A long road trip is a biker’s dream. Imagine cruising through the diverse flora and fauna of the country in the open air and soaking in the culture and surroundings as you go. A long ride on a bike is more enriching than a four-wheeler. However, a long road trip on a bike can be dangerous and challenging too.
Hence, it is important to prepare carefully before taking a long ride on your two-wheeler. This includes purchasing a bike insurance policy for your vehicle. Today, we will discuss two-wheeler insurance policies and look at five main reasons why is insurance necessary for a bike ride.
What is Bike Insurance?
A two-wheeler insurance policy offers financial protection against damages caused due to an accident or mishap, including your two-wheeler. There are different types of bike insurance policies available, including:
- Third-party bike insurance: This offers protection from damages caused to a third-party person or property due to an accident or mishap involving your bike. However, this does not offer protection from damages caused to your bike or injuries to you.
- Own damage bike insurance: The Own damage bike insurance is a standalone cover that offers protection from damages caused to your bike or medical expenses due to injuries caused to you resulting from an accident or mishap involving your bike.
- Comprehensive bike insurance: This offers protection from damages caused to a third-party person or property, injuries to you, and damages to your bike due to an accident, mishap, theft, or natural or man-made disaster.
Why is Bike Insurance Necessary for Long Rides?
When you are planning a long bike ride, it is recommended to opt for a comprehensive bike insurance policy for the reasons mentioned below:
- Bike insurance is mandatory
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has made it mandatory for every two-wheeler to have an active third-party bike insurance policy. Hence, riding without insurance is illegal in India. Furthermore, if you are caught without an active policy, then you can be penalised and also face a possible prison sentence. Therefore, when you are planning a long ride, it is important to ensure that such situations are avoided. Hence, make sure that you have an active bike insurance policy before you leave.
- Offers financial protection
When you purchase a bike insurance policy, you are required to pay a premium. The premium amount depends upon the type of policy you choose and the add-ons you opt for. The age, make, and model of your bike also impact the premium calculation. However, this is a small amount to pay for the financial protection it can offer in the event of a mishap.
- Riding a bike has risks
Even if you are an experienced rider, you cannot ignore the fact that riding a bike is risky. As a rider, you need to be alert every second because a small misjudgment can result in an accident or worse. In fact, a mistake made by another vehicle on the road can also damage you or your bike. In the event of an accident or mishap, a bike insurance policy can help you manage costs without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Legal protection from third-party claims
When you go on a long ride, you will be riding across unfamiliar roads and terrain. This increases the possibility of an accident or other unfortunate incidents. If your bike meets with an accident and causes damage to third-party property or person, then you might have to face legal consequences. With a bike insurance policy, the insurer protects you from such legal liabilities too.
- Protects from natural and man-made disasters
When you opt for a comprehensive bike insurance policy, the insurer offers protection from damages caused due to natural and man-made disasters. For example, on a long road journey, you might traverse places with varying weather conditions. This can expose you to various risks from natural disasters like cyclones, floods, earthquakes, etc., and man-made disasters like fire, terrorist activities, etc. A comprehensive plan makes sure that you are financially protected during such events too.
Summing Up
Most bike owners plan at least one long road trip on their favourite steed. India offers a plethora of landscapes and cultures, making it an ideal country for bike rides that traverse the length and breadth of the country. However, it is important to prepare yourself before leaving on such a trip. You need to ensure that your bike is ready for the journey and have a two-wheeler insurance policy that covers you against any unforeseen accidents or mishaps. If you are planning a long bike ride, then make sure that you have the right bike insurance policy before kick-starting your journey. Safe Travels!
