A two-wheeler insurance policy is mandatory by law. According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, a motor insurance policy is mandatory for all vehicles registered in the country. Any unforeseen and unexpected events such as accident, loss or theft can be insured using a two-wheeler insurance policy.
However, whenever we think of buying two wheeler insurance online, the only people we feel are concerned with bike insurance is the vehicle owner/driver and the insurance company. However, there is another person that needs to be into consideration when thinking about safety and security. That person is a pillion rider.
Mandatory insurance coverage
When it comes to bike insurance coverage, there are two types of coverage that are mandatory. These are:
- Third-party bike insurance
Third-party two-wheeler insurance plan focuses most of its coverage on another person. This person is known as a third-party and is someone that is involved in the accident or mishap. The coverage will serve as a compensation towards any damage caused to the third-party or their property. In addition, any legal liability arising out of such an accident will also be covered by your insurance company. Considering this is the most basic coverage that you need to buy, two wheeler insurance price is at an ultimate low.
- Personal accident insurance
Another type of policy that is mandatory with a third-party insurance plan is personal accident cover for the bike owner or rider. This includes coverage for any event of accidental death or disability, which may be permanent or temporary. If you have more than one bike, you should only buy this policy once, not every time. However, this piece of coverage only applies to the rider of the bike.
Even after having both of these coverages, there is nothing that can cover your pillion rider in the case of an accident. In the case of an accident, the personal accident insurance will cover your injuries. The third-party insurance will cover for the owner/driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. However, the pillion rider is left unprotected. The best way to ensure protection for the pillion rider is to buy a comprehensive policy and purchase a pillion rider add-on cover. *
What is a pillion add-on cover?
As you read above, the pillion rider is not automatically covered under the compulsory level of insurance cover required by law. Hence, in order to get the pillion rider coverage, you need to buy a comprehensive policy get the specific additional coverage that will offer the benefit required. The pillion rider add-on is an optional cover, but it is advisable if you often travel with a pillion rider. For example, a road trip plan with a pillion rider needs the add-on for the countless things that could go wrong.
In the event of any accidental damage to the pillion rider, the add-on cover of the pillar will reduce the financial liability on you. Moreover, when somebody sitting behind you on a bike suffers from disability due to an accident, whether it is partial or permanent, or dies, the insurance company will provide monetary compensation.
Pillion riders are often at greater risk because most of them do not wear any safety gear. So, the next time you buy a policy or renew your two-wheeler insurance, make sure you are adding the pillion rider cover to your comprehensive plan. *
* Standard T&C Apply
While pillion rider add-on isn’t the only cover your policy can be customised with. There are various add-ons that enhance the policy scope significantly like zero-depreciation cover, NCB protection cover, engine protection cover and more. While they are additional features that can be bought, a two wheeler insurance premium calculator can be used to estimate its impact on the premium. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
