Bike insurance and the winter season are interrelated in more ways than one. The obvious correlation between them is that you need to take precautionary measures while riding their bikes in the winter season because of wet roads, snowfall, fog, etc. Failing to do so might cause an accident and you will need bike insurance to bail you out.
Also, in most Indian states, the winter season falls somewhere in between October to February. This is also a festive time considering Diwali, Christmas, New year, etc. People tend to purchase bikes and bike insurance during these times, which also means that bike insurance renewal is around the corner.
If you are buying or renewing your bike insurance policy just before the winters, it is necessary to winterize it. What this means is looking at it from the point of view of winter threats as well and availing an adequate cover.
Read ahead to know 5 reasons why winterizing your bike insurance policy is necessary.
- Increase in risks
As mentioned above, there is a rise in risks in the winter season. The risks will vary depending upon the location where you ride your bike. Some regions might face heavy snowfall, some might face extensive fogging on the roads, etc. Calamities such as an avalanche are also possible in the mountainous regions during the winters. Riding a bike in such conditions can become very challenging. Thus, increasing the chances of an accident.
Therefore, it is suggested to opt for a Comprehensive plan over the basic Third-party Liability plan to insure your bike and yourself against risks arising due to bike accidents. A Comprehensive plan covers Third-party Liabilities and Own Damage (accidents, calamities, theft, etc). It also includes a Personal Accident cover of Rs. 15 lakhs.
- Getting that extra cover
If you opt for a Comprehensive plan, you also have the option of choosing an Engine Protection Add-on. This Add-on might come in handy during the winters as it covers damages to the engine which is not covered under a basic policy.
Winters might take a toll on your bike’s engine. Start the engine frequently to keep it functional, even if you are not taking the bike for a ride in the winters. A Roadside Assistance Add-on might also come handy if your bike crashes mid-way in your journey and you need help. The insurer will help you out in such a situation by making the necessary arrangements if you have the Roadside Assistance Add-on.
- Tackling situational risks
Some people tend to move around the country due to reasons such as job transfer, or send a bike to a student (family member) studying in a different state. In certain situations, such transfers might be to areas that are prone to winter-threats, for example – North India.
The situation might not be as drastic as moving to a different state. It can be as simple as riding with a pillion rider (to save that person’s fuel as winters affect mileage) and purchasing the Pillion Rider Add-on for insuring the person seated behind you. Thus, the bike insurance cover needs to be looked at from a different view point considering the risks have changed due to a change in the situation.
- Latching on to discounted deals
As the winter season coincides with the festive season, insurers might offer discounted deals related to bike insurance. This might reduce the insurance premium. Digital insurers run some offers on their website from time-to-time. Keep an eye on those to get adequate coverage at a discounted price.
- Staying insured
Do not delay buying or renewing your bike insurance policy. Do not wait for the winter to mild down as you need not visit an insurance company’s branch to buy or renew your bike’s insurance policy. You can do it online.
You must stay insured all the time, especially while riding a bike during the winter season. An expired policy is inactive and thus riding a bike with an expired policy is of no use. You can renew your bike insurance online within minutes.
Bike Insurance Online
Bike insurance online renewal is a good option. Earlier, there was no option to go for bike insurance renewal online but things have changed due to digitization of the Indian insurance industry. Do not forget to compare two-wheeler insurance before purchasing bike insurance online. You can easily find a plan with good coverage and low premium when you compare two-wheeler insurance and buy it online.
