Reeva Nain, a 34-year-old lawyer in Pune, loved her scooter, and why won't she? She brought with her a salary. She used the same for her daily commute, for work, for groceries, and more. One evening, when Reeva was riding in the rain, her scooter accidentally skidded. Though nothing major happened to Reeva, her scooter was slightly damaged.
Once Reeva found her balance and came to her senses, she soon realised her bike insurance had expired and she hadn't renewed it. Meaning? All the expenses for repairs would now be covered from her pocket. However, that wouldn't have been the case if her policy had been active.
Reeva’s story is the reality of many vehicle owners in India. A lot of bike owners miss or underestimate the consequences of an expired bike insurance. However, remember, once your policy lapses, your vehicle is simply uninsured. But wait! There is good news: you may still renew two-wheeler insurance. Let's see how.
Having at least a third-party liability insurance is compulsory as per the Motor Act. This means when you're riding an uninsured bike, you're also being legally non-compliant.
Here are some other consequences of riding an uninsured bike or scooter with expired insurance.
As mentioned, riding an uninsured vehicle is a traffic violation in India. You might end up paying a heavy fine or penalty for the same. For instance, for riding an uninsured vehicle, first-time offenders might need to pay ₹2000. Additionally, you may even get 3 months’ imprisonment.
No-Claim Bonus (NCB) can simply be understood as a reward from your insurer for every claim-free year. You may accumulate the NCB benefits and use them for policy premium discounts. However, in case you forget to renew your bike policy within 90 days of policy expiry, you might end up losing all your accumulated NCB.
Another drawback of not renewing your policy after its expiry is that you might have to purchase a new bike insurance. This would require a physical inspection before issuing a new policy.
One of the prominent drawbacks of riding an uninsured bike is having no financial protection. Theft? Bike damage? Third-party liability? All these risks and costs have to be covered from your pocket with no financial shield.
If you're looking to renew your two-wheeler insurance, you can use either of the two methods: online or offline. With online renewal, you may renew your bike insurance quickly and hassle-free. Here is how to do it.
First, simply consider logging in to the official website of your insurer. Here, you might need to put up details of your previous insurance or information about your two-wheeler. This may include vehicle registration number, details of the policy, and more.
Once you fill in the necessary details and attach the essential documents, consider choosing any additional riders. During the renewal, you might also be offered the choice of making any adjustments to your insurance coverage.
Now, choose a suitable policy that best matches your requirements and budget. Make the online payment to complete the process. Once done, you will get the policy documents via mail.
Note: Once you have your policy details, consider checking them thoroughly to cross-verify your details. In case of any mistake, make sure to contact your insurer and get it changed.
You may also renew your bike insurance offline. This can be done by contacting your insurer and meeting with them in person. After this, you might have to get your ride inspected. Next, you might also have to submit essential documents. Based on the same, you will get the policy.
Now that you know the importance of valid bike insurance, it is suggested that you renew it on time. This will eliminate the chances of policy expiry. Here are some quick, easy, and effective tips to ensure you never miss the timely renewal of your bike insurance.
Thinking of renewing your bike insurance from scratch might seem like a hassle, but it is quite important. It protects your vehicle financially and legally. However, with the right comprehensive bike policy, you ensure you enjoy NCB benefits and protect your bikes against theft, damage, and much more. With a bunch of policies available online, the choice may feel overwhelming.
Here comes Jio Insurance Broking to your rescue. We help you compare a variety of bike insurance plans. Take your time to analyse their benefits, premiums, coverage, and other features to make a well-informed decision.