Driving vehicles, especially two-wheelers, in a densely-populated country like India can be quite challenging. With bumper-to-bumper traffic and people breaking rules willy-nilly, travelling without insurance is like inviting trouble. It is thus essential to take precautions since accidents can impact you physically, legally, and financially. One way to secure yourself is to invest in bike insurance. Insurance companies compensate your for losses and damages when your two-wheeler is involved in accidents. If you are wondering – can I ride a motorcycle without insurance, this article provides the answer.
What happens when you ride a motorcycle without insurance?
You could face the following consequences if you ride your bike without a valid and active two-wheeler insurance plan:
Legal action:
Riding your bike without insurance is a punishable offence in India, which can lead to various legal consequences. If a traffic authority catches you driving without valid insurance, you could be fined or imprisoned for up to three months, or both, under the new Motor Vehicles Act, 2019. If you are deemed guilty of this offence a second time, authorities may increase the fine amount.
Denial of claim request:
You cannot claim damages sustained by your vehicle if you venture on a bike ride without insurance. Insurers do not entertain your claim since they would deem you guilty of violating Indian traffic laws.
Loss of no claim bonus:
Buying insurance is not enough. You have to renew your insurance plan every year and ensure you are always eligible for coverage. If you fail to renew the policy and keep it active, you stand to lose the accumulated no-claims bonus.
Possibility of inspection:
Since driving without inspection is against the laws, you would have to eventually renew or purchase a new insurance plan altogether. In such cases, you would need to give your vehicle for inspection, which can be quite the hassle.
Pay for third-party damage:
If you ride your bike without valid bike insurance, you would also be required to fulfil any third-party liabilities in case you cause damage to third-parties or their vehicle/property. You would have to compensate them for repairs, physical injuries, etc., from your pockets.
Paying fines for riding a motorcycle without insurance
Paying the applicable fine is an immediate consequence of riding your bike without your insurance policy. You can pay the fine offline or online. The offline process involves visiting your nearest traffic police station. In the online method, you can visit the official website of the state transport department, select the e-challan payment section, enter the challan number, and make the payment.
Get bike insurance
Now that you have the answer to the question – can I ride a bike without insurance, you can make the right choice. You must get bike insurance to avoid the penalties and stay financially protected from unexpected mishaps. Typically, you should buy the policy soon after you purchase your two-wheeler. You should also renew it annually to enjoy continuous coverage. You can buy the plans online and offline. Once you get the bike insurance documents, you must carry them with you whenever you ride your bike.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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