Bike insurance lapsed abroad? Here¡¯s what you must do next

You¡¯ve always dreamed of travelling across the globe, and after much preparation, you are finally on a months-long world tour. While exploring new destinations and immersing yourself in different cultures, a message pops up on your phone: your two-wheeler insurance policy has expired.

You begin to worry¡ªwhat if your loved ones back home take your bike for a ride and accidentally hit someone, resulting in a legal suit and compensation claims? Or what if someone steals your bike from your garage, leaving you without a policy to claim the insured declared value?

Instead of panicking, know that you can easily renew your bike insurance policy from abroad without any hassle. Wondering how? Keep reading.

How to Renew Lapsed Bike Insurance

If your comprehensive bike insurance has lapsed but is still within the grace period¡ªtypically a 30-day extension allowing you to retain continuity benefits such as the no-claim bonus¡ªfollow these steps:

1. Renewal Through the Website

Step 1: Visit your insurer¡¯s official website.

Step 2: Navigate to the ¡®Motor Insurance¡¯ section and select ¡®Bike Insurance.¡¯

Step 3: Click on ¡®Renew Your Policy.¡¯

Step 4: Enter your bike¡¯s registration number or policy number and click ¡®Proceed.¡¯

Step 5: Choose any add-ons you¡¯d like to include, such as zero depreciation cover, engine protection, or no-claim bonus (NCB) protection.

Step 6: Confirm your choices, and the premium amount will be displayed.

2. Renewal Through the Insurer¡¯s App

You can also renew your policy using the insurer's official mobile application. Here¡¯s how:

Step 1: Download the insurer¡¯s app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Register with your details and navigate to the ¡®Bike Insurance¡¯ section.

Step 3: Select the renewal option and provide your policy number, mobile number, or bike registration number. The system will retrieve the details of your lapsed policy.

Step 4: Review the details and choose your coverage level or add riders for enhanced protection. If renewing after the grace period, the app may ask for a self-inspection of your bike via photos or videos.

Step 5: Pay the premium online through the available payment methods.

Step 6: Download the updated policy document.

3. Renewal Through a Registered Agent

If you prefer assistance, contact your insurer¡¯s registered agent. Provide them with your policy details and any additional riders you wish to include. The agent will handle the renewal process, and you simply need to make the payment.

Note: While agents simplify the process, their commission may slightly increase your premium. Similarly, renewing through an aggregator website could also result in higher costs due to platform fees.

Why Renew Bike Insurance Before It Lapses?

Renewing your bike insurance on time offers several benefits:

1. Compliance with Legal Requirements
In India, riding a bike without valid insurance is illegal. If someone else uses your bike while you¡¯re abroad, they could face hefty penalties in the absence of a valid policy.

2. Protection Against Risks
Even if your bike is not in use, it remains exposed to risks such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. Renewing your comprehensive bike insurance ensures you are financially protected against these situations.

3. Retention of the No-Claim Bonus (NCB)
Renewing your policy within the grace period allows you to retain your NCB, which offers a significant discount on premiums for claim-free years.

4. Avoiding Increased Premiums
If the grace period lapses, your insurer will require an inspection of your bike. Any issues discovered during the inspection could result in a higher premium or even rejection of your application.

Tips to Avoid Future Bike Insurance Lapses

• Set calendar reminders or alerts on your phone for your policy renewal date.
• Opt into email or SMS notifications from your insurer.
• Consider purchasing a long-term bike insurance policy to reduce the frequency of renewals.

Conclusion

Renewing your bike insurance while abroad might seem daunting, but digital tools and flexible options make it a seamless process. Timely renewal not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also protects your bike from unforeseen risks. By setting reminders and exploring long-term comprehensive bike insurance policies, you can prevent future lapses and enjoy peace of mind, wherever you are.