Consequences of Riding a Bike Without Two-Wheeler Insurance!

More than 60% of two-wheelers plying on the roads are uninsured in India, according to the Insurance Information Bureau of India. People are also ignorant of the benefits of bike insurance policies, while some forget to renew their policies on time or want to save a few hundred. Further, over a lakh people die in road mishaps every year. Thus, purchasing bike insurance online is necessary and not merely a legal compulsion.

Fine for Driving Without Insurance

The fine/penalty for riding a two-wheeler without insurance as per the new Motor Vehicle Act, 2019, is Rs. 2,000 and/or up to three months of imprisonment. And if caught riding your bike again without insurance for the second time, you will have to pay a fine of Rs. 4,000 and/or up to three months of imprisonment.

Overview of Insurance policies

Different types of bike insurance policies are available that you can choose according to your requirements. While some insurance plans protect you, a Third party bike Insurance policy protects the third party. However, a Comprehensive Bike Insurance covers for the losses sustained by you or by the third parties due to damage caused by your bike. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 states that a Third-party Liability Policy is mandatory for all motor vehicles (two/three/four-wheelers).

Is It Illegal to Drive a Bike Without an Insurance Plan?

Yes, it is considered illegal to ride a bike without an active two-wheeler insurance policy. Having at least a Third-party Bike Insurance Policy to comply with the legal requirements is mandatory in India.

What happens if Caught Riding a Two-wheeler Without Insurance?

Suppose a traffic officer stops you for a bike inspection. In that case, he might ask you to produce the two-wheeler related documents (Driving license-DL, Registration Certificate-RC, Pollution under Control-PUC & Insurance papers). If all these documents are shown, you will not be penalised. But if your bike does not have an active bike insurance plan or if you fail to produce the driver/other bike-related documents, you will receive a Challan, which has to be paid either online or offline.

Is the Same Fine Applicable for All Types of Vehicles?

Yes, the penalty/fine for driving a vehicle without insurance remains the same irrespective of whether it’s a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler or a commercial vehicle.

Calculate Your Bike Insurance

You can calculate the price of your bike insurance online by following these steps:

Step 1: First, go to the HDFC ERGO website and select the bike’s model and its make.

Step 2: Then, choose your bike’s registered location.

Step 3: Now, select the year of your bike’s purchase.

Step 4: Mention any No-claim Bonus if claimed in the preceding year.

Step 5: Finally, the calculator will display the premium amount for your bike insurance plan.

What is the process to pay the fine?

The fine/penalty for an uninsured vehicle can be paid offline or online at your convenience.

Online Method to Pay the Fine

● Visit the official website of the state transport department.

● Then click the e-Challan payment option.

● Now enter the Challan number/ the vehicle number to verify the Challan amount.

● Make the payment via online payment modes

● Finally, download the payment receipt and keep it for future reference.

Offline Method to Pay the Fine

● Go to your nearest traffic police station.

● At the counter, produce the Challan or quote the Challan number and verify the amount.

● Make the payment at the cash counter through cash or other payment modes, if any.

● You will be given a payment receipt. Keep it for future reference.

Tips to Drive Responsibly on the Road

The following tips will help you avoid getting a fine while riding your bike:

● Always carry hard copies of your DL, RC, PUC and insurance document in your vehicle. Alternatively, you can also carry soft copies of all these documents on your Smartphone.

● Remember to renew your bike insurance online within the expiry date.

● Purchase an insurance policy for every vehicle you drive on public roads.

● It is essential to get a Personal Accident cover along with your bike insurance.

● Finally, it is best to follow all the traffic rules and regulations and drive responsibly.

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