GST on Bike Insurance

Before Goods and Services Tax (or GST) came into effect, the tax structure applicable to two-wheeler insurance consisted of Central Sales Tax (or CST), Value-Added Tax (or VAT), Excise Duty and more. Collectively, these levies totalled a 15 per cent tax rate for two-wheelers. The new tax regime outlined under GST, which kicks in when goods and services are sold, is split into five varied tax rates i.e., 0 per cent, 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Bike insurance (also called two-wheeler insurance) is bracketed under the services category. The GST on bike insurance amounts to 18 per cent.

Effect of GST on Two Wheeler Insurance Market

As far as the insurance sector is concerned, the GST council has fixed the two wheeler insurance GST rate at 18 per cent. This is 3 per cent higher than the previously imposed 15 per cent taxation rate. This hike in taxation is passed forward to the customer in various forms; one of them in the form of a higher premium on their insurance. This means that bike insurance is set to become more expensive than it was.

 

That being said, the introduction of GST on Bike Insurance has triggered competition between different insurance providers. Each insurer tries to set itself apart from the competition by offering competitive pricing and a host of benefits to its policyholders.

Impact of GST on the Two-Wheeler Insurance Premium

As discussed above, prior to GST, the tax applicable on bike insurance amounted to 15 percent. The 15% was made up of - 14 percent Service Tax, 0.5 percent Swachh Bharat Cess and 0.5 percent Krishi Kalyan Cess. Under GST, the tax levied amounts to 18 percent. The 3 percent hike which resulted in a rise in premium prices has been balanced out by the additional coverage offered by insurance providers.

 

In order to understand the impact of GST on the two-wheeler insurance premium is, consider the following example -

 

Let us assume you have to pay ₹3,000 (before tax) as the premium for your bike insurance policy. With the previous taxation rate, you would have had to pay a total premium of ₹3,450. Now, owing to GST being implemented, you will have to pay ₹3,540. This means that you need to pay ₹90 more than you previously needed to. However, this hike in premium price has meant that insurance providers have provided you with additional coverage. For instance, several insurers now provide basic two-wheeler insurance policyholders with roadside assistance.

Impact of GST on the Two-Wheeler Industry

Ever since GST came into place, a number of sectors have stood to benefit from the same. One of these sectors happens to be the two-wheeler industry. Previously, the tax rate applicable when purchasing a new two-wheeler amounted to 30 per cent. With the introduction of GST, the tax applicable has shrunk to 28 per cent. This holds true only for two-wheelers that have an engine capacity below 350 ccs. Two-wheelers that have an engine capacity exceeding 350 ccs have a GST rate amounting to 31 per cent.

 

It is worth noting that several motorbikes such as the Royal Enfield have witnessed a drop in their prices up to ₹7,000. The ultimate price of a motorbike depends upon where it is purchased and the model that has been opted for. While bikes that have engine ccs that exceed 350 have witnessed a change in their prices, most bike prices have fallen with the introduction of GST on Bike Insurance.

GST Impact on Bike Insurance Premium/Rate

Prior to the GST era, the tax structure on two wheeler insurance included the Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Central Sales Tax (CST), etc., and the tax rate for two-wheeler insurance was 15%.

 

Under the new tax regime, the GST rates for the sale of goods and services are broken into five different rates (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). As the bike or two-wheeler insurance falls under the services category, the GST on bike insurance premium is 18%.

GST on Used/ Old Bikes

The previous bike insurance GST rate applicable to ‘Used and Old bikes’ which amounted to 28 per cent is now 12 per cent. The previously levied Cess applicable under the old GST Act has been removed under the new GST Act, which has affected the GST for bike insurance.

GST Rate on Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are a more environmentally friendly method of transportation in comparison to fuel-operated motorbikes. To encourage the purchase of e-bikes, the government has reduced the two wheeler insurance GST rate applicable to electronic bikes. While the previous tax was 12 per cent, GST on bike insurance for electric vehicles now amounts to 5 per cent. This means that electric bikes are now more affordable as their prices have fallen.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of GST on a two wheeler insurance plan is useful as it lets you anticipate your expenses. While different types of two-wheelers attract different premiums, the introduction of GST on bike insurance has resulted in motorbike insurance providers stepping up their game and providing policyholders with enhanced coverage. Understanding how GST on bike insurance works will give you a better picture of the premium that you pay towards your insurance policy. If you haven’t already availed of a valid bike insurance plan for your two-wheeler, head on over to the Bajaj Markets. website and check for viable plans.