Can I Claim Insurance for Bike Dents?

Posted on: Sep 4, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Can I Claim Insurance for Bike Dents?

Your bike is one of your most essential possessions. Whether you're driving it for a daily commute or going on long adventures, you need to stay prepared. Since you will be using your bike frequently, it is essential to clean and maintain it regularly in the best possible way. But, what if there's a dent on your bike? Even a small dent can tarnish the wonder of your bike.

As soon as you notice a dent on your bike, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. These dents, if left unrepaired, can be extremely expensive. You can check if your bike insurance provides you with the option to file a claim in case of dent repair. If repairing the dents is covered, you wouldn't have to pay for it out of your pocket, thereby saving you from hefty repairs.

What is the Cost of Bike Dent Repairs?

The cost of repairing dents on the bike depends on the severity of the damage, the method used for repair, and how it is done. If the dent is small, you can repair it yourself. However, if it is a significant dent, you will need to pay for the repair costs and consult with an expert to address the issue.

1. DIY Repairs:

DIY bike dent repairs can cost anywhere between INR 500 and INR 1000. You can use tools like hairdryers, plungers and dent removal kits to fix small dents in the bike frame. Repairing the dents on your own is slightly cheaper, and the cost entirely depends on the brand you’re using.

2. Professional Repairs:

The cost of professional dent repair will be higher than the cost of DIY repair. It is difficult to determine the exact estimate. The professionals usually charge for repairs depending on the location and the extent of the damage. You can avail of two-wheeler insurance benefits to cover for excessive damage repair.

If you have comprehensive bike insurance, you must file claims to cover dents and scratches. This helps to lower the overall costs as you can file the claim. However, there will be specific terms and conditions regarding the deductibles.

Is It Possible to Claim Bike Insurance for Bike Scratches?

Yes, you can file insurance for scratches if you have a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy. However, a lot of insurance experts advise against doing so for the following reasons:

1. Deductibles:

Deductibles refer to the amount that you must pay for repairs before filing for the insurance claim. If the cost of repairing the dents is less than the deductible, you should not file for a bike insurance claim. With the cost of repair being less, you are paying for it out of your pocket.

2. No Claim Bonus:

Several companies offer a No Claim Bonus if the individual doesn't file a claim for their two-wheeler insurance. This no-claim bonus is a discount on the premiums for the particular year, which increases with every year when you do not file a claim. Even if you apply for minor damages, the No Claim Bonus will reset, preventing you from availing the benefits. Therefore, you may not get premium discounts in the future.

3. Increased Premium:

If you raise claims frequently on your insurance, you will have to pay higher premiums. These frequent claims may not result in losing NCB, but you may need to pay higher premiums in the long run. Therefore, you must avoid filing frequent claims even for minor damages.

When Should You File an Insurance Claim?

While it is not recommended to raise claims for minor damages, there are some exceptional scenarios under which you can file a comprehensive bike insurance claim:

1. Severe Damage:

Not all bike dents and scratches are minor; some may be too deep, ultimately compromising the bike's structural integrity. If these dents aren't repaired on time, they can cause further damage. You should check if the repair costs are exceeding the deductible amount. If yes, you must file for the insurance claim.

2. Vandalism:

Vandalism can create numerous dents on your bike. Therefore, filing a claim in such scenarios becomes essential. With bike insurance, you can cover the financial costs associated with your bike.

3. Numerous dents:

If your bike has multiple dents and scratches, you will need to pay an additional amount for repairs to justify the claim. If the overall cost for repairing multiple dents is higher than your deductible, you should file an insurance claim.

Documents Needed for the Claim Settlement Process

You must submit the proper documents for filing a scooter insurance claim, such as the following:

1. A copy of the FIR. If you do not submit FIR proof with your claim form, it can get rejected.

2. Two-wheeler registration certificate.

3. Original scooter insurance policy documents highlight all necessary information for the claim settlement process.

4. Duly filled and signed claim form.

5. Copy of driver’s licence.

6. RTO documents.

7. No trace report from the police if the vehicle was stolen.

Once you have collected all the documents, you can file the claim immediately. However, ensure that your insurance policy includes the necessary documents to prevent claims from being rejected. Moreover, if you have only third party bike insurance, you may not be eligible to file the claim, you must have a comprehensive policy for filing claims against damages.

Why Avoid Filing Insurance Claims for Bike Insurance?

If you have just minor dents or scratches on your bike, it is advisable not to file claims on your two wheeler insurance. Some of the key reasons for this are as follows:

1. If you file claims frequently for minor damages, you will exhaust the renewal premium discount benefits for the No-Claim Bonus policy.

2. The process of filing a claim for minor dents is very time-consuming, and you will have to do a lot of unwanted paperwork.

3. Minor dents and scratches that do not affect the bike's functionality or aesthetics can be ignored.

4. Some scratches on the bike are affordable to repair, so you can pay for them out of pocket.

5. If you do not file claims for minor damages, you will be preserving the No Claim Bonus. Therefore, you will get discounted premiums upon renewal in the future.

6. The cost of repairing some dents and scratches is usually less than the deductible. In such cases, it is not a smart financial decision to file the claim.

7. You will be considered a high-risk customer if you file frequent claims, which may affect your policy approval in the future.

What is the No Claim Bonus Benefit for Not Filing an Insurance Claim?

Failing to file the claim can result in a significant discount on the insurance renewal premium. Depending on the number of claim-free years, the insurance premium discounts will continue to grow. The discount percentage based on the continuous claim-free years is as follows:

• 1 year: 20%

• 2 years: 25%

• 3 years: 35%

• 4 years: 45%

• 5 years: 50%

As soon as you file for a claim, all your NCB benefits will reset to zero. Therefore, you'll have to pay the regular amount.

Conclusion

Minor dents and damages that require minimal attention can be overlooked. However, if it is causing extra damage, you should consider filing the claim. You cannot file claims against these damages for your vehicle if you have only third party bike insurance. To take advantage of the benefits, you need to purchase comprehensive insurance with add-ons. However, consider the extent of damage to your vehicle before filing a claim.

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

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