In 2024 alone, Delhi saw over 4,48,767 two-wheeler registrations, according to the Times of India. With millions of bikes navigating the roads every day, the risks of accidents and theft are steadily rising. Whether it’s your daily office commute or a weekend escape, your bike is a constant companion. This is why you must make your bike’s protection a priority.
When riding through Connaught Place or crossing a narrow lane in Lajpat Nagar, a valid two wheeler insurance in Delhi protects you both financially and legally. This guide covers everything you need to know about bike insurance in Delhi.
Why do you need bike insurance in Delhi?
Legal compliance is the foremost reason to have bike insurance in Delhi. However, beyond meeting regulations, comprehensive bike insurance protects you from financial losses in case your bike is damaged or stolen. It also covers third-party liabilities, paying for injuries or damages caused to others.
A reliable insurance policy safeguards you against events like floods, fires, earthquakes and more. It also helps streamline the resolution process in the event of a road accident. When both parties are insured, claim settlements become smoother, saving you from unnecessary arguments or legal hassles.
Problems faced by bike owners in Delhi
Delhi bike owners face unprecedented problems when driving on the roads. Some of them are detailed below:
- Overcrowding: Road congestion is one of the biggest problems in Delhi. With packed roads and long signals, minor scratches and small collisions are common. These small damages accumulate over time, leading to high repair bills.
- Air quality: Delhi is one of the world’s most polluted cities. Poor air quality significantly affects a bike’s performance. It forces the engine to work harder and increases fuel consumption and servicing costs.
- Poor parking facilities: Due to limited space, many bike owners struggle to find adequate parking facilities. In that event, they have to park their bikes in unmonitored areas, which increases the chances of theft and damage.
- Road condition: Poorly maintained roads, with potholes, uneven surfaces and ongoing construction, are a common sight in the city. These conditions lead to frequent wear and tear on your bike, increasing maintenance costs over time.
- Extreme weather conditions: Water logging during heavy monsoons damages electric parts, while summer heat shortens battery and tyre life. A good policy with relevant add-ons helps cover these weather-related repairs.
Types of bike insurance ideal for Delhi
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of bike insurance in Delhi:
- Third-party insurance: This is the most basic coverage and a mandatory legal requirement. It covers damage to another person, vehicle or property caused by your bike. However, it does not cover damage to your own bike.
- Comprehensive bike insurance: This plan is best suited for Delhi’s challenging riding conditions. It covers third-party liabilities and own damage, including protection against theft, fire, natural disasters and accidents.
Additionally, you can choose the following add-ons to enhance your coverage:
- Zero depreciation cover: It provides a full claim amount without deducting depreciation costs.
- Roadside assistance: Get immediate response for breakdowns, dry tanks, dried batteries and towing when stranded on the road.
- Engine protection: This covers engine damage due to water ingress or fire.
- Consumables cover: It includes the cost for nuts, bolts and other items during claim settlement.
You also benefit from NCB in bike insurance (No Claim Bonus). If you don’t raise any claim during a policy year, you get a discount known as NCB when renewing the policy. It starts with a 20% discount after the first claim-free year and can go up to 50% with consecutive claim-free renewals.
How to buy bike insurance online in Delhi?
Buying bike insurance online in Delhi is fast, convenient and offers the best deals and maximum discounts. Here are the steps to purchase or renew a two-wheeler policy:
- Compare policy terms, benefits and estimated premiums across different insurers.
- Visit your chosen insurer’s website or mobile application.
- Enter your bike’s registration number and other KYC details. You must also provide all relevant personal details.
- Choose the type of policy you want: third-party or comprehensive. Select the relevant add-ons.
- Make the payment using your preferred form of payment.
- You will receive the policy via email.
Challan for not having bike insurance in Delhi
Delhi Traffic Police actively check insurance documents during routine stops. Riding without valid third-party insurance is punishable under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act.
Here’s what happens if you get caught without valid insurance:
- You will be fined ₹2,000 for the first time or imprisoned for up to 3 months.
- Thereafter, you will be fined ₹4,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 3 months.
- In some cases, your bike may be taken away temporarily. You may have to appear in court after consistency violations.
The Delhi Traffic Police now issues e-challans. Thus, even if you are not stopped while on the road, you might receive a fine notification. You can pay the fine through the Delhi Traffic Police website or at the nearest station.
Conclusion
From rising traffic and theft to poor road conditions, there are various challenges that arise from owning a bike in Delhi. In such cases, insurance becomes a financial shield.
To stay protected, choose a bike insurance plan that aligns with your daily usage, regular routes and your bike’s make and model. For complete peace of mind, a comprehensive policy is your best bet as it safeguards your vehicle, your finances and your legal standing.
FAQs
- Is one-year insurance in Delhi enough for my new bike?
No. For new bikes, you need 5-year third-party insurance. You can add a 1-year own damage cover for complete protection.
- What is IDV in bike insurance?
IDV stands for Insured Declared Value. It’s the amount you will get if your bike is stolen or completely damaged. You can increase your IDV for an additional premium, but decreasing it is not recommended.
- What documents are required for bike insurance?
You need your bike's RC (Registration Certificate), previous insurance policy, ID proof and address proof.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.