The Internal Combustion Engine, a key invention that has guided the world's progress for the past century, is expected to maintain its influence in the future. Within the transportation sector, bikes and scooters have proven to be one of the most impactful applications of this technology. The term ‘Cubic Capacity’ (CC) quantifies the power of a bike’s engine, directly influencing its utility. In the context of bikes, CC full-form in bike signifies the engine’s Cubic Capacity, which denotes the engine’s size and power. A higher CC indicates a more powerful bike.

Meaning of Cubic Capacity (CC) in bikes

As someone who may be unfamiliar with automotive engineering jargon, we can start by looking at the CC meaning in the bike. An internal combustion engine in a modern bike burns fuel within a cylinder, releasing energy that propels the motorcycle and operates its various functions. An engine cylinder’s capacity to take in and burn a mix of fuel and air by volume determines its cubic capacity. The larger the volume of air and fuel mix the cylinder can take in, the higher its cubic capacity. Most commuter bikes have a single-cylinder engine, though high-performance bikes have multiple-cylinder engines. Today, most commuter bikes have at least a 100 cc engine, whereas the Suzuki GSX 1300 RR Hayabusa, the fastest production road-legal bike in the world, has a 1,340 cc engine.

What Is the Importance of CC in a Bike?

Now that we have gained a fair idea of what is CC in the bike, let’s delve into its significance and its role in the bike.

• The higher the CC, the faster the bike can go: This is the most essential factor you should know. CC is directly proportional to the top speed of your bike and how fast your bike will accelerate to reach that top speed. A high top speed and the ability to accelerate quickly require a powerful engine.
• The higher the CC, the smoother the engine performance: Smooth and reliable engine performance has been the unending quest of all automakers and bike companies; this has been more so because of the very nature of bike design. By their very nature, low CC engines perform badly because they have to put in more effort to achieve the performance that a bike with high CC can achieve without utilising all its potential.
• The higher the CC, the more challenging terrain becomes accessible by your bike: Bikes are versatile and capable of traversing various terrains by their inherent design. Nevertheless, if you intend to venture off-road or navigate challenging terrain, you will require increased engine power, hence the need for a higher CC engine in your bike.

How Do You Calculate the CC of Your Bike?

Ideally, we can easily find the bike CC in the marketing material or owner’s bike manual. The bike registration certificate issued by the RTO also carries its CC. To calculate what is CC in the bike, first find out.

• How many cylinders are there in the engine of the bike? Most bikes have one, though performance bikes can have two or more cylinders.
• What is the bore or diameter of the hole of each of the cylinders in the engine? All cylinders in one engine will have the same bore length. This figure should be in millimetres.
• What is the piston stroke length in the bike engine’s cylinders? Please provide this measurement in millimetres. In the case of a multi-cylinder engine, the measurement will be consistent for all cylinders.

Multiply the bore, the diameter with itself and then the stroke length. Divide the result by the number of cylinders, then by 1000. Rounding off will give you the CC of the bike.

A bike's ownership is transferred during the process of selling or buying a two-wheeler. This is a critical process because it ensures that the new owner is legally recognized. Understanding the steps and requirements for transferring bike ownership is essential, as there are legal complications associated with the process.

What is a Two-Wheeler Ownership Transfer?

The transfer of bike ownership is a legally important procedure where the registered name of the owner on the Registration Certificate (R.C.) is officially changed to another name. This process is crucial as it ensures that all legal rights, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with the vehicle are transferred from the seller to the buyer. Failure to complete this transfer can leave the previous owner legally liable for any violations, accidents, or damages involving the bike, even after it has been sold.

The process generally involves notifying the RTO, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the prescribed fees. Additionally, it is equally important to transfer the bike insurance to the new owner's name without any break in coverage. Failure to do so may lead to complications in claims and legal responsibilities, making this step as crucial as the R.C. transfer.

When is Two-wheeler Ownership Transfer Required?

Transfer of bike ownership in India is mandatory in several cases, including:

1. Sale or purchase of a second-hand bike:

   When a pre-owned two-wheeler is purchased, it is essential that the ownership be legally transferred to the buyer. This transfer confirms that the buyer can enjoy all rights and responsibilities concerning the bike.

2. Receiving a two-wheeler as a gift:

   If you inherit a bike from your family or receive one as a gift, then the transfer of ownership is crucial for you to become the legal owner of the vehicle.

3. Transfer of ownership within a family:

   When ownership is transferred within the family - for example, between parents and children or siblings - the records should be cleared legally to ensure correct ownership.

4. Moving out of state:

   If you move to a new state with your motorcycle, a transfer of ownership is required to get a new registration and follow the regulations in your new residential area.

Bike Ownership Transfer Cost

The cost of bike ownership transfer will vary according to the state and case. It is generally categorised as:

• Transfer Fee:

  This is the general underlying fee that the RTO charges for processing the transfer. It ranges between Rs. 300 and Rs. 500.

• Road Tax:

  If the bike is transferred to another state, the road tax to be paid in the new state will depend on its age, model, and state rules regarding the bike.

• NOC Charges:

  In the case of transferring the bike to another state, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO may incur an additional charge of approximately Rs. 200 to Rs. 500.

• Hypothecation Removal Charges:

  In the case of loaned bikes, the process of transfer would also involve the removal of hypothecation, which may require an additional charge.

Check the exact amount from the concerned RTO or through a professional so that no extra and undue costs arise later.

Documents Required for Bike Ownership Transfer

The following documents are needed for the bike ownership transfer process:

• Form 29 and Form 30:

  This is available at RTO, and should be signed by both the seller and buyer.

• Original RC:

  You must carry the original Registration Certificate of the bike.

• Bike Insurance Policy:

  The two-wheeler insurance policy should be transferred in the name of the new owner, or a new policy must be obtained.

• PUC Certificate:

  A valid PUC certificate is to be provided.

• Address Proof:

  Provide address proof documents for both the buyer and seller, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport.

• D. Proof:

  Identity proof in the form of a PAN card, driving licence, or passport is mandatory.

• Passport-Size Photographs

  Recent passport-sized photos are a must.

• No Objection Certificate

  An NOC from the original RTO is required if the transfer is carried out to another state.

Ownership Transfer Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transfer of bike ownership online has been made more convenient and time-saving. Here is a step-by-step guideline on how to transfer bike ownership online:

• Visit the official website of Parivahan. And click on 'Vehicle Registration'.
• From the menu, click on 'Vehicle-Related Services', then enter the registration number of the bike.
• Select 'Transfer of Ownership'.
• Scan and upload the required documents along with Form 29 and Form 30, I.D. proofs, and bike insurance.
• Pay the necessary fee and schedule the appointment with the RTO for document verification.
• On the fixed date and time, visit the RTO office with the original documents.
• A confirmation email will be received after document verification. Following this, the new Registration Certificate (R.C.) will be dispatched in favour of the new owner.

How to Apply for Two-Wheeler Ownership Transfer Offline

The procedure for bike ownership transfer in offline mode is as follows:

• Visit Local RTO:

  The bike owner is required to visit the local RTO where the bike is registered, bringing all the relevant documents.

• Forms:

  Form 29 and Form 30 must be obtained from the RTO office or can be downloaded from the official RTO website.

• Fill out the Forms:

  The correctly filled forms should be attached with passport-sized photographs.

• Submission:

  Submit the filled-in forms along with the original Registration Certificate (R.C.), bike insurance, PUC certificate, identification proof, and address proof.

• Pay Fees:

  At the RTO office counter, pay the required fee, which includes the transfer fee for ownership, any card issuance fees, and, in some cases, applicable road tax.

• Document Verification:

  The documents are verified by the RTO official. In some cases, a physical examination of the bike may also be conducted.

• Get a receipt:

  A receipt will be generated after payment completion, which serves as proof of the transfer application.

• Collection of the updated R.C.:

  A new Registration Certificate (R.C.) in the name of the buyer is either dispatched to the buyer's registered address or can be collected from the RTO.

Conclusion

The transfer of ownership of a bike is essential for establishing proper proprietorship. It must be done legally to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities from the seller to the buyer. Understanding the requirements, costs, and documentation involved in the process of a 2 wheeler ownership transfer will help streamline the transfer process.

In India, bikes are considered perfect travel companions, helping navigate the roller-coaster roads and ensuring timely arrivals. However, riding in India, although it may seem easy, is not so in reality. The countless potholes and pedestrians' or motorists' carelessness regarding traffic laws put your bike at risk. While going on a ride, have you ever wondered what would happen if, due to unavoidable circumstances, you caused physical injury to others? Have you ever thought about the repercussions? Well, to safeguard you against all these odds, a third party liability cover exists. In this blog, we’ll thoroughly explain the nitty-gritty of two wheeler insurance with 3rd party protection.

What Is Third Party Two Wheeler Insurance?

Third party two wheeler insurance is a kind of motor insurance that pays for the damages or bodily injuries you may cause to another person or their property while riding your bike. This is also called  “2 wheeler insurance with 3rd party cover.” Having this insurance in India is legally required because it shields you from the financial and legal repercussions that can arise from being in an accident with another party. However, this insurance does not cover any damages to your own bike or yourself. The annual premium for a bike with less than 75cc engine is Rs. 538, while for a bike with more than 350cc engine, it is Rs. 2,804. You can also opt for a long-term policy that covers your bike for up to five years. When browsing, you should always look for third party two wheeler insurance rate charts online to make an informed decision.

How Does Third Party Bike Insurance Work?

When you buy a 3rd party bike insurance policy, you pay a premium to the insurance company. The premium amount depends on the engine capacity of your bike and is fixed by the IRDA. In the event of an accident involving your bike and a third party, you need to inform the insurance company as soon as possible and file a claim. The insurance company will verify the claim and settle it per the policy's terms and conditions. The compensation amount will be paid to the third party or their legal representative.

Features of Third party Two Wheeler Insurance

• Third Party Coverage: This insurance primarily covers damages and injuries you might cause to third parties in an accident. It ensures you can meet your legal obligations in such situations.

• Cost-Effective: While two wheeler third party insurance prices vary from company to company, it is usually more affordable than comprehensive coverage, making it a budget-friendly option.

• Instant Policy: You can often get your policy instantly online, making it a convenient choice for quick coverage. This facility is typically known as two wheeler insurance online with third party cover.

Reasons to Buy Third Party Bike Insurance

There are multiple reasons to opt for this insurance coverage. Some primary ones are:

• Legal Requirement: The most fundamental reason to purchase third party bike insurance is that it is a legal requirement in India. Riding without it can result in hefty fines, licence suspensions, or even legal consequences.

• Legal Defense: Insurance companies often provide legal support if you're involved in a lawsuit following an accident. They can help you navigate the legal process, saving time and stress.

• Cost-Effective: Third party insurance is typically more affordable than comprehensive coverage.

• Safeguarding Your Savings: Without insurance, you risk depleting your savings or assets to cover accident-related expenses. Third party insurance protects your financial stability.

Steps to Apply for Third Party Bike Insurance

Here are the steps to apply for third party bike insurance with ICICI Lombard:

• Visit the official website of ICICI Lombard. 
• Click on the bike insurance tab.
• Enter your bike’s registration number, mobile number, and email address for an instant quote.
• If you are satisfied with the quote, click on Buy Now, fill in additional bike details, and provide a few of your personal details.
• Review your policy details and make the payment online using your preferred mode of payment, such as debit card, net banking, credit card, etc.
• You will get a confirmation email with your policy document attached. You can also download it from the website or the IL TakeCare app.

Process to Renew Third Party Bike Insurance Online

Here are the steps to renew your third party bike insurance online from ICICI Lombard:

• Visit ICICI Lombard and tap on the “Renewals” section in the top right corner of the homepage.
• Select “Bike Policy” from the drop-down menu and enter your policy or mobile number to retrieve your policy details.
• Check the specifics of your policy, including the premium amount, and proceed with the payment using your chosen payment method.
• You will get a confirmation via text, SMS and email with your renewed policy document attached.
• Download and print your policy document for future reference.

