Benefits of Add-on Covers in Bike Insurance Policies

Published
01/14/2025

When you buy bike insurance, you're securing protection for your vehicle. But did you know you can make that coverage even better? Add-on covers in bike insurance policies not only enhance protection but also offer peace of mind.

Let’s explore how these additional covers work and why they could be revolutionary for bike insurance policies.

What Are Bike Insurance Add-ons?

Add-on covers are the supplementary features that could be attached to the standard bike insurance policy. These covers offer additional protection and benefits beyond the usual scope of a basic policy.

For example, while a standard policy might cover damage to your bike or theft, add-ons could cover things like personal accident protection or zero depreciation. These add-ons can be tailored to meet specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of the bike insurance.

7 Common Types of Add-on Covers Available in a Bike Insurance Policy

Bike insurance add-ons come in a variety of forms, each offering different benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most common add-on covers:

Add-on Cover

Description

Zero Depreciation Cover

Covers the full replacement cost of bike parts, without factoring in depreciation.

Roadside Assistance

Provides support in case of a breakdown, such as towing services or emergency repairs.

Engine Protection

Protects your bike’s engine against damage caused by water ingress or oil leakage.

Personal Accident Cover

Covers medical expenses or compensation in case of an accident while riding your bike.

Pillion Rider Cover

Extends personal accident cover to the pillion rider as well.

Consumables Cover

Covers the cost of consumable items like engine oil, nuts, bolts, etc., in case of a claim.

Return to Invoice

Provides the original invoice value of your bike in case of theft or total loss.

 

These are just a few examples of the add-ons that can be included in a bike insurance policy. Some insurers offer additional or customised add-ons to meet your specific needs.

How Do Add-ons Enhance Standard Bike Insurance?

Add-on covers can significantly enhance the value of your bike insurance by addressing specific situations that may not be covered under a basic policy. Here's how they work to improve your coverage:

1.    Zero Depreciation Protection

One of the most popular add-ons is the zero depreciation cover. This means that if the bike is damaged, the insurance will pay the full replacement value of parts without considering their depreciation. In simple terms, it ensures that the claim payout is maximised, especially when the bike is new, or its parts are expensive.

2.    Roadside Assistance for Peace of Mind

Imagine one is stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down bike. Roadside assistance is a great add-on that ensures that one won’t be left in a tough situation. Whether it's a flat tyre, running out of fuel, or a mechanical issue, this cover ensures you get help promptly.

3.    Protecting the Bike’s Engine

Water ingression or oil leakage can cause significant damage to the bike’s engine. The engine protection add-on ensures that the cost of repairing or replacing engine components due to such issues is covered, providing extra peace of mind.

4.    Personal Accident Cover

Personal accident cover could be particularly useful, as this ensures financial support in case of injuries sustained in an accident. This cover helps with medical expenses and can provide compensation for permanent disability or accidental death.

5.    Ensuring the Safety of Your Pillion Rider

If you often ride with a pillion, you can add a pillion rider cover to extend accident coverage to them. This ensures that both you and your passenger are adequately protected in the event of an incident.

Key Considerations When Adding Covers to Your Bike Insurance Policy

While add-ons offer valuable benefits, it’s important to carefully consider the following before making a decision:

1.    Assess Your Bike’s Value

If the bike is relatively new or high-end, the cost of parts may be high. In this case, a zero depreciation add-on would be a wise choice. For older bikes, you might not need this cover, as the value of parts would have already depreciated significantly.

2.    Consider Your Riding Habits

Do you frequently ride long distances, or do you often find yourself on roads with a higher risk of breakdowns? If so, roadside assistance and engine protection covers would be beneficial. Tailor your add-ons to suit your riding habits.

3.    Know Your Budget

While add-ons enhance the coverage, they also increase the premium. It's important to balance the benefits of these add-ons with what you can afford. Prioritise add-ons that offer the most value for your specific needs.

4.    Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before selecting any add-on, take the time to read the policy document. Some add-ons may have specific exclusions or conditions. For example, the roadside assistance cover may only apply within certain geographical limits.

5.    Impact on No Claim Bonus in Bike Insurance

Many insurers offer a No Claim Bonus in bike insurance for claim-free years. However, some add-ons may affect this bonus if a claim is made. It's essential to understand the impact of each add-on on the No Claim Bonus in bike insurance, as some may result in a higher premium for the next year.

Add-on Cover

Affects NCB? (Yes/No)

Zero Depreciation Cover

No

Roadside Assistance

Yes (if the claim is made)

Engine Protection

Yes (if the claim is made)

Personal Accident Cover

No

Pillion Rider Cover

Yes (if the claim is made)

Consumables Cover

Yes (if the claim is made)

Return to Invoice

Yes (if the claim is made)

 

Adding coverage to a bike insurance policy could significantly enhance the protection the bike receives. Whether it’s ensuring the bike parts are fully reimbursed through zero depreciation or adding personal accident cover for peace of mind, the right add-ons can make all the difference. Be sure to assess your needs, budget, and riding habits before choosing the add-ons that best suit you.