for example purposes.

Can You Get Zero Depreciation Beyond 5 Years with Bike Insurance?
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It is generally challenging to get zero depreciation bike insurance beyond 5 years in India. Most insurers offer this add-on for bikes up to 5 years old. This is because as bikes age, their parts naturally depreciate significantly, making it more expensive for insurers to cover the full cost of repairs without factoring in depreciation.

While some insurers might offer exceptions for certain high-end models or on a case-by-case basis, it is not a standard offering. If your bike is older than 5 years, you might need to explore other add-ons like engine protection or roadside assistance, or negotiate with your insurer to see if any tailored solutions are available. However, expect a higher premium for any extended coverage on an older bike.

Benefits of Zero Depreciation Cover
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The benefits of zero dep cover are as follows:

  1. Higher Claim Settlement Amount: If you have a zero dep cover, then your insurer will not subtract the depreciation amount during the time of claim settlement. It increases the final amount of claim settlement for you.

  2. Purchase Flexibility: It is possible to get zero depreciation cover at the time of buying a new bike insurance policy, as well as at the time of renewal. This provides flexibility for getting the cover.

  3. Minimum Out-of-Pocket Expenses: The out-of-pocket expenses decrease if you have this add-on. This is because of the exclusion of the cost of replacement and repair of depreciable parts from the add-on.

  4. Low Premium Amount: If you opt for the add-on of zero depreciation on top of your comprehensive policy, the premium you pay is lower.

Exclusions under Zero Depreciation Cover for a Bike
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Certain aspects are not covered in zero dep cover for a bike. The exclusions are as follows:

  1. Insurers usually offer zero depreciation add-ons only for vehicles up to 5 years of age.

  2. They allow a maximum of 2 claims under this cover during a single period of the policy.

  3. In case your bike faces total loss due to theft or accident, then you will not receive the zero depreciation benefit.

  4. Insurers do not cover the normal wear and tear of parts that require repair or replacement.

  5. They accept claims only when the damage results from perils listed under ‘Own Damage’.

Factors to Keep in Mind before Choosing Zero Depreciation Cover
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Factors to keep in mind before choosing zero depreciation cover are as follows:

  • If you live in a heavily trafficked area or an accident-prone zone, then your premium for this add-on will be higher.

  • Remember to get this cover as soon as you purchase your bike.

  • This cover will not be valid for mechanical breakdown or total damage to your bike.

Bottom Line
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While zero dep add-on for bikes beyond five years is not widely offered, it is not entirely impossible to get. Some insurers extend this option under specific conditions. So, if you want to keep your bike protected as it ages, you will need to ask your insurer directly. After all, a little effort now can save you a lot later when it’s time to make a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions
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1.Can I get zero dep insurance for bikes older than 5 years?

Generally, you can not get zero dep insurance for bikes older than 5 years. However, you can personally contact your insurer and ask for their help in such a case.

2.How many times can I claim zero dep for my bike?

You can make a maximum of 2 claims under zero depreciation add-on during a single period of the policy.

3.How many years does bike insurance last?

Third-party liability insurance is generally offered for 5 years during purchase, and a comprehensive policy has a period of 1 year.

4.Why should I buy a zero depreciation add-on for my bike?

Getting a zero depreciation add-on for your bike prevents you from paying for the cost of depreciation on your bike parts during a claim settlement.

5.How do I claim zero depreciation insurance for my bike?

You can claim zero depreciation insurance for your bike by directly contacting your insurer through a call. You can also raise a claim by filling out a form on their website or mobile application.

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