Motorbikes are a valuable possession and a daily necessity. But no matter how careful you are, scratches and minor damage can happen. From parking in tight spaces to small accidents or even bad weather, scratches on your bike are common. This leads to a question: Can insurance be claimed for bike scratches?
Knowing how insurance works in such cases is important. Not every scratch or dent is serious enough to warrant an insurance claim. Let us find out more about insurance claims from this blog.
Benefits of not claiming insurance for minor issues
You can claim insurance even for bike scratches, but it depends on the type of insurance cover you have. If you have comprehensive bike insurance, it usually covers both major and minor damages, including scratches, dents and other small repairs. However, if you only have a third-party insurance policy, you cannot claim damages to your own bike. While it is tempting to raise a claim for every scratch or dent, especially if you have comprehensive insurance, there are some clear benefits to avoiding insurance claims for minor damage.
- Protecting your No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
No-Claim Bonus is a discount you receive on your premium for not raising any claims during the policy period. If you raise a claim for a small scratch, you may lose this benefit, which could lead to higher premiums later. Over time, the NCB can significantly reduce your insurance costs, so it is often better to preserve it by not claiming for minor repairs.
When you make a claim, insurers may see you as a high-risk customer. This can result in higher premiums during your next renewal. For minor damage that costs less than your expected premium increase, it makes more sense to pay out of pocket.
- Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
Most insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before the insurer covers the rest.
- Faster and simpler repairs
When you handle minor repairs yourself, the process is much quicker. There’s no paperwork, no waiting for claim approvals and no inspections. This can save you time and effort when the damage is very small.
When should you raise an insurance claim?
While it’s usually better not to raise a claim for small scratches, there are times when using your insurance makes sense. You should consider raising a claim when:
If the scratches are deep and part of a larger accident or if they affect important parts like the fuel tank or engine casing. In such cases, the cost of repairs can be high and your policy can help reduce your financial burden.
- The repair cost is much higher than the deductible
If the cost of fixing the damage is far more than your deductible amount, you should raise a claim.
In cases where another party caused the damage and you have comprehensive insurance, you can raise a claim. It will not affect your NCB. Always inform your insurer and provide necessary proof, like pictures or a police report if needed.
- The damage affects the look or resale value of the bike
Sometimes, even scratches can reduce the resale value of your bike. If your bike is relatively new or if you are planning to sell it soon, you might want to get the repairs done through insurance to restore its appearance properly.
Alternatives to raising claims for minor scratches
If you decide not to claim insurance for bike scratches, there are a few practical options to consider.
Small scratches can often be fixed with do-it-yourself scratch removal kits. These affordable kits are available online or in local stores. They usually include polishing compounds and cloths that can make minor scratches nearly invisible.
Visiting a trusted local mechanic or body shop is a good choice for minor repairs. The costs are often low, and you can avoid paperwork and delays. Some garages even offer touch-up services that match your bike’s paint perfectly.
If you want the bike to look like new but don’t want to file a claim, a professional detailing service can help. While more expensive than DIY options, it still may cost less than losing your no-claim bonus.
Sometimes the best option is to simply ignore small scratches, especially if they do not affect the bike's performance or safety. Motorbikes used daily will naturally show signs of wear and tear over time, and most riders expect a few blemishes.
Conclusion
Insurance can be claimed for bike scratches, but it depends on your type of insurance. If you only have third party bike insurance, then scratches to your own bike are not covered. Only a comprehensive policy allows you to claim for such minor damage. However, just because you can claim it doesn't always mean you should. Choosing not to raise a claim for small scratches has several benefits.
On the other hand, when the damage is significant or repair costs are high, raising an insurance claim can be the right decision. Always weigh the cost of the repair against your deductible and think about the long-term impact on your insurance premiums.
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.