Buying a Bike in India? Check These Must-Have Documents

Buying a motorcycle is the dream of every youngster in India. It is also a joyous occasion for those who are young at heart. The kind of fun that bike riding gives can never be matched by any other kind of vehicle. If you are looking to buy a new motorcycle or scooter, always check dealer prices, especially insurance where you can save money on your two-wheeler insurance.

Buying online insurance for a new bike is a great way to save time and effort. Common benefits for you if you buy two-wheeler insurance online include:

Online insurance is cheaper than dealer insurance

You can choose your preferred insurer

You get a larger cashless services network

You can select your own Insured's Declared Value (IDV)

You can bring forward insurance for another two-wheeler with some extra premium

You can bring forward any accumulated no-claim bonus.

Things To Do Before Buying a Vehicle in India:

Here are a few of these major steps you should remember before making any buying attempts for a vehicle in India:

1. Research Models:

Comparison of models based on their performance, mileage, and features.

2. Budget Planning:

Initializing the budget with on-road costs and insurance.

3. Test Ride:

Comfort and handling feel assessment through a test ride.

4. Check Reviews:

Insights from customer reviews and expert opinions.

5. Verification of Documents:

All documents will be for a new bike, including registration and warranty.

6. Insurance Options:

Two-wheeler insurance will be provided under the two-wheeler insurance schemes, including third-party bike insurance for legal purposes.

7. Bargain Price:

Do not be shy to negotiate the price with the dealer.

8. Check After-Sales Service:

Face the manufacturer's after-sales service reputation for long-term satisfaction.

Documents for getting the bike financed from a financial institution:

1. Income Proof:

This can be in the form of a salary slip or bank statement if you are a business owner. Minimum of 6 months of documentation is commonly needed.

2. Income Tax Returns:

Your income tax returns and Form 16 may be needed by the lender for further income confirmation.

3. Post-dated and Cancelled Cheques:

These are needed for safety and National Automated Clearing House (NACH) standing instruction purposes. Most lenders will send back your post-dated cheques when the loan is fully paid off while some destroy them on their own end. You can also put stop instructions on those cheque numbers in your bank after the loan is paid off.

Documents for buying the bike with your own money:

1. Identity Proof:

The identity proof is needed to register the two-wheeler in your name. Copies of your Driving License, Passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID Card or Identity Card issued by the Armed Forces (Indian Army, Navy or Air Force) can be used here.

2. Address Proof:

This document is needed by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to confirm that you are a resident of the state where the two-wheeler is to be registered. Acceptable options are a Passport, a driver's License issued by the state where a wheeler is to be registered, a Voter ID card of the same state or UT, an Aadhaar card, and an Electricity or Water Bill as well. You can also provide the MTNL or BSNL phone bills. These will also be needed for your new bike insurance policy.

3. PAN Card:

A PAN card is an all-India document issued by the Income Tax Department. It is meant to ensure that payment is done using proper means and there is no risk of money laundering or black money transactions in the sale.

4. Photo:

Your photo may be needed by some RTOs to be pasted on the two wheeler registration form. However, with Aadhaar-based authentication, the need for a physical photo is declining, but it is best to carry a few copies.

5. Payment instrument:

The payment instrument can be a bank cheque, demand draft or any other mode acceptable to the dealer. Please be advised that if you pay by credit card, you will need to pay a 2-3% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) as well.

Documents Required To Buy a Bike from Dealership:

Ensure the following documents are ready before buying a bike from the dealership:

1. Identity Proof:

such as an Aadhaar card, a passport, or even a voter ID.

2. Address Proof:

This can be anything like a utility bill, a rental agreement, or a bank statement.

3. PAN Card:

for any financial transactions.

4. Form 21:

Certificate of origin from the manufacturer.

5. Form 22:

Roadworthiness paper.

6. Insurance Papers:

A two-wheeler insurance policy with third-party bike insurance for legal compliance.

7. Registration Certificate (RC):

to be obtained afterwards, following purchase.

8. Loan Documents:

In the case of a financed vehicle, it includes the loan approval documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Two-Wheeler Purchase in India

1. What documents are required for the purchase of a new two-wheeler in India?

The documents that will be needed include identity proof, address, PAN card, Form 21, Form 22, and a new bike documents list.

2. Is insurance for two-wheelers compulsory in India?

In India, insurance for two-wheelers, including third-party bike insurance, is legally mandated for protection against liabilities.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.