Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance in India

Third-party two-wheeler insurance provides coverage for any third party who suffers a loss or damage due to an accident involving the insured bike. However, this type of insurance does not offer protection to the bike owner or the vehicle itself.  

It is mandatory to have third-party liability insurance for the insured two-wheeler. Purchasing this insurance is straightforward, requiring minimal documentation, and it is the most cost-effective form of vehicle insurance available. 

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What is Third-Party Bike Insurance?

Third-party bike insurance is the most basic type of two-wheeler insurance that covers damages or losses your bike may cause to another person, their property, or vehicle, typically in the event of an accident or collision. However, it does not cover any damage to your own bike.

This type of insurance is legally required in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, and failing to have it can lead to penalties. While third-party bike insurance is affordable and mandatory, it provides limited coverage, offering no protection for your own vehicle.

Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance Rates in 2025

The engine capacity of the insured vehicle is taken into account when determining the third-party bike insurance premium or cost, and the IRDA makes this determination solely based on the vehicle's condition. But every year, it continues to change by 10% to 20%.

Recently IRDAI has made some announcements that the price of bike insurance will not rise this year. The third-party bike insurance rates are mentioned below -

Two-wheeler Engine Capacity

Premium

Not exceeding 75cc

Rs.538

Exceeding 75 cc but not exceeding 150 cc

Rs.714

Exceeding 150 cc but not exceeding 350 cc

Rs.1,366

Exceeding 350 cc

Rs.2,804

Third Party Bike Insurance

Third-Party Premium for New Two-Wheelers (5-year Single Premium Policy)

The table below outlines the third-party two-wheeler insurance premium rates for new bikes based on engine capacity, effective from 1 June 2022.

Two-wheeler Engine Capacity 

Premium  

Not exceeding 75cc 

Rs. 2,901 

Exceeding 75cc but not exceeding 150cc 

Rs. 3,851 

Exceeding 150cc but not exceeding 350cc 

Rs. 7,365 

Exceeding 350cc 

Rs. 15,117 

Reasons to Buy Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance

✅ Mandatory by Law: In India, it is a legal requirement to have at least third-party insurance for your bike. Driving without it can result in fines and penalties. 

✅ Financial Security: It provides financial coverage for any loss, damage, or injuries caused to a third party's property or person in an accident involving your vehicle. 

✅ Peace of Mind: You can ride your bike confidently, knowing you're covered for third-party damages. 

✅ Affordability: Third-party insurance is more cost-effective compared to comprehensive plans, offering basic legal protection at a lower price. 

✅ Limited Liability: Ideal for those who use their bike for short, low-risk commutes or own an older two-wheeler with a lower market value, making it a practical and affordable choice. 

What Constitutes Third-Party Liability Insurance?

Third party liability insurance covers a number of things. Here are a few things it protects you against:

  1. Damage to a third party's property: In case of an accident caused by you However, getting a claim settled in this case is a long drawn-out process. To begin with, you will need to get a surveyor to submit their assessment report which basically lists out the total value of the loss incurred. Also, to expedite the process, you will need to submit all the documents and bills provided by an authorised service station.
  2. Injury or death of a third party: In the event of any injury or death due to any accident, you can claim medical expenses, loss of regular income, and also compensation for permanent disability, which you would have to pay the person affected.
  3. Accidental death of the two wheeler insured/rider: If an individual dies due to an accident, their nominees are allowed to claim compensation for income lost.
  4. Permanent total disability of the insured two wheeler owner: If a permanent disability occurs to the person insured, they can claim for those expenses.

How File a Claim for Third-Party Insurance?

Here's a process an individual needs to follow to claim third party insurance:

  1. Application: Any third party can claim insurance against a two-wheeler owner by first applying for it with the insurance company.
  2. Filing a police complaint: Once the application is filed, an FIR needs to be filed at the nearest police station. The FIR should include Information regarding the registration number of vehicles involved, license number of the perpetrator, and name and contact details of a witness.
  3. Filing a plaint with the claims tribunal: After filing a complaint, the claiming party needs to file a case with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, who are responsible for clearing any claim requests. While filing this request, the claimant should also submit supporting documents to authenticate the claim.
  4. Claim settlement: Once the court decides on the amount, all the costs should be borne by the insurance company if any death or injury occurs.

