All About Insuring Pillion Riders in India

Understanding Bike Insurance Basics

Before we get into pillion-specific coverage, let’s quickly brush up on how bike insurance works in India.

There are primarily two types of bike insurance:

• Third-party Insurance – This is the minimum legally required policy under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It covers damages caused to a third party (property, person, or vehicle) but does not cover your own bike or your injuries.
• Comprehensive Insurance – This covers third-party liabilities and also includes coverage for damage to your own vehicle and injuries sustained by the rider.

But what about the pillion? Who is a Pillion Rider?

A pillion rider is the person sitting behind the rider on a two-wheeler. Whether it’s your spouse on a daily commute, a child going to school, or a friend joining for a weekend ride, the pillion shares the same risks as the rider. Unfortunately, in many insurance policies, their safety isn’t always automatically covered.

Does Standard Bike Insurance Cover Pillion Riders?

Here's the catch — third-party insurance policies do not provide any protection for the pillion rider unless specified. Similarly, most comprehensive policies only cover the rider unless you opt for a personal accident cover for pillion as an add-on.

So, if you're thinking your standard insurance policy has got your back — and your pillion’s — think again.

What is Bike Insurance Pillion Cover?

Bike insurance pillion cover is an add-on that provides personal accident protection to the person riding pillion. This means in case of an accident, the pillion’s medical expenses, disability, or unfortunate death will be covered as per the terms of the policy.

There are two types of pillion cover you can opt for:

• Personal Accident Cover for Pillion – This compensates in the event of death or permanent disability.
• Medical Cover for Pillion – This covers hospitalization expenses in case of injury due to an accident.

Some comprehensive policies might offer limited cover for pillion riders by default, but a dedicated pillion add-on ensures better, more inclusive protection.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip This Cover

• High Risk, Low Awareness: According to road safety reports, a significant percentage of two-wheeler fatalities involve pillion riders. Despite this, most policyholders don’t opt for pillion cover — often due to lack of awareness.
• Affordable Addition: Pillion cover is surprisingly cost-effective. For a small premium addition, you get peace of mind that both you and your co-rider are covered.
• Responsible Riding: Whether you ride alone or not, it’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone on your bike is protected. It's not just about compliance, it's about care.

How to Add Pillion Cover to Your Policy

With Jio Insurance Broking, getting a pillion cover is simple:

1. While buying your policy – Ask for the Personal Accident Cover for Pillion during purchase.
2. While renewing your policy – You can easily include the add-on at the time of renewal.
3. Via customer support – Connect with our expert team at Jio Insurance Broking who will guide you through the process.

Make sure to check the sum insured, coverage limits, and exclusions before adding the cover.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you’re riding with your brother on your bike. An accident occurs due to a pothole, and while you sustain minor injuries, your pillion suffers a fracture and needs hospitalization. If you have pillion medical cover, the expenses — including ambulance charges, hospital bills, and follow-ups — are reimbursed up to the insured amount.

Without it? You’ll have to bear all costs out of pocket.

Jio Insurance Broking: Helping You Choose Smartly

At Jio Insurance Broking, we don’t just help you buy policies — we ensure you buy the right protection. Our advisors make it easy to compare plans, understand add-ons, and customize your bike insurance for real-life risks, including pillion rider protection.

We believe the ride is always better — and safer — when everyone’s covered.

Every time you take someone along on your two-wheeler, their safety becomes your responsibility. Don’t let something as critical as pillion insurance fall through the cracks. A few extra rupees can make a massive difference in times of crisis.

So, the next time you renew or buy bike insurance, make sure your pillion is part of the plan.

Ride safe. Ride smart. Insure everyone.

Explore bike insurance with pillion cover today at Jio Insurance Broking.