Which Type of Insurance Is Best For Bike: Comprehensive Or Third Party?

Two-wheeler vehicles are a major source of daily commute for a large segment of people of India. Though bikes provide quick mobility and better traffic handling, they are more prone to accidents than four-wheeled vehicles. Hence, it is crucial for you to have your bike insured so that in case of an undesired event, you can get full benefits from your insurer. Besides, getting insurance for your bike will help you stay on the side of the law. Indian Motor Law mandates you to hold at least a third party insurance cover for your vehicle, failing which, you can be penalised. An insurance policy is a significant option that protects you against financial risks such as calamities, accidents, and theft. However, people are always confused, which type of insurance is best for bike? Majorly, there are two insurance types, and this article will cover the major aspects of both the insurance policies so that you can come to an efficient decision for yourself. Let us begin!

Third-Party Vs Comprehensive Two-Wheeler Insurance

The fundamental difference between a comprehensive and third-party two wheeler insurance is that of coverage benefits. While third-party insurance covers only the liabilities of a third-party, comprehensive insurance is more inclusive and covers third-party liabilities along with any damage to your bike. Comprehensive insurance also offers a range of add-on benefits that can help you save a large sum of money in an accidental case.

Comparing the Specifications of Third-Party and Comprehensive Two-Wheeler Insurance

The below-given table will provide you with a broad understanding of which insurance is best for bike comprehensive or third party?

	Third-Party Bike Insurance	Comprehensive Bike Insurance
What is it?	This insurance policy only covers the damages caused to a third-party vehicle.	This insurance policy provides own-damage cover and third-party liabilities.
What does it cover?	It has limited coverage. In it, the insurer will only cover the damage caused by you to the third-party vehicle in case of an accidental event.	This is a more extensive insurance plan. It will cover your vehicle against damage, loss, and theft. The insurer will pay for all damages caused to both the parties involved in the accident.
Add-Ons	Unfortunately, this policy only covers the costs of damage caused to the vehicle of a third-party.	This policy offers multiple add-ons such as return to invoice, zero-depreciation, and roadside assistance.
Pricing	The premium cost for this policy is low.	The premium cost for this policy is always higher than third-party insurance.
Which one to buy?	You should opt for this one if your bike is old and you rarely ride the bike.	This is a highly functional policy, and you must go for it if you have bought a new bike. Also, you can opt for it if you regularly commute and spend a large time riding your bike.

What Perks and Limitations Does Both Two Wheeler Insurance Offer?

It is quite obvious that comprehensive bike insurance is more valuable than third-party insurance. Still, the costs involved might keep your mind in the struggle of which type of insurance is best for bike and is it profitable to spend more money on comprehensive bike insurance? Let us uncover that by listing some of the merits and demerits of both the policies.

Merits of Comprehensive Bike Insurance

• It covers the damages of your bike.
• It protects you from any third-party liabilities.
• It offers you the option to customise your Insured Declared Value (IDV) that is the current market value of your bike.
• It provides protection against damage caused by natural calamities.
• You can claim last-invoiced value for your bike along with costs spent on road tax in case your bike gets stolen, provided you have a Return to Invoice cover.
• You can get money for any personal damage caused by an accident to you.

Demerits of Comprehensive Bike Insurance

• It costs significantly more than the third-party two wheeler insurance.
• It doesn’t cover regular wear and tear of the bike.
• The policy does not protect from yearly depreciation of your bike.

On the contrary, following are the merits and demerits of a two wheeler insurance third party cover:

Merits of Third-Party Bike Insurance

• This policy will protect you from costs incurred from losses of a third-party vehicle in case of an accident.
• As this insurance is mandatory by the law, you won’t have to bear any hefty bike insurance fine if you have this policy.

Demerits of Third-Party Bike Insurance

• This policy won’t cover for damages caused to your bike.
• You can not customise your IDV if you have this insurance.
• The policy won't compensate you in case your bike gets stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do comprehensive insurance offer cashless repairs?

It depends on the insurance company from which you are buying the policy. Although, most insurers offer cashless options in their comprehensive insurance policy.

2. What conditions will void my insurance policy?

You won’t get any compensation from your policy if you are riding under the influence of alcohol, riding without a valid license, or have damages caused by your own negligence.

Conclusion

To sum it up or answer in brief, which two wheeler insurance is best comprehensive or third party? Well, it entirely depends on your requirements. If you have just bought a new bike or are a full-time rider, comprehensive bike insurance is the recommended option. Conversely, if your bike is old-aged and you wish to spend the least money on the insurance, you can opt for third-party two wheeler insurance.   *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.