On Friday, 27 March 2026, at 20:22:01 GMT, a Top Gear star settled a court case over motorbike insurance, as reported by NationalWorld. This news highlights the significance of bike insurance in India, where over 17 million bikes are sold every year, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). In India, bike insurance is mandatory, and owners can expect to pay premiums ranging from ₹600 to ₹2,000 per year, depending on the bike’s value and location.
And, as per the Indian Motor Tariff, 2002, all two-wheelers must have at least a third-party liability insurance. But, many bike owners opt for comprehensive insurance, which covers damages to the bike, as well as third-party liabilities. For instance, the New India Assurance Company offers a comprehensive bike insurance policy, which starts at ₹1,046 per year for a bike valued at ₹50,000. “It’s essential to have bike insurance, as it provides financial protection in case of accidents or theft,” said Rohan Kumar, a bike owner from Delhi.
The Supreme Court of India has also emphasized the importance of bike insurance, stating that all two-wheelers must have a valid insurance policy to ply on Indian roads. On 1 April 2019, the Supreme Court made it mandatory for all new two-wheelers to have a 5-year third-party insurance policy. This move was aimed at reducing the number of uninsured vehicles on Indian roads. And, as per a report by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the number of uninsured vehicles in India has decreased significantly since the implementation of this rule.
But, despite the mandatory requirement, many bike owners in India still do not have valid insurance policies. According to a report by the Motor Vehicles Department, over 30% of two-wheelers in India do not have valid insurance policies. This is a concern, as it not only puts the bike owners at risk but also other road users. “We are taking strict action against bike owners who do not have valid insurance policies,” said SP Ravi Kumar, Traffic Police Commissioner, Bangalore.
The bike insurance market in India is highly competitive, with many players offering a range of policies. Some of the top bike insurance companies in India include Bajaj Allianz, HDFC ERGO, and ICICI Lombard. These companies offer a range of policies, including comprehensive and third-party liability insurance. For example, Bajaj Allianz offers a comprehensive bike insurance policy, which starts at ₹1,200 per year for a bike valued at ₹75,000. The policy covers damages to the bike, as well as third-party liabilities, and also offers a range of add-ons, including zero-depreciation cover and roadside assistance.
In addition to the mandatory third-party liability insurance, bike owners in India can also opt for add-ons, such as zero-deprecation cover and engine protector. These add-ons provide additional protection and can be purchased at an extra premium. For instance, the zero-deprecation cover offered by HDFC ERGO ensures that the bike owner gets the full value of the bike in case of a claim, without any depreciation. “We offer a range of add-ons to our bike insurance policies, which provide additional protection to our customers,” said a spokesperson for HDFC ERGO.
As the bike insurance market in India continues to grow, it’s essential for bike owners to understand the importance of insurance and to choose the right policy for their needs. With premiums ranging from ₹600 to ₹2,000 per year, depending on the bike’s value and location, bike insurance is an essential expense for all bike owners in India. For more information on bike insurance, you can visit our finance news section.
In conclusion, the Top Gear star’s court case over motorbike insurance highlights the significance of bike insurance in India. With over 17 million bikes sold every year, bike insurance is a crucial aspect of owning a two-wheeler in India. Bike owners can expect to pay premiums ranging from ₹600 to ₹2,000 per year, depending on the bike’s value and location. And, with many players offering a range of policies, it’s essential for bike owners to choose the right policy for their needs.
