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How to switch from Third-party to Comprehensive bike insurance?

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Purchasing a two-wheeler insurance policy is mandatory in India to comply with the legal requirements. As per The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all motor vehicles (4/3/2-wheelers) must have a Third-party Motor Insurance Cover. A Third-party Bike Insurance Policy is a basic cover you need to buy to ride your two-wheeler on public roads legally.

However, a Third-party Policy provides only limited coverage, as it does not cover the expenses incurred due to damages to your vehicle. To avail of broad coverage, it’s better to opt for a Comprehensive Bike Policy. If you have already purchased a Third-party Policy for your two-wheeler and wish to enhance the policy coverage, read ahead to know how to switch from a Third-party to Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan.

Contents

How to switch from Third-party to Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance?
Things to know before switching from Third-party to Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance
Benefits of switching to a Comprehensive Insurance plan for your bike
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions

How to switch from Third-party to Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance?

Switching from a Third-party Policy to a Comprehensive Policy is an effortless task, thanks to online insurance providers such as ACKO. Moreover, if you look at the difference between a Third-party and Comprehensive Bike Plan, it makes sense to switch from a basic mandatory plan to an insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage for your two-wheeler. Below are the steps to convert your Third-party 2-wheeler Policy to a Comprehensive 2-wheeler Policy.

Step 1 - Log on to the ACKO website or download the smartphone app.
Step 2 - Select ‘Bike Insurance’ and enter the vehicle registration number.
Step 3 - Enter the make/model and the details about your current 2-wheeler policy and click on ‘View Prices’.
Step 4 - Select the Comprehensive Plan (3/2/1 year plan) and set the IDV as per your preference.
Step 5 - Purchase add-ons (if required) and Personal Accident cover if you don’t have one.
Step 6 - Click ‘Buy Now’, complete the payment online, and instantly receive your policy documents.

Things to know before switching from Third-party to Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance

A Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan provides broad coverage as compared to the limited coverage of the Third Party Bike Insurance Policy. But there are a few things that you should be aware of before opting for a Comprehensive Policy. Listed below are the points that you should know before switching your bike insurance plan.

Insurance cost: A Third-party Policy covers only third-party liabilities such as property damage and injury/loss of life of a third party. When you switch to a Comprehensive Plan, the coverage includes third-party liabilities and Own Damage Cover. Hence, the insurance premium increases substantially. Own Damage Cover for two wheeler is nothing but the coverage for your two-wheeler against damages, which a Third-party Plan does not provide. The cost of a Comprehensive Two-wheeler Insurance Plan depends on several factors such as make/model, IDV, add-ons, geographical location, etc.
Policy coverage: A Comprehensive Insurance Plan expands the scope of coverage due to the Own Damage cover. Your two-wheeler is prone to damages, and the Comprehensive policy covers damages to your vehicle caused due to accidents, fire, natural disasters, man-made calamities, etc. The policy also provides coverage if your bike/scooter is stolen or damaged beyond repair (total loss).
IDV (Insured Declared Value): IDV is nothing but the market value (approximate) of your two-wheeler. The cost of Comprehensive Bike policy is primarily determined by the bike's IDV. It is also the maximum sum assured amount that ACKO is liable to pay if the vehicle is damaged beyond repair (total loss) or stolen. ACKO provides you with the flexibility of tweaking the IDV as per your requirement. However, it’s better to set the correct IDV while buying two-wheeler insurance. Setting a lower IDV will result in you receiving a lower amount than you are liable to receive. On the contrary, if you set a higher IDV, you will pay a higher premium.
Deductible: It is the amount of money you need to pay out of your pocket during claim settlement. There are mainly two types of deductibles: voluntary and compulsory. Voluntary deductible is a component that you can decide as per your preference. Opting for such a deductible will reduce the premium. However, during claim settlement, you will receive the claim after deducting the amount you agreed to pay. On the other hand, the compulsory deductible is a negligible amount you have to pay during claim settlement.
No Claim Bonus (NCB): It is the discount you avail of on the premium during the renewal of the Comprehensive Policy. You can get the benefit of NCB discount provided you have made no claims during the tenure of the previous policy. Note that NCB discount is available only when you renew a policy and not while purchasing a new insurance plan. The No Claim Bonus for bikes discount can be as high as 50% for five consecutive claim-free years.

Benefits of switching to a Comprehensive Insurance plan for your bike

Here are the advantages of a Comprehensive 2-wheeler Insurance Plan over a Third-party Liability Plan.

Provides comprehensive coverage, including Third-party Liability Coverage and Own Damage Cover.
In addition to coverage against vehicle damages due to accidents, fire, natural/man-made disasters; the Comprehensive Plan also provides a financial backup if your bike/scooter is damaged beyond repair or stolen.
It gives you the flexibility to enhance the coverage by purchasing optional add-ons like Zero Depreciation Cover, Bike Engine Protect Cover, Consumables Cover, etc.
Provides all-around cover, especially if you ride a high-end bike or scooter.

Takeaway

A Third-party Liability Plan is mandatory and covers third-party losses (property damage and injury/loss of life). But the coverage is incomplete without covering the costs arising due to damage to your two-wheeler. Hence, switching to a Comprehensive Plan is an ideal option for broad coverage as it covers third-party losses and damage to your bike/scooter.

Switching to a Comprehensive Two-wheeler Insurance Policy is easy at ACKO, as you can buy/renew bike insurance online. There is no hassle of paperwork or documentation to convert your Third-party Policy to a Comprehensive Policy at ACKO. All you have to do is enter a few basic details and upgrade your basic insurance plan. For more information about the ACKO bike insurance plans, you can visit the website or download the smartphone application.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to bike insurance.

Is there any vehicle inspection to switch from a Third-party to Comprehensive Two-wheeler Insurance Plan?

No, there is no pre-inspection at ACKO. You can convert your basic Third-party Policy to a Comprehensive Plan without any vehicle inspection.

Will the insurance cost increase if I upgrade my Third-party Liability Plan to a Comprehensive Plan?

Yes, the insurance premium increases when you opt for a package or Comprehensive Policy as it includes dual coverage benefits: Third-party and Own Damage Cover. The premium also depends on other factors such as IDV, add-ons you choose, vehicle make/model, depreciation, etc.

How can I upgrade my Third-party 2-wheeler Insurance Plan to Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy at ACKO?

Visit the ACKO website/app, enter your vehicle registration number, provide details of your current policy, select the Comprehensive Plan and add-ons and make payment online. Your policy document will be instantly delivered to your registered email address.

Can I switch to Comprehensive bike insurance if my previous Third-party Policy has lapsed?

Yes, you can switch to a Comprehensive Policy even if your previous Third-party Liability has lapsed.

Do I need to upload any documents while switching my bike insurance plan at ACKO?

No, there is no need to upload any documents to switch to a Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan at ACKO. All you have to do is provide the details about your vehicle and the current insurance policy (if available).

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions. Explore More: