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Wear a Helmet or Lose Your Bike Insurance Claim

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Commuting on a two-wheeler is easy compared to driving a car because the Indian roads are always bustling with traffic. You can squeeze a bike or scooter through tight spots and through busy roads, which you cannot do on a four-wheeler. Also, the maintenance cost of a two-wheeler is economical. Due to these reasons, the number of two-wheelers in India is increasing with each passing day. In FY 2021, two-wheeler sales stood at 15.12 million units, and the sales of four-wheeler passenger vehicles stood at 2.71 million units.

Since commuting on bikes/scooters are more convenient and economical, two-wheelers account for over 70% of the vehicle population in the country. But safety is one of the main concerns when it comes to two-wheelers. Hence, a helmet is one of the most critical and fundamental safety equipment for a rider/pillion rider. Wearing a helmet while riding your bike/scooter is a no-brainer as it protects your ‘brain.’ So, how does not wearing a helmet impact your bike insurance claim? Read ahead to find out the answer.

Contents

Two-wheelers and Safety
How does Not Wearing A Helmet Impact Bike Insurance Claim?
Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions

Two-wheelers and Safety

Bikes and scooters are convenient, and the running cost is low, but the riders are exposed to high risk on the road. Two-wheelers are prone to accidents due to several reasons such as bad road conditions, slippery roads during monsoons, etc. As per a report from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 37% of road accident deaths in India involved two-wheelers, and two-wheelers and pedestrians account for 54% of accident-related deaths in the country. These numbers give us an idea about the risk involved in riding a two-wheeler.

For a two-wheeler rider, safety is paramount. Suppose you own/ride a bike/scooter in India, you need to take these two necessary safety measures: always wear a good quality full-face (ISI) helmet and purchase a Comprehensive Two-wheeler Insurance Plan for your two-wheeler. A helmet is a must if you ride any two-wheeler, be it a moped or a sports bike. A helmet can be a life-saver as it protects one of the most critical parts of your body, which is your head. So, ensure that both rider and pillion wear a helmet.

How does Not Wearing A Helmet Impact Bike Insurance Claim?

Now you know the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler. But how does not wearing a helmet cause you to lose a bike insurance claim? Before answering this question, let’s look at the benefits offered by a bike insurance plan.

A Comprehensive Bike Insurance Plan comes with the following coverage benefits.

Protects you against legal liabilities.
Provides you with a financial backup in case of a mishap. Covers costs (vehicle damage, third-party losses) incurred due to an accident.
Comes with the mandatory Third-party Bike Insurance cover for your two-wheeler.

Note: Apart from the benefits mentioned above, the mandatory Personal Accident Cover provides coverage of up to Rs. 15 lakhs if the rider suffers an injury leading to disability or accidental death. But you have to buy the PA cover separately.

All in all, riding your bike/scooter without a valid motor insurance plan can be disastrous as it can lead to serious financial implications in case of an accident.

In a recent development, the Nashik (Maharashtra) Police have stated that it will mention in the records if the two-wheeler rider is not wearing a helmet during the accident. So don’t be surprised if it is followed in other parts of the country. This development has significant implications when it comes to bike insurance claims.

If you have gone through the terms and conditions of your bike insurance plan, there is a section called exclusions of the bike insurance policy. Exclusions are nothing but circumstances that are not covered by the policy. And one of those exclusions is irresponsible behaviour or negligence while riding your vehicle. Now, if the police record says that you were not wearing a helmet while riding your two-wheeler, the insurer can reject the claim as the injury is caused due to your negligence.

Also, read: Difference between Comprehensive and Third Party Bike Insurance

Takeaway

Riding a two-wheeler in India involves high risk, and safety equipment such as a helmet becomes crucial. Whether you are a rider or a pillion rider, ensure that you wear a proper full-face, good quality helmet because it can save your life in an accident. If you are found not wearing a helmet during the time of an accident, the insurer may reject your claim on the grounds of negligence or irresponsible behaviour. The insurer might deny your claim not to discourage you from making claims but to encourage you to take safety precautions while riding your bike or scooter.

Along with wearing proper safety equipment, a bike insurance plan is also equally important. You might get into serious trouble if you get into an accident and your two-wheeler doesn't have an active insurance plan. Purchasing two-wheeler insurance has become easy with online insurance providers such as ACKO. You can buy/renew bike insurance online and make a claim online in a few minutes at ACKO. For more details, you can visit the website (www.acko.com) or download the mobile application.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I file a claim against my bike insurance plan if I am injured in an accident?

Yes, you can file a claim provided you have opted for the mandatory Personal Accident Cover. It covers the insured against injuries resulting in disability (permanent or temporary) or even death.

Is helmet compulsory for two-wheeler riders in India?

Yes, wearing a helmet is compulsory in India. Both the rider and the pillion rider need to wear a good quality helmet. Failing to do so may attract penalties.

What kind of helmet do I need to wear to ride my scooter?

It doesn’t matter if you ride a bike or a scooter, ensure that you wear a good quality (ISI) full-face helmet.

Can an insurance provider reject my claim for not wearing a helmet?

It depends on the type of claim and the documents and proofs you have submitted to the insurer. If any documents (such as an FIR) suggest that you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, then there are possibilities that the insurer may reject your claim citing negligence from your end.

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: