Picture this; You are cruising down the open road on your beloved motorcycle, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. As you navigate the twists and turns of the scenic route, you feel confident knowing you have insurance coverage to protect you in case of an accident. But what if that coverage is not as secure as you think? Yes, you read that right. Failure to follow some basic rules and regulations could result in rejected claims, leaving you stranded without coverage. So, buckle up (or should we say helmet on) and get ready to explore the essential things you need to keep in mind to ensure your bike insurance remains valid.
Things That Can Make Your Bike Insurance Void
Motorbike insurance should be purchased at the same time as a motorcycle to offer financial security in the event of an accident. However, several elements might result in a rejected claim. This may be the case when another person is riding your bike and causing you harm or if your vehicle gets damaged due to overspeeding. If the owner is involved in an accident, the insurer will pay to fix it, but if you lease or lend your two-wheeler, the borrower will be responsible for the costs. Motorcycle insurance does not account for depreciation due to normal use, maintenance, or repairs. The insurer will not compensate you if you lose the keys to your motorcycle or leave them on the bike, which then gets stolen.
Two-wheeler insurance does not provide coverage for mechanical or electrical breakdowns. The insurer will provide no compensation if an unauthorised rider or a minor who does not possess a valid license causes an accident. In addition, your insurance company will not pay for anything that goes wrong while you're riding drunk or under the influence of illegal substances. The insurance provider will reject your claim if you suffer any injury or there is damage to your two-wheeler that results from not wearing a helmet. Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters like riots and wars are not covered if they cause damage to the bike.
Some factors that could make your two-wheeler insurance policy null and void are:
1. Bike Modifications
Companies categorise bike modifications into two types: cosmetic and performance-enhancing. Cosmetic alterations may include
- changes to the paint job, graphics, or accessories like a windscreen or saddlebags
- external fittings like a luggage carrier
- performance-enhancing modifications may include alterations to the engine, suspension, or exhaust system.
If you fail to declare these modifications to your insurance company, your policy stands void. Additionally, if you install a larger engine or modify the exhaust system, your bike may become louder and attract unwanted attention from law enforcement while making the insurance cover invalid. Always check with your insurer about modified bike insurance rules.
Certain insurance companies may assess the price for motorcycle upgrades depending on the policy. Remember that any changes you make to your bike, no matter how modest, will likely result in a higher premium. Your insurer may refuse to pay claims or even terminate coverage if you do not inform the insurance provider of the modifications. However, if an insured person with a disability chooses to use a two-wheeler and makes special adjustments to the vehicle, the insurance company will not increase the premium. The insurer offers further discounts on the premium in such cases.
2. False Claims
Insurance companies rely on accurate information to assess risks and determine appropriate coverage and premiums. False information can lead to fraud charges and legal consequences, damage the trust between you and your insurer, and result in the denial of your claim and cancellation of your policy.
3. Fleeing the Site of the Accident
When you are involved in an accident, the law clearly states that you must stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. Failure to do so is considered a hit-and-run and is a criminal offence. Insurance companies consider hit-and-run incidents to be intentional acts and may deny your claim as a result. Additionally, leaving the scene of an accident can make it more difficult for your insurance company to properly investigate the incident and assess liability, further jeopardising your coverage.