Although India has started the ‘Unlock’ process, many offices are still preferring to work from home and those that have started operations, are doing so with marginal staffing. Hence, the traditional way of doing things is giving way to digital online processes.
This has translated to the two-wheeler insurance sector as well. Due to the lockdown and the financial crunch, most people deferred the renewal of their bike insurance. However, with businesses gradually opening up and people taking out their vehicles for conveyance, the renewal rates are going up. With the need to maintain social distancing, insurance companies are promoting the use of online modes for renewal of policies. People who earlier relied on offline modes are learning the intricacies of online purchase and payment.
So, today, we will be talking about bike insurance policies and help you with renewing them online during the coronavirus lockdown.
How to renew your bike insurance online during the lockdown?
Renewing your bike insurance policy online is simple and hassle-free. Here are the steps:
- Visit the website of the insurance company and go to the ‘Two-Wheeler’ insurance section
- Enter your bike registration number
- Select ‘Renewal of Existing Company Policy’ or get a quote if you are changing your provider
- Fill up the online renewal form
- Add/remove add-ons based on your requirements. Ensure that you go through the add-ons carefully. Since there is a lockdown in place, you might be tempted to remove some add-ons from the policy. However, ensure that you think carefully before making this decision. Since the unlock process is underway, you might need the maximum cover soon.
- Review the premium computed by the system. At this point, we would like to state that you can change your insurer if you want at the time of renewal. Hence, if you are not happy with the premium rate, visit other insurance company websites and get a quote before making a decision
- Use net banking, credit/debit card, UPI, etc. to make the payment online
- Receive the policy document at your registered email address
As you can see, the process to renew your bike insurance policy online is simple. Since it does not involve visiting an office, you can get it done in no time and from the comfort of your home. Also, it saves you money that your insurance broker might charge to get the renewal done.
Some insurance companies allow online renewals through mobile applications too. While the process is similar to the website, you will need to download the app for the same. Ensure that you use a trusted source for the download.
Now that we know how to renew your bike insurance online, let us see why timely renewal, even during the lockdown, is essential.
Question1: Do I need to renew my bike insurance during the coronavirus lockdown?
Single-word answer – Yes.
If your policy is due for renewal during the lockdown period, then you need to renew it. The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, mandates all vehicles, including two-wheelers, to have an active bike insurance policy at all times.
Question 2: But, I am rarely riding my bike due to the lockdown. Why do I need insurance?
The law mandates all vehicles to have an active policy even if the vehicle is parked in a public place and not being driven on the roads. Further, during the lockdown, since the roads are virtually empty, most drivers are less careful. This increases the chance of an accident.
Also, if you have a comprehensive policy, then apart from accidents and collisions, it offers protection against theft, natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, lightning, etc., and man-made disasters like vandalism, riots, terrorist activities, etc. Hence, you must ensure that your bike has an active policy at all times.
Question 3: What if I forget to renew my bike insurance?
As mentioned above, bike insurance is mandatory for all two-wheelers in India. Failure to do so can attract a fine of up to Rs 2000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months. Also, many bike owners get a discount on their premium if they don’t file a claim during a policy term – No Claim Bonus (NCB). This is a progressive bonus which means that if you don’t file a claim for two subsequent years, then the discount gets bigger and keeps increasing with every subsequent no-claim year. However, there is a catch. Insurers allow you to avail of this progressive bonus only if you renew your policy in time (before 90 days from the date of expiry). Hence, if you are benefitting from NCB, then keeping the policy active is important to continue receiving the benefits.
Conclusion
Remember, two-wheeler insurance protects you against financial losses arising from damages or losses to you or your vehicle, third-party person/vehicle in the event of an accident. A comprehensive policy also protects your vehicle from damages or losses arising due to the theft of the bike, natural & man-made disasters. Hence, if your policy is about to expire, then start researching the market and looking for options. There are many online platforms that allow you to compare policies and choose the right bike insurance for your beloved bike. Lockdown or not, your bike deserves the best protection it can get. Follow the steps mentioned above and renew your bike insurance policy online even during the lockdown. Good Luck!
