Bike Insurance: What to Do in Case of Flood Damage?


Bike Insurance: Will bikes submerged in floods be covered by insurance? Due to heavy rains, many motorists face severe issues as flood water enters their vehicles and damages engine parts.

The number of people complaining about their two-wheelers being damaged due to floods is increasing, particularly for those living in low-lying areas or traveling through deep channels with standing flood water.

When flood water seeps into the silencers and engines of bikes and scooters, the vehicles screech, and routine repairs are often insufficient to fix the damage caused to essential parts like the engine and wiring.

Insurance companies do not take responsibility for issues arising after attempting to start a flooded vehicle. Therefore, insurance companies’ rules dictate that motorists should not try to start a flooded vehicle on their own.

If your bike or scooter is submerged in floods, the first step is to inform your insurance company. They will dispatch a mechanic to inspect your vehicle and validate your claim. It’s crucial to follow this process, as failure to do so could lead to your claim being rejected.

It’s a common query why standard insurance doesn’t cover vehicles submerged in floods. The answer lies in the type of insurance policy you hold.

For instance, with third-party insurance, you can’t claim for damage to your vehicle. It’s the comprehensive insurance policies that provide this coverage.

On the other hand, comprehensive insurance policies cover damage to your vehicle and the safety of the motorists. Hence, the insurance company accepted Ramesh’s bike insurance claim and paid for his bike repair because he had a comprehensive insurance policy.

When comparing the premiums, the comprehensive insurance policy usually has a higher premium since it covers a broader range of benefits for the motorist, including natural calamities like floods and cyclones. Third-party insurance tends to have lower premiums, often around 1000 rupees, whereas comprehensive insurance can range from 1800 rupees and upward.

What does the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 say? Its provisions require motorists to have at least third-party insurance. The traffic police usually check this on the roads.

That’s why many people think that third-party insurance is enough. They intend to escape from the clutches of traffic jams.

But they don’t know that the insurance policy is not worth scratching the motorist’s tongue if an unexpected accident happens.

So, what are these add-ons? They’re like a safety net, providing benefits beyond what a comprehensive policy covers. Yes, they may increase your premium and your peace of mind.

Notable in the list of add-ons are:

  • Engine protection add-ons.
  • Zero depreciation add-ons.
  • Consumable covers.
  • Various types of add-ons are available.

If these three additions are present, and if there is any problem with that bike and you go to the insurance company, the insurance companies have to bear all the expenses, from changing the damaged parts to lubricants, nuts, and bolts.

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