You have successfully renewed your third party bike insurance online from ICICI Lombard. You can also call their toll-free number, 1800-2666 or visit their nearest branch for assistance.

What's Covered in Third Party Bike Insurance?

• Bodily injury or death of a third party: If you are involved in an accident with your bike and cause injury or death to another person, your third party bike insurance will cover the medical expenses or compensation for the victim.

• Property damage of a third party: It covers damage to another person’s property, such as a car, a wall, or a fence; your third party bike insurance will cover the repair or replacement costs of the property up to Rs 7.5 lakhs.

• Legal liability: If you face a legal case from a third party, your insurer will cover the legal fees and expenses you may incur in defending yourself.

• Compulsory personal accident cover: You must buy this additional coverage along with your third party bike insurance by paying an extra premium. It covers the accidental death or permanent disability of the owner-driver of the bike up to Rs 15 lakh. This cover is useful if you are the sole breadwinner of your family and want to secure their financial future in case of a mishap.

What's Not Covered in Third Party Bike Insurance?

• Damage to your own bike: If your two wheeler is damaged due to a collision, fire outbreak, theft, natural calamity, or any other reason, you will not get any compensation from third party bike insurance. You will have to bear the repair costs or buy a comprehensive bike insurance policy that covers both third party and own damage.

• Illegal or deliberate acts: If you cause an accident intentionally or while breaking the law, such as drunk driving, speeding, or racing, the third party bike insurance will not cover that. You will be liable for the legal consequences, penalties, and damages.

• Wear and tear: If your two wheeler suffers from unavoidable wear and tear due to ageing or usage, such as rusting, corrosion, depreciation, etc., the third party bike insurance will not cover that. You must maintain your bike regularly and replace the parts when needed.

• Contractual liability: If you have entered into a contract with someone and agreed to be liable for any damage caused by your two wheeler, the third party bike insurance will not cover that. For example, if you have rented your bike to someone and they cause an accident, you will be responsible for the damages, not the insurer.

Documents Required for Third Party Bike Insurance Claim

To file a third party bike insurance claim, you need to have the following documents ready:

• A copy of the FIR you filed at the nearest police station after the This is a mandatory document to support your claim.
• A copy of your driver's licence to prove that you are a valid driver.
• A copy of your registration certificate to prove that you own the bike.
• A copy of your third party bike insurance policy to show that you have a valid cover.
• A claim form duly filled out and signed by you. You can get this form from your insurance company or download it from their website.
• Any other document that your insurance company may ask for, such as medical bills, repair bills, photographs of the damage, etc.

As individuals, we are all responsible for not causing harm to others or their property. But have you ever considered the potential risks and consequences of your actions? Accidents can happen, even when we are being careful on the roads. And in those situations, having a safety net becomes crucial. That is where third-party liability insurance comes in.

Third-party coverage in bike insurance is a fundamental policy that provides coverage for damages caused to anyone other than the rider or pillion rider of the insured bike. This coverage extends to property loss, bodily injury, or even death.

Usually, the premium for third-party bike insurance gets determined by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), which considers the engine displacement size as the basis for calculating the insurance cost. This means that if you and your friend own 150cc bikes, the premium for both vehicles will be the same.

However, it is worth noting that third-party liability insurance has several drawbacks. It does not, for example, cover damage to an insured vehicle. Furthermore, if the rider or pillion rider on the insured bike sustained severe injuries, the medical bills should be borne by the victim or covered by their health insurance. As a result, the policyholder may incur financial losses and medical expenses. So, should we forego purchasing third-party insurance for our bikes? Read on to know the answer.

Is third-party insurance Mandatory for bikes?

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, all vehicle owners in India must have at least third-party liability insurance coverage. The government took this step to protect the general public from the financial burden of accidents caused by uninsured bikers. Now that you are aware of its significance, you should also familiarise yourself with situations when third-party coverage stands null and void. 

• If you ride your bike in areas considered high-risk by your insurer and not covered by standard insurance policies, your policy is null and void.

• You won't be able to obtain policy benefits if you make a fraudulent claim, such as providing false information about the accident or the extent of damages or injuries or claiming for damages or injuries that did not occur.

