The roar of the bike's engine, the adrenaline rush, and the skill of balancing the bike on just one wheel by defying gravity for a few seconds. Whether you watch stunt biking in movies or on the streets, it's quite exciting. What often accompanies excitement is the dark truth, something that isn’t exciting at all. Every wheelie, flip, drift, and race is not just a flash of skill but also a gamble with safety!
A millisecond miscalculation can lead to accidents, putting the bike, the rider, the pillion, and even bystanders in danger. Bikers who have motor insurance might feel a bit relaxed, thinking bike insurance will cover them. However, you need to know that damages due to stunt biking wouldn’t be covered under your regular insurance coverage.
This guide will focus on the dark side of stunt biking and insurers' take on it.
The answer is no. Most insurers exclude damages and injuries arising from stunt biking/ illegal driving. These exclusions are mentioned in the bike insurance coverage policy document, and you must go through the fine print for a detailed understanding. In case you do not understand any clause or term, you may ask your insurer for an explanation.
For some, stunt biking is the ultimate show of skill and courage. Despite the regularly reported incidents where people get badly hurt, some even lose their lives, many continue to engage in this deadly display. They don't risk just their life, but also the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road.
The growing influence of social media makes matters worse. Many youngsters participate in risky stunts and post them online for likes and shares. Unfortunately, this fuels copycat behaviour, with riders attempting dangerous tricks without proper training or safety measures. Whether it is about metro cities or small towns, stunt biking accidents have become common. Experts often believe that it has to be a combined effort of parents and the administration to put control over such risky events.
Stunt biking is all thrill and excitement from above, but it can leave irreversible damage if a single move goes wrong. Some of the dangerous consequences of illegal stunt biking are:
Thrill should never come at the cost of life. For the sake of safety, it is essential to drive mindfully and responsibly. Some of the tips for bike riders are:
The traffic department and insurance documents clearly define what constitutes illegal stunt biking. Practising illegal stunts with your bike can lead to legal complications. In case of a mishap, your insurer will also not cover the damages.
When riding a two-wheeler, you must wear all the essential gear. It keeps you safe to a great extent even during mishaps. Helmet, elbow and knee guards are some of these gears.
There are certain traffic rules that every rider must follow for everyone's safety on the road. It also involves refraining from illegal stunt driving. Such activities not only question the safety of drivers but also pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.
In some cases, the bike may also be charged with penalties, and legal actions may also be taken.
It is important to take your bike for regular servicing. Maintenance is crucial for motor vehicles so they function properly. For instance, worn-out tyres may not even sustain the monsoon.
Under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, it is mandatory for motor vehicles to have a minimum of third-party insurance. However, if you are a regular rider, it is best to purchase a comprehensive policy that provides protection to your own vehicle as well.
The rewards of stunt biking often outweigh the risks associated. Most of these stunts pose a significant risk to the rider's life and the lives of others on the road. So, it is best to avoid stunts with bikes, especially on public roads. When it comes to bike insurance, the insurer also doesn't support such risky activities. Hence, damages or injuries due to stunt biking are mostly not a part of bike insurance coverage.
If you are planning to purchase a bike insurance policy, Jio Insurance Broking can be your ideal partner. At our platform, you can easily compare different plans to choose the right one for your bike.