Documents Required for Third-Party Insurance Renewal

  1. Existing policy for reference
  2. Registration Certificate of your Two-Wheeler
  3. Debit Card/Net Banking details for payment

Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance Coverage

  • Bodily injury or death to third party:If your two-wheeler is to blame for the physical harm or death of a third party, the victim or victims may be able to make a claim for medical expenses under your third-party insurance coverage if they are disabled or unable to work. You will also be compensated for any physical impairments.
  • Property damage:A third-party insurance policy covers damages to the property of a third party if it is caused by your two-wheeler. IRDAI norms state that damages to property will be covered to the extent of Rs.1 lakh under a third-party two-wheeler insurance plan.
  • Permanent total disability of driver or bike owner*:If your two-wheeler is to blame for the physical harm or death of a third party, the victim or victims may be able to make a claim for medical expenses under your third-party insurance coverage if they are disabled or unable to work. You will also be compensated for any physical impairments.
  • Death of driver or bike owner*:In case you meet with an accident that results in your untimely demise, your dependents will be able to claim compensation for the sudden loss of income.

*Some insurers offer the above personal accident cover as default in the third-party insurance:

What is Not Included Covered Under Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance?

Third-party insurance comes with a few limitations. You must be aware of the exclusions of your third-party insurance policy to avoid any confusion when making a claim. The following situations can result in rejection of a claim:

  1. You won't get any coverage from your third-party insurance for the loss or damage of your insured two-wheeler.
  2. Your claim will be rejected for drunk driving or driving without a valid driving licence.
  3. Third-party insurance policy does not cover any claims occurring because of contractual liabilities.
  4. Any accidents occurring beyond the geographical limitations of the policy's coverage are not eligible for claims.
  5. Third-party insurance policy will not cover any claims that arise due to loss or damage by radioactive contamination, war or war like conditions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Third-Party Liability Insurance

Advantages

Disadvantages

  1. Referred to as the "Act Only" cover, this type of insurance cover fulfills the statutory requirement of having a cover for third party person/property damages.
  1. As stated earlier in this article, the main drawback is that it does not provide monetary cover for the insured vehicle or its occupants.
  1. Premiums are economical compared to their counterparts. Can be easily affordable.
  1. In case of a mishap that causes major damage to the insured vehicle, the owner will have to shell out the repair and replacement expenses from his own pocket.
  1. Third party cover can be procured in easy steps with minimal documentation and checks as it does not involve cover for the insured two- wheeler.
  1. Unlike Comprehensive coverage, very little rider and flexible options are available, limiting the enhancements.

How to Buy or Renew Third-Party Bike Insurance Policy?

Step 1: Visit the insurance provider's app or website, enter your bike's registration number, and click on 'View Prices.' 

Step 2: Choose your preferred plan and any additional coverages, then click on 'Continue.' 

Step 3: Provide your personal and vehicle details, then click 'Pay Now.' 

Step 4: Complete the payment and the required KYC verification process. 

Step 5: You'll receive the policy document via email, SMS, and WhatsApp.

List of Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance Plans in India

Mentioned below are some of the third-party two-wheeler plans in India: 

  1. Bajaj Allianz Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. Go Digit Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. HDFC Ergo Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. ICICI Lombard Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. IFFCO Tokio Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. Zurich Kotak Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. Liberty Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. National Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. Reliance Third-party Bike Insurance 
  1. SBI Third-party Bike Insurance 

Third-Party Bike Insurance vs Comprehensive Bike Insurance

Points Of Difference

Third-Party Two-Wheeler Insurance

Comprehensive Two-Wheeler Insurance

Coverage offered

- Covers losses or damages caused to a person or their property, or another vehicle due to an accident.

Covers financial and legal liabilities arising out of damages caused to a third-party as well as any loss or damage caused to your two-wheeler due to sabotage, accidents, fire, theft and vandalism, malicious acts, terrorism, and civil disturbances such as riots, natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, etc.

Exceptions Of The Policy

Damage or loss caused to your own two-wheelerInjury caused to self, due to accidentDamage or losses as a result of the following: TheftSabotageNatural calamitiesFireNormal wear and tearCivil disturbanceMechanical or electrical breakdownDamage or loss caused in following circumstances:Riding without an active licenceRiding under the influence of alcohol or drugsIf the policy is lapsed

Damage or loss caused as a result of:- Usual wear and tear- Electrical or mechanical breakdownDamage or loss caused in following circumstances:Riding without an active licenceRiding under the influence of alcohol or drugsIf the policy is lapsed

Add-On Covers Available

Personal Accident cover

Return to invoice Zero depreciation Cover for accessories Pillion Rider Accident cover Roadside Assistance, and more

Cost

The coverage offered in a third-party insurance policy is limited. The policy is cheaper in comparison to a comprehensive insurance policy. The IRDA determines the premium of a third-party liability insurance every year based on engine displacement.

