Electric Bike Insurance in India

Electric Bike Insurance

With the changing needs and environmental implications, electric bikes, scooters, cars, and buses are becoming the new normal because of their amazing features, like zero emissions, affordability, and so on.

In India, electric bike insurance is mandatory for every bike owner. The minimum requirement is a third-party cover. However, you have the options of comprehensive two-wheeler bike insurance and third-party insurance plans to choose from. Buy the one that better suits your requirements. Why should vehicles remain an exception when the world is shifting to eco-friendly options?

As global warming affects millions worldwide, the need for sustainable and efficient energy keeps rising. In India, electric bikes and cars have started gaining popularity as they are more environmentally viable and reduce fuel costs significantly.

If you plan to buy an electric bike, you will also need to get accompanying electric bike insurance to protect your vehicle against accidental and other damages. Possession of third-party e-bike insurance is a legal requirement laid out in the New Motor Vehicle Act of 2019. Let’s take a closer look at electric bike insurance in India.

Key Features and Benefits of Electric Bike Insurance

Electric motorcycle insurance provides you with numerous advantages. Some of these have been examined below:

• Provides Financial Support

With a valid electric bike insurance cover, expenses that may arise from the damage or loss of your two-wheeler are taken care of by your insurance provider. Depending upon the insurance’s terms and conditions, comprehensive bike insurance thus provides financial support during such times. 

• Personal Accident Coverage 

If you have opted for a comprehensive e-bike insurance plan, you needn’t worry about expenses associated with a personal accident. This is because your insurance provider will account for them. You will also have access to buy add-on covers for your e-bike that enhance your policy coverage. However, these are subject to availability. 

• No Claim Bonus 

Depending on the kind of policy you opt for, you can avail of the benefits associated with a No Claim Bonus in bike insurance. This bonus serves as a kind of reward for using your vehicle responsibly.

• Legal Protection 

Third-party liability coverage, which happens to be mandatory in India, is fulfilled under a third-party bike insurance plan and comprehensive plans. However, if you fail to insure your e-bike, it will lead to penalties up to Rs. 4000 or imprisonment, depending upon the circumstances. 

• Peace of Mind

Owning electric bike insurance in India gives you peace of mind while using your vehicle. This is because you no longer need to worry about the expenses that might arise if/when your vehicle (or someone else’s) is damaged, lost, or stolen, as coverage is provided for the same.

Inclusions & Exclusions of Electric Bike Insurance 

Electric bike insurance coverage includes the following considerations:

• Coverage is provided for the repair and replacement of parts of your electric bike that have been damaged.

• Coverage is provided in case natural calamities cause damage or loss to your two-wheeler.

• Coverage is provided if the insured vehicle is involved in a personal accident.

• Accidents that involve third parties will be provided with coverage.

• In case your electric bike is damaged owing to a strike, riot, theft, or fire, you will receive coverage to offset expenses associated with the same.

• Road accidents that involve your electric bike and cause damage to it will be covered.

Every type of insurance plan has a set of exclusions. These have been mentioned below: 

• Damage incurred by an insured electric bike owing to a war-like situation is not provided with coverage.

• Any damage sustained while driving your electric bike when your electric bike’s insurance policy isn’t valid or your licence isn’t valid won’t be considered for coverage.

• The regular wear and tear associated with your insured vehicle being used are not covered.

• If your insured vehicle sustains any electrical or mechanical breakdowns of its own accord, expenses arising from the same are not covered.

• Insurance will not provide coverage if a two-wheeler sustains any damage or is involved in an accident owing to it being driven under the influence of intoxicants or because of speeding.

Electric Bike Insurance Add-on Covers 

When you buy e-bike insurance, you can enhance your coverage by availing of optional add-ons. Also called riders, these are designed to further enhance the scope of your coverage. Listed below are some of the popular add-ons available for most electric bike insurance plans:

• Personal Accident Cover

With this cover, financial security is provided if the rider of the insured vehicle sustains a personal accident resulting in injury, total or partial disability, or death.

• No Claim Bonus

This refers to the reduction in premium if the insured vehicle’s owner doesn’t make a single claim over the policy term.

• Engine Protection Cover

This add-on provides coverage for damages sustained by the engine of the vehicle. These damages may arise from lubricating oil leaks, water ingress, or engine failure.

• Return to Invoice Cover

Here, compensation is provided when the vehicle is stolen or beyond repair. This compensation amounts to the same value as the bike’s invoice value, i.e., the original value of the two-wheeler when the owner first bought it.

Types of Electric Bike Insurance Plans

Insurance for an electric scooter is important as it helps offset financial costs that may arise in case of an accident. Listed below are the two types of plans you can avail of as an e-bike owner.

• Third-party Insurance Plan 

This is a rudimentary form of insurance for e-bikes. Plans of this type provide coverage for the third party in case they are injured or their vehicle is damaged due to an accident involving your insured two-wheeler. In such a scenario, coverage is not provided if you or your electric bike sustain injuries, loss, or damage. This level of insurance is deemed mandatory for all vehicles wishing to operate on Indian roads.

•  Comprehensive Two-wheeler Insurance 

Provided your pocket allows, you should consider availing comprehensive bike insurance. This is because, in addition to providing coverage for a third party in case of an accident, loss, or theft, you and your electric bike are also provided with coverage. This holds true if you have a personal accident and crash your vehicle.

How to Submit a Claim for an Electric Bike Insurance?

Follow these simple steps to raise a claim for electric bike insurance:

• Keep your insurance company informed about the damages and the reason for the damage sustained by your electric bike. This will help the company to prepare and initiate the procedure.

• Click and save pictures of the damages on your e-bike as proof. 

• The required documents and the claim form must always be kept handy. 

• Your insurance company will initiate an inspection where an inspector will scrutinise the damages on the e-bike and determine if they come under the plan’s coverage. Once assured, they will commence the claiming procedure.

• After inspection, they will reimburse the expenses incurred in replacing or repairing the damaged parts depending on the sum insured by your insurance plan.

How to Lower the Cost of Insurance for Electric Bikes?

Here are a few steps to reduce the cost of insurance for electric bikes:

• Buy insurance from a digital insurer that caters to the customers directly.

• Lower additional costs by selecting the correct add-ons.

• Install safety devices to avail of discounts on the premium (if available).

• Try to retain the No Claim Bonus (NCB) by not raising claims for minor damages on your e-bike.

Conclusion 

As the world moves towards sustainable and efficient energy sources, electric cars and bikes are bound to become more mainstream. If you plan to buy an electric bike in the future, you should also get an electric bike insurance policy. It will protect your vehicle against various damages such as accidents, natural calamities, fires, etc. You can also consider buying add-on covers with your bike insurance plan to enhance the scope of your policy.

Check Out Bike Insurance Plans Available at Bajaj Markets