The Indian bike market is considerable. Currently, there are 117 bike manufacturers in India contributing to 235 bike models. This gives you ample choice to pick the right bike for your needs. As per industry reports , on average, about 2% of the Indian population buy two wheelers every year. This converts to two crore buyers, annually!
While two wheelers are popular, you cannot ignore the possibility of accidental damages and the costs incurred therein. Even a simple skid on the road can incur thousands in repairs and if the damage is considerable, like in case of fire, the losses multiply. Can you bear this loss out of your own pockets?
Bike repairs can prove costly, especially when you have a high-end bike whose spare parts are costly. In such situations, the costs can prove financially damaging if you don’t have a bike insurance policy. As such, having a bike insurance policy becomes imperative and financially sound. Moreover, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a third party bike insurance policy is mandatory.
So, having a bike insurance policy on your two wheeler is legally mandatory and also financially sound. HDFC ERGO can help you get the best bike insurance policy for any model of your bike.
There are different types of motorcycles that are available in India. These are as follows –
Type of bikes | Description |
Economuter | As the name suggests, economuters are bikes that are extremely cost-efficient in nature. They are modest vehicles with engine capacities starting from 100 cc and going up to 135 cc. Priced low with an economical mileage, economuters help you commute in a pocket-friendly manner |
Commuter | The most popular bikes in India, commuters are those that have attractive designs and give good mileage. Meant for the younger generation, these bikes come with modern technology and design |
Street/Naked | These bikes are sporty bikes with engine capacities of 150 cc to 200 cc. The frame of the bike and its chassis are exposed giving them the name – naked. They give superior performance and also good fuel efficiency |
Sport/ Cruiser | Sport bikes are those which are superior in their performance. A common example includes Royal Enfield. They have a high-performance engine with efficient grip and hook technology. Cruiser bikes, on the other hand, are designed for comfortable cruising with raised bars and seats. The saddle height is lower to suit even short-heighted riders |
Touring | These bikes are designed for road trips and bike journeys. They are large-sized bikes with powerful engines and support luggage and a co-passenger. |
Dirt | These motorcycles are designed for off-road driving, i.e. on rough surfaces, sand, gravel, etc. These bikes come with higher ground clearance, a high centre of gravity and a taller seat height |
Dual-sport | Dual sport motorcycles are those that suit both on-road and off-road driving. |
Scooter | Scooters include lightweight and small two wheelers which have low-power engines. They don’t have gears and are more fuel-efficient. Though suitable for day-to-day use, scooters are not meant for long trips or off-road use |
Electric bikes and scooters | Electric vehicles are new-age bikes which do not run on fuel but on battery. Electric vehicles are clean as they don’t emit harmful pollutants and prove to be a cost-effective commuting solution. |
While two wheelers models differ in price from one another, you would find the price difference even within the same model. The cause of this price difference is due to two main factors. These factors are explained as follows –
✔ Trim level: Trims in bikes are features that are pre-defined by manufacturers when manufacturing the bike. Bikes in the same model can come with different trim levels. Basic-level trim levels include basic features while advanced trim levels include advanced features and are priced higher. For example, DRL in headlights, chrome accents, and upholstery stitching are different forms of trim levels that you can find in bikes. When it comes to pricing, trim levels determine the price. Higher trim levels mean a higher price compared to basic or entry-level trim levels even when the model is the same.
✔ Model year: The year in which the model is manufactured also determines its price. Newly manufactured models come at higher prices compared to older models.
If you are wondering why different prices are priced differently, it is just a matter of brand and the features of the bike. Brands price their bikes differently. So, a bike with the same features would vary in pricing between the two brands. Similarly, the price also varies from model to model. Premium models would be priced higher compared to baser ones.
You can find your two wheelers make and model with the help of VIN – Vehicle Identification Number.
The VIN is a unique code which identifies one two wheeler from another. VIN is an alphanumeric code which is assigned to both private and commercial vehicles. It can be used to find the following information –
● Age of the vehicle
● Insurance policy details
● Make and model
● Details of registration, etc.
The VIN usually contains 17 characters which are categorized as follows –
● The first three characters denote the World Manufacturer
Identifier. They help in finding the manufacturing details of the bike and the country of origin
● The next six characters are the vehicle descriptor. These characters denote the type of vehicle, model, body type, etc.
● The
last eight characters identify the vehicle by providing information about the model year, engine, transmission, etc.
The VIN is usually located underneath the bike’s handles. Alternatively, it can be found on the motor.
Different manufacturers display the VIN differently. You can contact the manufacturer to locate the VIN on your bike.
Once the VIN is located, you can use the VIN to find your vehicle’s make and model.
HDFC ERGO offers two wheeler insurance for all bike brands and models. Have a look:
Get complete protection for all bike models with HDFC ERGO. The following are the top bike models that are insured by HDFC ERGO besides other models:
You can choose from a third party policy or a comprehensive one. Since your cruiser bike would be expensive, choosing a comprehensive policy is recommended. The policy would cover the mandatory third party liability as well as theft or damages suffered by the bike itself. It would pay for the expensive repair costs of the bike and the expensive spare parts.
Also, enhance the coverage with suitable add-ons, especially the zero-depreciation add-on which would cover the full cost of expensive spare parts of the bike.
The cost of bike insurance depends on the following factors –
● The make and model of the bike
● Market value
● Manufacturing year
● Registration location
● Type of policy selected
● Add-ons selected
● Additional accessories added
Given these details, the premium would be computed. You can use HDFC ERGO’s online premium calculator to find the premium for your bike instantly after providing the aforementioned details.