How to Claim Bike Insurance for Own Damage: A Friendly, Real-User Guide
How to claim bike insurance for own damage Owning a bike is exciting — the freedom, convenience, and thrill are unbeatable. But with that freedom comes responsibility. One of the most important things every bike owner needs is insurance. And if you’ve ever had an accident or damage to your bike, you probably know how confusing the own damage (OD) claim process can seem.
Don’t worry — this guide is written from real experiences and explains, in simple words, how to claim your bike insurance for own damage, what to expect, what mistakes to avoid, and what other riders have faced during their claim process.
Understanding the Basics: Own Damage vs Third-Party Insurance
1. Own Damage (OD) Insurance
This covers any damage to your own bike — whether it’s from an accident, theft, fire, or natural calamity. It’s the protection for your vehicle itself.
2. Third-Party Insurance
This is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. It covers damages or injuries you cause to another person or their property in an accident. However, it does not cover your bike.
Since September 2019, when buying a new two-wheeler, it’s compulsory to take a 5-year third-party insurance policy. However, the own damage cover is usually for just one year.
That means from the second year onward, you’ll need to buy a standalone OD policy separately to keep your bike fully protected.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Bike Insurance for Own Damage
Step 1: Inform Your Insurer Immediately
Contact your insurance company right away. Most insurers allow you to raise a claim through:
- Their official website
- A mobile app
- Customer care helpline
- Visiting a branch office
Provide your policy number, vehicle registration, and details of the incident.
Step 2: File an FIR (If Required)
If another vehicle or third party is involved, it’s safer to file an FIR at your nearest police station. However, if it’s minor and involves no other party, you can skip this step to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You’ll need to provide:
- Copy of your Bike RC (Registration Certificate)
- Driving licence of the person who was riding at the time
- Insurance policy copy
- FIR copy (if applicable)
Once your claim is registered, the insurance company will assign a surveyor to inspect your vehicle and assess the damages.
Step 4: Get the Bike Checked at an Authorized Garage
Take your bike to an authorized service center or garage that has a tie-up with your insurer.
They’ll help fill out the claim form and communicate directly with the insurance company.
If the garage isn’t listed, confirm with your insurer before proceeding.
Step 5: Survey and Estimate
A surveyor from the insurance company will visit the garage, check the damage, and prepare an estimate.
Usually, insurers cover:
- 80% of the cost for metal parts
- 50% for plastic parts
Based on this, the surveyor will approve an amount for repair.
Step 6: Repair and Settlement
Once approved, your bike will be repaired, and you’ll get a settlement either by cheque or direct bank transfer, typically within 7–10 working days after submission of bills.
A Real-User Experience: The Hard Truth
Now, let’s be real — the claim process doesn’t always go smoothly. Many bike owners have had frustrating experiences.
One user shared how he switched to a new insurer, got into an accident within a month, and submitted all documents as guided. But the surveyor tried to push unnecessary charges and even rejected the claim later, stating the damage was “too old” or “not matching the reported date.”
The customer’s main frustration was —
“If the damage was old, why didn’t the surveyor visit immediately when I filed the claim? Why did it take a month to reject my request?”
He also mentioned that the surveyor blamed missing ‘breaking photos’, which were supposed to be collected during the insurance issuance — something customers aren’t even aware of.
These real-life experiences show why it’s essential to know your policy, document every detail, and ask questions before you submit anything.
Pros and Cons of Claiming Own Damage Insurance
Pros
- Financial Relief: You don’t need to pay large repair bills from your pocket.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your bike is covered makes accidents less stressful.
- Covers Natural & Accidental Damage: From minor dents to major accidents, OD covers most damages.
- Theft Protection: If your bike is stolen, you can claim the insured amount.
Cons
- Claim Rejection Risks: Technicalities like documentation issues, late reporting, or survey delays can cause rejection.
- Partial Coverage: Only a percentage of parts (metal or plastic) is covered.
Comparison: Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Insurance
| Feature | Comprehensive (Own Damage + Third-Party) | Third-Party Only |
|---|---|---|
| Covers your bike’s damage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Covers third-party injury/property | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Covers theft, fire, natural calamity | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Legal requirement | Not mandatory | ✅ Mandatory |
| Premium Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Financial protection | Full coverage | Limited |
From this comparison, it’s clear: comprehensive insurance is the smarter choice if you truly want peace of mind and full coverage.
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Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Own Damage Cover
1. Understand Coverage
After September 2019, your new bike automatically gets 5 years of third-party cover, but only 1 year of own damage.
So, you must renew your OD policy separately every year.
2. Go for a Standalone OD Policy
If your existing insurance only includes third-party coverage, visit your insurer or their website and ask for a standalone OD policy.
You’ll need your:
- Existing policy copy
- RC card
The insurer will handle the rest.
3. Don’t Delay Renewal
If your OD policy expires, your next claim might be rejected. Always renew before the due date.
4. Avoid Duplicate Policies
Having two active policies for the same bike can cause confusion and claim rejection. If you do have two, both insurers will only pay 50% each as per the contribution principle.
5. Know the Limitations
Most insurers won’t sell a new OD-only cover unless you already have a valid third-party policy. And if your bike is older than 10 years, finding full coverage might be harder.
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Common Claim Issues and How to Avoid Them
| Issue | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Claim rejected as “old damage” | Report the accident immediately and take clear photos. |
| Missing documents | Keep digital copies of your RC, licence, and policy handy. |
| Surveyor delay | Follow up via helpline or email regularly. |
| Wrong policy type | Ensure you have both OD + TP if your bike is new. |
| Claim denied for late intimation | Inform insurer within 24 hours of the accident. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I claim own damage after 1.5 years of the accident?
No. You cannot claim for old or delayed damages. The claim must be filed immediately after the accident.
2. Can I claim from two insurance policies?
No. As per the principle of contribution, if you have two policies, both insurers will share the claim 50-50. You can’t claim full from both.
3. Is third-party insurance enough?
From a challan point of view, yes — it’s legally enough. But it won’t cover your bike’s damage or theft.
4. What if my insurer refuses to sell standalone OD?
Some insurers don’t sell OD-only covers anymore. In such cases, switch to a comprehensive plan during renewal.
5. How long does it take to receive the claim amount?
Usually 7–10 days after all documents and repair bills are submitted.
Final Thoughts
Claiming bike insurance for own damage may sound complicated, but once you know the process, it’s simple.
Always keep your documents ready, report the incident on time, and choose authorized garages for repairs.
And remember — insurance is there to help you, not trouble you. Stay informed, stay calm, and you’ll handle any claim like a pro.
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