Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance

The Insured Declared Value of your bike keeps reducing with time owing to the depreciation accumulated on its parts due to age and usage. When you file a claim on your bike insurance policy, you do not receive the entirety of the cost of the damaged parts as compensation. If you wish to receive the entire value of the damage or loss caused to your bike, then you can add a Zero Depreciation Cover to your Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy.

If you opt for a Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance Policy, any damage to your bike's components or a total loss of the bike due to irreversible damage or theft will be covered and you will receive the total IDV of the damaged parts.

The rates of depreciation for two wheelers have been determined and announced by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI).  The aforementioned rate is dependent on the age of your bike.

Here is a table depicting the rates of depreciation on two-wheelers after the different amounts of time pass-

The different components of your bike depreciate at different rates. These rates, as defined and shared by the IRDAI, have been presented in the following table.

By opting for Zero Dep insurance for a bike instead of a regular bike insurance policy, you can enjoy an enhanced coverage for the vehicle. The following table highlights how Zero Depreciation Two-Wheeler Insurance is a better option for your bike than a regular insurance policy without a zero depreciation cover.

The precise list of inclusions may vary from one cover to another. But a standard two wheeler insurance plan with zero depreciation cover typically includes the following: 

• Coverage for the cost of repairs or replacement

• Coverage for depreciable parts made from nylon, rubber or plastic

• Coverage for partial damages to batteries or tyres

You can avail the zero depreciation cover when you buy or renew your two wheeler insurance plan. 

It is also essential to be aware of the exclusions in a two wheeler insurance plan with zero depreciation cover. Some common exclusions are listed below. 

• Any expenses related to uninsured damages

• Damages that arise due to mechanical faults

• Damages and repairs due to routine wear and tear

• Total damage or loss of the two wheeler

The depreciation rates for two wheeler parts depend on the material they are made of. Here are the rates applicable. 

Purchasing zero depreciation bike insurance cover is fairly easy online. You need to purchase the cover along with your base policy. Alternatively, you can also purchase it at the time of policy renewal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with this. 

• Step 1: Visit the website of your preferred insurance provider. 

• Step 2: Select the two-wheeler insurance policy that you intend to buy. 

• Step 3: Fill in the personal details and the details about your vehicle as required by the insurer.

• Step 4: Select the Insured Declared Value (IDV).

• Step 5: Choose the zero depreciation cover as an add-on to your two wheeler insurance policy.

• Step 6: Take a look at the insurance premium and make the payment online.

• Step 7: You will then receive your insurance policy document along with the add-on cover in your email ID right away.

There are several benefits of opting for Zero Depreciation Insurance for your bike. Some of these benefits have been discussed below.

1. Enhanced Coverage For Your Bike

With a Zero Depreciation Cover for your bike, you can get extensive financial protection for your bike. In addition to this, you can claim the cost of the damages caused to the parts of the bike that are made from plastic and fibreglass.

2. Higher Claim Amount

If you buy a Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance Policy, then you can get a higher amount on the settlement of your bike insurance claims This is because the insurer will not deduct the amount of the depreciation accumulated on the damaged parts of the bike.

Although a Zero Depreciation Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy enhances the coverage of your bike insurance policy, it also has an additional cost associated with it. If you include the Zero Depreciation Cover in your bike insurance policy, then you will end up paying a 10 to 15% higher premium than a regular bike insurance policy.

The exact price of a zero depreciation cover varies from one policy to another. Broadly speaking, however, the price of a zero depreciation add-on can range from 10% to 15% of the total policy cost. This may seem like a significant portion, but it is worth it to include a zero depreciation cover in your policy, because of the benefits the add-on offers. In case of a claim, you can receive the entire amount without any depreciation cuts whatsoever, making the cost of the add-on worth it. 

Before you decide to purchase a zero depreciation add-on cover, you need to keep the following things in mind.

• You can only get this add-on cover for bikes that are not more than 2 years old

• Claims on this add-on cover are only allowed a certain number of times in a year

• The zero depreciation cover does not account for any compulsory deductibles included in your plan

• This add-on cover is also known as the bumper-to-bumper cover in some policies 

The terms and conditions to avail a zero depreciation add-on cover will depend on your policy. Generally, the following conditions may need to be satisfied.

• The two wheeler should not be older than 2 years 

• The vehicle should be stolen or entirely damaged 

• The two-wheeler should be repaired in a network garage only 

• The annual limit on the number of claims under this add-on cover should not be exhausted

It is advisable to add the Zero Depreciation add-on cover to your bike insurance policy to have a higher degree of financial protection for your bike. A Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance Policy essentially negates the impact of depreciation on your bike insurance claims.