• If you allow someone not authorised by your insurance policy to ride your bike, your third-party insurance will become void. 

• If your insurer finds out that you were on your bike riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, your third-party insurance will become void.

Buying and managing bike insurance online is made easy with a reliable information technology infrastructure. The process offers several advantages, including 24/7 online support, effortless payment options, an instant quote, customisable plans, and an easy renewal procedure.

With the option to purchase bike insurance online, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. This includes immediate policy issuance and easy access to your plan. Look for insurance plans allowing you to personalise your policy according to your needs, offer quick solutions for queries and round-the-clock support. Read the inclusions and exclusions of the policy before you decide to purchase a plan so that you know the exact scope of coverage.

Benefits of Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy

• Comprehensive 2-wheeler Insurance Policy offers maximum financial protection for your bike and covers third-party liabilities.
• It provides a No Claim Bonus benefit and protects against theft.
• Additionally, this type of policy in India offers compensation for natural calamities
• Coverage against legal liabilities incurred towards any third party
• Coverage for personal injuries to the rider
• Protection against man-made damages
• Repair expenses
• Death benefit
• Financial assistance for the complete or partial physical disability of the rider
• As long as you hold a valid driving license, you can receive compensation for medical assistance.

With increasing traffic and a rise in the number of accidents, comprehensive insurance can give you peace of mind.

Features of Comprehensive Bike Insurance

• Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance allows limitless claims in a policy year or during the tenure of the plan.
• Most importantly, it also covers bodily injuries and provides compensation in case of death of the policyholder and the pillion rider.
• When opting for comprehensive bike insurance, the insurer sets an amount as a fixed sum assured and may offer discounts.
• The policy also covers costs incurred due to natural or man-made damages, with optional features like zero depreciation cover to save on consumables.
• You can tailor your policy with specific add-ons such as zero depreciation, engine protection, and emergency roadside assistance.
• Additionally, comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policies cover third-party liability for property damage, bodily injuries, and death, but compensation is limited to a specific amount as mentioned in the policy.
• Such policies include personal accident coverage to protect the policyholder against injuries resulting in temporary or permanent disability or death.

Don’t save on insurance premium at the cost of all your life savings

India has long taken over China in being the world’s largest two wheeler market. One in every three households in India owns a two wheeler and we can see why. In the urban areas, increased traffic and overcrowded public transport has led to the increased use of two wheelers.

In the lesser developed parts of the country, two wheelers are just as popular, maybe even more, owing to the lack of public transport facilities. The parts of our country that were earlier left out on development projects, have now been seeing large-scale road construction projects, further boosting the use of two wheelers.

Convenient, cost-effective and easy to navigate through heavy traffic, two wheelers are our country’s favourite ride. But it’s not all good. There are also major concerns that arise with the use of two wheelers.

Safety Hazard

Two wheelers are and always have been one of the more risky commuting options. In our country, over 95% of the road accidents involve a two wheeler. While some of these cases can be blamed on adolescents driving rashly, poor road conditions and third-party mistakes, one of the major causes of such an alarmingly high number of bike accidents is completely avoidable.

Absence of Helmet

About 28 two wheeler riders die on a daily basis in India because of the lack of a helmet. A United Nations study found that the survival chance of a two wheeler rider is improved by 42% if they wear a helmet. In spite of the known cause of frequent two wheeler accidents as well as the solution, there has been no change in the devastating statistics.

A remarkable feature called Mobile Self Inspection has been introduced by ICICI Lombard in their Insure app. It allows insurance subscribers to renew their expired motor insurance conveniently.

It cuts back on the time that is normally required for mandatory inspection by an authorised surveyor. The mobile self-inspection is triggered only when a motor insurance policy expires and there has been a considerable time lapsed from the renewal due date.

A process called Break-in is commenced by the insurer when a subscriber seeks for renewal of an expired policy. In this procedure, the policy is issued based on successful investigation. Now, a new policy will be issued by the customers without manual investigation. The policy needs to be renewed by online payment through ICICI Lombard's website or mobile app.