Comprehensive bike insurance is costlier in comparison to the third party insurance as it provides a greater scope of protection.

Which is better?

Limited coverage offered.

Extensive coverage offered Better protection

FAQs on Third Party Two-Wheeler Insurance in India

  • Can I cancel my two-wheeler insurance policy before it expires?

    Yes, this is possible. However, you have to submit the relevant documents that indicate either of the following: Your vehicle has been insured by another insurance provider, The Registration Certificate for your two-wheeler has been revoked by the RTO. When the insurer cancels the policy, he will provide with a refund of the amount that remains, after deducting the premium for the duration when you were provided coverage. It should be noted that you can avail of the refund only if you haven't submitted any claims during the tenure of the policy.

  • Can I avail of the No Claim Bonus on my expired insurance policy?

    You will be eligible to receive the No Claim Bonus on your expired policy only if it is renewed within 90 days from the date of expiration.

  • What should I do if my insurance policy is misplaced?

    You should immediately contact your insurance provider and get a duplicate copy of the policy. You may be required to pay a fee for the duplicate. If it was an online policy, you will receive a soft copy of the same in your email. It should be noted that policy documents are usually signed digitally, and a coloured print of the soft copy would be considered valid.

  • Is it mandatory to get your vehicle inspected before the purchase of an insurance?

    Inspection of the vehicle is required only when you purchase a comprehensive insurance policy offline. Most insurance providers do not mandate inspection if the policy is purchased online.

  • What is the tenure of a two-wheeler insurance policy?

    Most insurers offer two-wheeler insurance policies that have a tenure of 1 year. But the IRDA has now introduced policies with a longer duration, i.e., 3 or 5 years. These long-term policies are characterised by the fact that premium rates will not be revised during the policy term, irrespective of whether the policyholder raises a claim or not.

  • What are the advantages of purchasing a two-wheeler insurance policy online?

    When you purchase a policy online, you save significantly on time and money. It is possible to compare policies, identify a policy with a suitable premium, and buy it without the hassle of any paperwork. The payment can be made conveniently through a credit card or via netbanking.

  • Can I transfer my No Claim Bonus?

    If you are shifting from one insurer to another, it is possible to transfer your No Claim Bonus, provided that your policy is renewed within 90 days from the date of expiry.

  • When should I initiate the renewal of my two-wheeler insurance?

    The renewal of your insurance policy should be done before it actually expires. This ensures that your vehicle is insured without any gaps in between. It also retains the No Claim Bonus that would provide you with a significant reduction in premium for claim-free years.

  • I just realised that my two-wheeler insurance has expired. What are the next steps?

    It is mandatory that you obtain a fresh insurance cover. Contact your insurance provider and identify if it is necessary to have the vehicle inspected. If it is required, you will have to schedule an appointment with an authorised representative from the insurance company. You can also get the NCB transferred to your renewed policy, as long as you get the vehicle insured within 90 days from the date of policy lapse.

  • What is an endorsement?

    An endorsement is a change in the insurance policy that is mutually agreed upon Effectively, it is a document that includes the changes in policy terms.

  • How can I lower my bike insurance premium?

    One of the most crucial elements consumers take into account when purchasing is the bike insurance premium. Owner-drivers are constantly on the lookout for comprehensive coverage at low costs. A few factors to keep in mind to reduce the bike insurance price are to claim non-claim bonuses, take additional security measures, and increase voluntary deductibles.

  • How to get cheaper bike insurance plans?

    You can check all the bike insurance available online and compare prices to determine which one will suit you the best.

  • Why do I need bike insurance?

    Having a bike insurance is mandatory in India. Apart from that, having a bike insurance helps you provide protection against your bike getting stolen, damaged, or destroyed.

  • Do I need to purchase a 5-year bike plan?

    Yes, if you are going for a third-party insurance plan, a 5-year bike insurance plan becomes mandatory for you.

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