Difference between Comprehensive & Own Damaged Two Wheeler Insurance

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

Difference between Comprehensive & Own Damaged Two Wheeler Insurance

Buying insurance for your bike is one of the first things to do after purchasing it. There are different types of bike insurance that you may consider, such as comprehensive or third-party. While it is mandated by Indian laws to have a third-party insurance, you should consider getting comprehensive coverage too.

Comprehensive bike insurance protects you against any financial burdens that may arise because of damage to your bike or third-party liabilities. While third party insurance does cover third-party damages, it wouldn't do that for your bike. Therefore, you need to get comprehensive coverage too.

But what's the difference between them? Let's find out.

Own Damage Two Wheeler Insurance

Own Damage two wheeler insurance covers for damages to your vehicle only against disasters, thefts and accidents. It is an extra layer of protection for your car. It is very different from the third party bike insurance which covers only third party damage.

The key features of own damage bike insurance are as follows:

1. Your bike gets protection in case of accidents.
2. You can avail of the No Claim Bonus benefit every year, which lowers premiums in the future.
3. Coverage is offered for man-made activities and natural calamities.
4. The premiums are affordable.

Who should buy this policy?

Standalone own-damage bike insurance is a smart choice for individuals who already have an existing third-party liability plan. The third party bike insurance plan holders are already protected against third-party damages and need protection for themselves. Therefore, this policy is an ideal choice for them.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive bike insurance provides the insured individual with the benefit of third-party and own damage coverage. Therefore, with this type of insurance, you will be less stressed about the liabilities that may occur, whether to your vehicle or a third party. You can get extra protection in Comprehensive insurance through add-ons like No Claim Bonus Protector, Zero Depreciation cover and more.

The key features of comprehensive two-wheeler insurance are as follows:

1. You get coverage for personal and third-party liabilities.
2. You can add extra protection for your bike.
3. With the No Claim Bonus Protector add-on, you can lower the next premium of the bike while filing claims.
4. The insurance provides coverage against natural calamities such as cyclones and earthquakes, and man-made calamities like vandalism, riots, strikes or fire-related accidents.
5. Compensation will be given in case of disability, injury or death.

Who should buy this policy?

If you haven't bought a two wheeler insurance for your new bike, it is recommended to opt for comprehensive coverage. With third-party and own damage being covered, you get extra benefits. Otherwise, if you have an existing plan but want to upgrade, this policy fits your needs appropriately.

Difference between Comprehensive Bike Insurance and Own Damage Bike Insurance

As the owner, it is your responsibility to take good care of your bike. Therefore, as soon as you buy a bike or its existing policy expires, you must renew your two-wheeler insurance as quickly as possible. With coverage being provided, you can be assured that in case the need arises (conditions mentioned in the coverage), you can file a claim immediately with your insurance and receive compensation.

Below are the key differences between comprehensive bike insurance and own damage bike insurance:

Comprehensive Bike Insurance	Own Damage Bike Insurance
This is a type of all-in-one bike insurance that protects your bike and third-party liabilities.	This provides coverage for only your two-wheeler against damage, theft and loss.
The premium is slightly higher since two types of coverage are provided.	As a single coverage is provided, the premium is cheaper.
Third-party coverage is provided for injury and death.	No third-party coverage provided for injury or death.
The premium price may increase in the future.	With the No Claim Bonus benefit, you can get a discount on bike insurance premiums.
Add-ons are not usually required with this type of insurance, considering the coverage.	Since only your vehicle is protected, you may prefer including add-ons.

Why Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance?

Once you purchase a two-wheeler, getting insurance becomes extremely important. Therefore, even if it is a scooter, you will need scooter insurance. Since you'll be using your vehicle, you cannot have it uninsured.

Some of the key reasons you need to buy two-wheeler insurance include:

1. It offers protection against natural disasters.
2. It protects man-made activities.
3. You get coverage for your vehicle for personal accidents.
4. You can file for a cashless claim, which allows you to receive the settlement immediately.

How to Choose a Two-Wheeler Insurance?

Whether you're getting bike insurance or scooter insurance, choosing the right one is extremely important. Now, choosing between own-damage bike insurance and comprehensive bike insurance can be a difficult choice to make. As third-party insurance is mandatory by law, you wouldn't have to worry about it much.

However, there are still some factors you'll have to consider when choosing a two-wheeler insurance:

1. Coverage limit: Always check the coverage limit provided by the insurance. Depending on how you use your bike and what the expenditures are, you can choose insurance appropriately. You must select the right coverage to avoid financial strain when filing a claim.
2. Check for riders: You can extend your insurance cover by adding riders, which allow you to use it more extensively. If you opt for these riders or add-ons, you'll have to pay an extra amount on your premium. Some of the common add-ons or riders that you can apply for insurance include zero depreciation cover, personal accident cover for pillion rider and so on.
3. Cubic capacity of the bike: It is advisable to be familiar with the cubic capacity of your bike. The cubic capacity plays a significant role in determining the insurance premium. If the cubic capacity of your bike is high, you'll have to pay a higher premium.
4. Usage patterns: Be mindful of the usage patterns of your bike. If you are using your bike for a daily commute across congested areas, you need to get accident and theft coverage. However, if you'll be using your bike less or for recreational purposes, you can opt for basic protection coverage.
5. Location: The area where you will be riding the bike has a vital role to play. For example, in urban areas, your bike needs extra protection to deal with theft and accidents due to transportation. On the other hand, similar kinds of protection may not be needed in rural areas with less accident-related news.

Which One Should You Buy: Comprehensive or Own Damage?

Both comprehensive and own damage bike insurance have their benefits to offer. However, which one you choose depends on your preference and budget. If you already have a third-party liability coverage for your bike, considering it's mandatory, you can buy only your damage bike insurance.

If it is a new bike and there's no existing policy, you can go for comprehensive bike insurance. Consider some flexibility in your purchase so that if required in the future, you can upgrade your insurance policy and its coverage. You should consider the main factors of insurance policy comparison before making your final choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right two-wheeler insurance is extremely important to ensure the protection of your bike. Whether you opt for standalone own damage insurance or comprehensive coverage, thoroughly review the terms and conditions, claims process, and other details. Your bike is a significant investment that you may use for your daily needs. Therefore, you shouldn't be casual when it comes to determining its safety. With the right insurance, not only are you protecting your bike, but also yourself against significant financial expenses.

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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