Bike Insurance in India: Complete Guide for 2026

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With over 20 crore registered two-wheelers, India is the world's largest two-wheeler market. Bikes and scooters are the primary mode of daily transport for millions of Indians — from the Activa commuter in Chennai to the Royal Enfield Himalayan rider in Manali. Yet two-wheeler insurance is the most neglected segment of motor insurance in India. Millions of bikes run with only TP insurance, or worse, none at all. The choice between cover types is the same as for cars — our guide on third-party vs comprehensive car insurance explains the fundamental trade-off. Your no-claim bonus accumulates on two-wheelers just as it does on cars — up to 50% discount after five claim-free years. And the same strategies to reduce your car insurance premium — NCB, voluntary deductible, right IDV — apply directly to bike insurance as well.

This guide covers everything about bike insurance in India in 2026 — what's mandatory, what's smart, what it costs, and how to choose the right policy.

Is Bike Insurance Mandatory in India?

Yes. Under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, third-party (TP) motor insurance is mandatory for all vehicles including two-wheelers. Riding without valid TP insurance is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of ₹2,000 for the first offence and ₹4,000 + 3-month imprisonment for subsequent offences.

TP insurance covers damage or injury caused to a third party (another person, another vehicle, or property) by your bike. It does not cover damage to your own bike.

Types of Two-Wheeler Insurance

Third-Party (TP) Only

The legally mandated minimum. Covers liability to third parties only. Your own bike's damage is not covered. This is the cheapest option but leaves you fully exposed for your own bike's repair or replacement costs.

Standalone Own-Damage (OD)

Covers damage to your own bike from accidents, fire, natural calamities, and theft. Must be purchased alongside a valid TP policy. Available since IRDAI's 2019 regulatory reform, which separated OD and TP into distinct products.

Comprehensive (Bundled TP + OD)

The most complete protection — covers both third-party liability and your own bike's damage. For most bike owners, this is the right choice. A comprehensive policy for a standard commuter bike costs ₹2,500–5,000/year depending on engine capacity and insurer.

Third-Party Premium Rates for Two-Wheelers (IRDAI 2025-26)

Engine Capacity	Annual TP Premium	5-year Long-term TP Premium (New Bikes)
Up to 75 cc	₹538/year	₹2,901 (5 years)
75–150 cc	₹714/year	₹3,851 (5 years)
150–350 cc	₹1,366/year	₹7,365 (5 years)
Above 350 cc	₹2,804/year	₹15,117 (5 years)

For new two-wheelers, IRDAI mandates a 5-year bundled TP + 1-year OD at purchase. The OD component is renewed annually thereafter.

Indicative Comprehensive Premium for Popular Bikes

Bike	Engine CC	IDV (New, approx)	Comprehensive Premium
Honda Activa 6G	109 cc	₹76,000–82,000	₹2,500–3,500/yr
Hero Splendor Plus	97.2 cc	₹72,000–78,000	₹2,200–3,000/yr
Bajaj Pulsar 150	149 cc	₹1,15,000–1,25,000	₹3,500–5,000/yr
Royal Enfield Classic 350	349 cc	₹1,95,000–2,15,000	₹7,000–11,000/yr
KTM Duke 390	373 cc	₹2,90,000–3,10,000	₹10,000–15,000/yr
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450	452 cc	₹2,80,000–3,00,000	₹9,500–14,000/yr

Key Add-ons for Two-Wheeler Insurance

Zero Depreciation

For new or nearly-new bikes (under 3 years), zero dep is highly recommended. Bike parts — especially plastic panels, headlights, and seat covers — depreciate fast, and a standard claim without zero dep will have significant deductions. Zero dep for a bike typically costs 10–15% of the OD premium — about ₹300–800/year for a commuter bike.

Personal Accident Cover (Owner-Driver)

IRDAI mandates a Personal Accident (PA) cover of ₹15 lakh for the owner-driver in every motor insurance policy. This is a compulsory add-on of ₹750/year per policy. It pays ₹15 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent disability of the named owner-driver. If you already have a separate PA policy elsewhere, you can avoid duplication — but the ₹750 is mandatory unless you opt out explicitly.

Pillion Rider Cover

The mandatory PA cover only covers the owner-driver (the primary insured person). If you regularly carry a pillion rider, buy an additional PA cover for the pillion (approximately ₹200–400/year for ₹1 lakh cover). For a husband and wife who both ride regularly as pillion, this is important.

Anti-theft / Security Device Discount

ARAI-approved anti-theft devices earn you a 2.5% discount on OD premium — small but worth having. Disk locks, GPS trackers with ARAI approval, and steering locks qualify.

NCB for Two-Wheelers

The same NCB structure as cars applies to two-wheelers — 20% after year 1, up to 50% after 5 claim-free years. For a Pulsar 150 with OD premium of ₹2,500, a 50% NCB means saving ₹1,250/year. Modest in absolute terms, but 50% NCB on a Royal Enfield (OD premium ₹8,000) is ₹4,000/year.

Importantly: NCB is attached to the owner, not the bike. When you sell your old bike and buy a new one, transfer your NCB to the new policy.

Best Insurers for Two-Wheeler Insurance in India 2026

Insurer	Claim Settlement Ratio	Network Garages	Best For
Bajaj Allianz	98.5%	7,000+	Competitive pricing; good digital claims
HDFC ERGO	97.8%	8,000+	Strong metros coverage; clean claims process
ICICI Lombard	97.9%	7,500+	Good digital experience; competitive on sports bikes
New India Assurance	96.5%	Wide PSU network	Tier 2/3 city availability; government trust
Reliance General	97.2%	6,500+	Good for pan-India travellers