Suppose, you’re on your way to work on your bike. It’s an ordinary day. You’ve cycled through the same route for months. But suddenly, something amiss. You skid, you lose your balance, and the next thing you know, you’re in a hospital bed. This is where personal accident cover in bike insurance comes into play. Everyone assumes bike insurance is all about the bike—damage, theft, or scratches. What about you, the rider? Accidents don’t only damage bikes. They can leave you very badly injured or worse.
That’s why personal accident (PA) cover is so vital to your policy. And yet, many are unsure how it works. This InsureMile guide will tell you in plain language.
What is Personal Accident Cover in Bike Insurance?
Personal accident cover is an optional add-on or component of your bike insurance policy that safeguards you—the owner-driver—against death or injury caused by an accident while riding your bike.
It’s a kind of safety net only for the rider.
This cover provides you with monetary assistance if you are injured, disabled, or even killed in a bike accident.
Is It Mandatory?
Yes. According to Indian law, it is obligatory to have a personal accident cover of no less than ₹15 lakh for the owner-driver. If you don’t, then your policy is an incomplete one.
But there is a catch.
If you already have a standalone PA cover (e.g., from your car insurance or an earlier bike policy), you don’t have to purchase it again. But if not, it has to be included in your bike insurance.
What Does It Actually Cover?
Let’s deconstruct it. Personal accident cover in bike insurance covers:
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Death Benefit
If the policyholder passes away from a bike accident, the nominee gets the entire insured amount—typically ₹15 lakh. It ensures the family remains financially secure at a difficult moment.
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Permanent Total Disability
In case the accident permanently disables the rider (such as loss of both the legs or eyes), the insured individual is paid the entire sum insured.
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Permanent Partial Disability
If there is partial loss (e.g., loss of one limb or an eye), payment of a proportion of the total insured amount is made on the basis of the injury.
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Temporary Disability
Certain policies even provide a weekly compensation if you cannot work for a short while due to the accident. This allows you to pay for daily expenses while you recuperate.
What’s Not Covered?
It may be a good protection to sound, but there are things it does not cover. These are:
- Accidents while riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- If the rider doesn’t hold a valid driving license
- If the accident occurs outside the policy term
- If injuries result from attempts of suicide or self-injury
- War or nuclear damages
So yes, even PA cover has boundaries. But for most real-world scenarios, it offers good support.
How Much Does It Cost?
Good news—it’s not pricey.
The rate for personal accident insurance coverage in bike insurance is determined by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India). Now, for ₹15 lakh coverage, the premium is approximately ₹330 annually.
That’s less than the cost of a pizza. And for that, you have peace of mind for your family and yourself.
Who Should Buy It?
Frankly, every bike owner should. But most especially:
- Regular commuters: If you commute daily by bike, you are facing road hazards daily.
- Young riders: Teens tend to drive quickly and can be more reckless.
- Delivery couriers: If your occupation requires spending the day on a bike, you are at greater risk of accident.
Anyone who does not have standalone accident cover: If you do not have a life cover or health cover policy for accidents, the above is even more critical.
A Common Blunder: Not Considering It While Purchasing or Renewing
Most people either tend to overlook whether personal accident cover in bike insurance is included or cancel it in order to save a few hundred rupees.
It may seem a meager saving, but it’s dangerous. Accidents never give any warning, and once the accident occurs, it’s too late to rectify your policy.
At InsureMile, we’ve known instances where riders had maximum cover for their motorbikes but lacked PA cover. When accidents occurred, they had no cover for hospital expenses or disability. That’s a bitter experience.
Can You Claim More Than One PA Cover?
Yes, but the overall amount paid out is normally capped. If you have more than one insurance policy that includes PA cover, you can claim on each, but the total benefit is likely to be capped.
It’s always wise to verify the terms with your insurance provider. And still, even a single valid PA cover is much better than nothing.
How to Claim Personal Accident Cover?
The procedure typically goes as follows:
- Inform the insurance provider immediately after the accident
- File a First Information Report (FIR) if required
- Supply medical reports, hospital bills, or death certificate (if required)
- File identity proof and policy documents
InsureMile can also assist you with claim support. Our professionals remain engaged from beginning to end so that you’re not stranded with paperwork when you’re already experiencing a bad situation.
Last Words
Bike insurance is not merely about covering a vehicle. It is about covering the individual who drives it.
Personal accident cover in bike insurance is one of those things that we think is insignificant until something big goes wrong. Then it’s everything.
It’s inexpensive, mandatory by law, and a life-saver in the event of a serious crash. Whether you’re a student, an office worker, or a delivery courier—this cover is one you can’t afford to miss.
Here at InsureMile, we firmly hold that every bike insurance policy is incomplete without PA cover. And we make it easy for you to get one—speedy, hassle-free, and with complete assistance.
So the next time you are renewing or purchasing a bike insurance policy, ask yourself—am I covered too?
If not, now’s the time to correct it.