Checklist for Buying a Two-Wheeler or Bike Insurance Online

This checklist ensures you don't miss anything important when buying bike insurance online, whether it's your first motorcycle or a renewal.

Let's walk through the essential steps.

Key Takeaways

• Bike insurance is mandatory by law in India; third-party coverage protects you legally

• Comprehensive bike insurance costs ₹2,000-₹5,000 annually but covers theft, accidents, and damages

• Compare bike insurance quotes from 5+ insurers before buying online

• Personal Accident Insurance should be included in your bike insurance plan

• Motor insurance for bikes can be purchased online in under 10 minutes with minimal documentation

• Read policy terms carefully before confirming bike insurance purchase

• Network garages ensure cashless claim settlement under motor insurance

Pre-Purchase Checklist: Before You Start Comparing Bike Insurance

1. Gather Your Documents

Before browsing bike insurance options online, have these ready:

1.  Two-wheeler registration certificate (RC book)

2.  Vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number)

3.  Current bike insurance policy (if renewing, to check no-claim bonus)

4.  Driving license copy (digital or scanned)

5.  Your PAN/Aadhaar card (for identity verification)

6.  Address proof (utility bill or rental agreement)

Why it matters: Most online bike insurance platforms auto-fill details using RC number, but having documents handy speeds up the process.

2. Know Your Two-Wheeler Details

• Bike make and model (e.g., Hero Honda, Bajaj Pulsar)

•  Registration year

•  Engine capacity (cc) – This affects motor insurance premium

•  Bike's current market value – For coverage limit decisions

•  Fuel type (petrol/diesel) – Used for premium calculation

3. Identify Your Coverage Needs

Ask yourself:

•  Do you need third-party motor insurance only (legally required)?

•  Do you want comprehensive bike insurance (includes theft, accident, natural calamities)?

•  Do you need Personal Accident Insurance add-on?

•  Are you comfortable with deductibles (₹5,000-₹10,000) or prefer lower deductibles?

•  Do you have a preferred network garage?

Online Comparison Checklist: Finding the Best Bike Insurance

Step 1: Visit Top Bike Insurance Providers

Compare bike insurance from these major platforms:

•  Bajaj Allianz – Known for quick claims

•  HDFC Ergo – Comprehensive coverage options

•  ICICI Lombard – Good network of garages

•  Royal Sundaram – Affordable premiums

•  Digit Insurance – Tech-friendly, fast process

•  Care Insurance – Good Personal Accident Insurance add-ons

Why 5+ insurers: Bike insurance premiums vary by 30-40% across insurers for the same coverage. Shopping around saves ₹500-₹1,500 annually.

Step 2: Enter Your Two-Wheeler Details

When comparing bike insurance online:

• ..'' Enter bike registration number (auto-fetches details)

•  Confirm engine capacity (affects motor insurance premium)

•  Verify bike's age (influences comprehensive coverage cost)

•  Select coverage type: Third-party vs. Comprehensive

•  Check available deductible options

•  Review suggested coverage amount

Step 3: Compare Coverage Side-by-Side

Comparison Table: Third-Party vs. Comprehensive Bike Insurance

Recommendation: Unless budget is extremely tight, buy comprehensive bike insurance. The ₹1,500 extra annually protects against theft (most common bike claim) and accidents.

Step 4: Check Bike Insurance Add-Ons

Review available add-ons:

•  Personal Accident Insurance – Covers injuries (₹200-500/year)

•  Passenger cover – Protects pillion riders (₹200-500/year)

•  Roadside assistance – Emergency repair, fuel, towing (₹500-1,000/year)

•  Consumables cover – Oil, filters, lubricants replacement (₹300-600/year)

•  Commute add-on – Covers ride-sharing (₹400-700/year)

Priority add-ons: Personal Accident Insurance + Roadside Assistance = best value.

Step 5: Verify No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
 

• Do you have NCB from previous bike insurance? (5-50% discount)

•  Can you transfer NCB to new insurer? (Yes, usually)

•  Does the new bike insurance honor your NCB? (Always verify)

•  What's the accumulated NCB percentage? (Higher is better)

Impact: A 50% NCB reduces ₹4,000 bike insurance to ₹2,000 annually.

Step 6: Check Network Garages

•  How many network garages are available in your city?

•  Are garages near your home/workplace?

•  Can you use favorite garage for cashless claim?

•  What's the process for non-network garage claims?

Why it matters: Good network garage access means faster bike insurance claim settlement.

Documentation & Verification Checklist

1. Online Submission Process

When buying bike insurance online, you'll submit:

•  Scanned driving license (both sides, clear image)

•  Scanned registration certificate (RC book, both sides)

•  Scanned insurance policy (if renewing, for NCB verification)

•  Self-declaration (online form confirming details)

•  Email address (for policy delivery)

•  Mobile number (for OTP verification)

Document quality: Ensure images are clear, not blurry. Blurry documents = rejection.

2. Verification Steps

After submission:

•  Insurer verifies RC details through transport authority

•  Driving license validity is checked

•  NCB status is confirmed (if transferring from old policy)

•  Payment is processed (immediate for online)

•  Policy document is emailed within 24 hours

Payment & Policy Issuance Checklist

• Payment Options

•  Debit card – Immediate processing, safest

•  Credit card – Rewards points possible

•  Net banking – Direct bank transfer

•  UPI – Fastest option

•  EMI option – For premium above ₹3,000 (if available)

Recommendation: Use debit card or UPI for immediate confirmation.

• Policy Issuance

After payment:

•  Policy document received via email

•  Policy number generated (save this for future reference)

•  Policy validity dates confirmed (usually 12 months from purchase date)

•  Premium receipt saved (needed for tax claims)

•  Physical policy certificate printed or digital copy saved

Important: Your bike insurance is valid immediately after payment; you don't need to wait for physical documents.

Post-Purchase Checklist: After Buying Bike Insurance Online

Download & Save Documents

•  Save policy document as PDF

•  Note down policy number and validity dates

•  Store insurer's customer service number

•  Save login credentials for online portal

•  Screenshot policy summary for quick reference

Share Information with Family
 

• Share policy details with spouse/guardian

•  Provide insurer's emergency contact number

•  Explain bike insurance coverage (what's included/excluded)

•  Keep documents accessible (in case of emergency)

Update Your Records

•  Update bike insurance renewal date in calendar

•  Note NCB% for next renewal

•  Track any claims filed (for future reference)

•  Review coverage annually

Plan for Renewal

• Set reminder 15 days before expiry

•  Review bike insurance options again at renewal

•  Compare new quotes even if renewing with same insurer

•  Check if bike has depreciated (may reduce coverage need)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Bike Insurance Online