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Be your own ‘Special Task Force’: Maintain your bike with these tips when ‘Act of God’ strikes

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Published on May 24, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Natural disasters like cyclones, typhoons, landslides, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, also known as Acts of God, can wreak havoc on residents and take away a huge chunk of one’s assets within minutes. Not only are such disasters difficult to predict, but also when they strike — depending upon their severity — one can exercise very little control to protect oneself. However, there are ways to prepare one for such calamities to mitigate losses.

This article brings to you tips to help secure your two-wheelers when a natural disaster comes knocking. We have collated this list keeping in mind every possible scenario you may be in during the catastrophe, and thus, we recommend you reading this article until the end.

First, ensure that your bike is fully serviced before the cyclone hits. While some areas may already be affected, some areas might still be preparing for the cyclone. In case you are preparing yourself, ensure your engine and brake oil is changed, worn out tires are replaced with deep treaded ones, headlight and taillight is not broken. This will minimize the damage to your two-wheeler post the catastrophe.

Second, find a safe place to park your two-wheeler. Your bike, no matter the model, is an expensive asset. It is a good idea to keep your bike, scooter or electric vehicle inside a garage or in an enclosed space. If that is not possible, you must find a place that is clear of trees, anchored by heavy chains and covered with a rain shield. Apart from this, you should coat the metal frame with an anti-rust layer.

Third, if your two-wheeler is submerged in water, do not attempt to start it. Waterlogging is a common feature during a cyclone that can ruin your parked two-wheeler, and in such times, avoid starting your bike or riding through the flooded areas. Suppose the water reaches the mechanical parts of your two-wheeler, it can severely damage the components. This may be outside the coverage scope of your insurance policy and may result in hefty out-of-pocket expense for you.

Fourth, should this nightmare come to pass, do not panic and immediately inform your insurance provider. During an emergency, the insurer will receive a large number of claim requests, and you should be the first to register yours. Keep important documents, such as the policy paper and registration certificate, on hand and, if possible, take a few images of the damage to serve as evidence.

Fifth, in case you have third party insurance policy, upgrade it to comprehensive bike insurance policy. Catastrophes can strike any time and without warning. You might not have time to park your bike in a safe place. In such cases, if you have a COMPREHENSIVE BIKE INSURANCE POLICY, you can still breathe a sigh of relief. In contrast to THIRD-PARTY BIKE INSURANCE and own damage policies, the comprehensive policy offers all-round protection. It also covers damages caused by natural disasters. You are reimbursed for any expenses incurred as a result of the disaster in repairing or replacing bike parts. If your bike is damaged beyond repair, you will receive the amount agreed upon as the Insured Declared Value (IDV) when you purchased the policy, which will help you in purchasing a new bike.

Sixth, when you upgrade your policy, consider purchasing important add-on covers as well. Even if your bike insurance policy covers the damages caused by nature’s fury, it may not cover everything. For instance, in the absence of a Zero Depreciation add-on, you will be reimbursed based on the current market price of your used bike parts, which may be significantly lower. Similarly, it will not be the insurer’s responsibility to cover engine damage without the Engine Protection add-on. Always discuss with your insurer to learn about the various add-on covers available and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Seventh, fill the fuel tank of your vehicle in case of emergency. A situation might arise where you might have to evacuate during the storm or get help. There could also be scarcity of fuel post the cyclone and floods. Thus, keeping a full tank may be helpful.

Eighth, prepare an emergency kit and carry it with you in case you are on roads during the cyclone. An emergency could have you on the roads and in such scenario; it is advisable to prepare an emergency kit consisting of important vehicle documents and basic first aid material. It is best to place these items in a zip-top plastic bag, which will save them from being damaged.

Conclusion

During bike insurance renewal or purchase, carefully read the inclusions and exclusions, as it is important to check the policy wording to ensure what natural disasters are listed.After losing your bike, you do not want your claim request to be denied because the damage is not covered by your policy. Make an informed choice and keep safe!

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by:

Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance

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• Everything you need to know about cashless two-wheeler insurance claim process

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