The cultural and literary capital of India, Kolkata is home to legends like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Amartya Sen. The busiest cantilever bridge “Howrah Bridge” that handles over 100,000 vehicles on a daily basis, is located in Kolkata. While trams and yellow taxis give out an old world vibe, two wheelers have become the lifeline for lakhs of daily commuters throughout the city. It is important to safeguard your motorcycle with a comprehensive insurance policy, to protect your financial interests and have a peace of mind. Let us understand two wheeler insurance in Kolkata and why it is essential.
If you are riding through the traffic at Esplanade or just having an evening ride near Hooghly, there are many difficulties you may face, like traffic, bad road conditions, overcrowded pedestrians, etc. These implications increase the risk of accidents or mishaps. To make sure you have a stress-free ride, having an insurance policy that will cover all your needs is essential. Here are a few problems that riders in Kolkata face on a daily basis:
Areas like Esplanade, Gariahat, Park Circus are notorious for traffic congestion. Cruising through traffic daily is such a headache, and also it increases the odds of an accident or a mishap happening. No matter how good you are at riding, a motorcycle insurance will always safeguard you from uncertain misfortunes.
With increasing population, people more often than not are out on the street, carelessly crossing roads, walking beyond the line, creating a risky situation. Having a third-party insurance policy makes sure you do not land in trouble during the times of need.
Kolkata has a bad reputation for potholes, especially during monsoons. As potholes are not visible due to waterlogging, accidents are bound to occur during heavy pours. With limited visibility, and wear and tear to the motorcycle due to rains, not having two-wheeler insurance is a mistake too expensive to ignore.
Locating network garages in the city that are covered by your insurance is one of the factors you should consider before purchasing an insurance policy. Having an insurer that has a number of network garages near you or near your commutes will ensure easy claims and fast, cashless transactions.
With areas like Sealdah Station area, Barabazar Market, Sonagachi (red-light area), and areas around Esplanade reporting high thefts and the recent acts of vandalism that is happening around the city, having an insurance that protects you from theft and vandalism is a must.
As per the RTO guidelines, having a third-party insurance is mandatory in Kolkata. Also, RTOs are getting more strict day-by-day, and not carrying necessary documents like insurance for your motorcycle can lead to fines up to ₹4000.
While Kolkata is a growing city, there are a lot of options of insurers to choose from for your two-wheeler. To get the best prices and coverage for your motorcycle, visit Coverfox website and compare different insurer premium costs.
If you are involved in an accident or a mishap, worrying about the claim process is the last thing you want to do. Having an insurer that has a smooth claim process and excellent customer service like Coverfox will help you in the long run at the time of need.
In Kolkata, there are currently 3 types of two-wheeler insurance available. Amongst the three, having a third-party two-wheeler insurance is mandatory as per Motor Vehicle Act 1988. Here are the 3 types of two-wheeler insurance in the city of Kolkata:
A third-party two-wheeler insurance covers damages done to the third party (vehicle, individual or property) during an accident. This type of insurance is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and not having it whilst riding the streets of Kolkata can lead to hefty fines.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
A comprehensive insurance covers third-party damages and damage done to your own bike. As the name suggests, comprehensive insurance can cover every aspect of your bike that needs to be insured by customising the insurance policy with add-ons. Things like natural calamities, theft, engine protections, etc are covered in comprehensive two-wheeler insurance (Depends on the customisation).
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Standalone own-damage insurance focuses solely on covering damages to your bike. This type of insurance is only available if you already have third-party insurance from the same or other insurer. This policy is best for those who already have third-party insurance and want to further protect their bike or two-wheeler.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
In Kolkata, you can buy an insurance policy for your motorcycle online and at the ease of your chair through Coverfox. Just follow these steps:
Renewing your policy is essential and timely renewal makes sure you do not lose your NCB (No Claims Bonus). Coverfox ensures fast and simple renewal of insurance online:
If your old policy is from Covefox then:
Your policy will be renewed after the payment and verification of documents.
In order to have a hassle free claim process, follow these steps:
Having insurance is mandatory and generally advised to safeguard yourself from unseen financial distress. But, insurance premiums can become pricey if not structured properly. Follow these simple tips to reduce your premium costs:
Riding on two wheelers is the lifeline for many commuters in Kolkata. Whether it's daily commuting or weekend getaway, having a coverage plan that will safeguard your motorcycle from financial burden is a must. Insurance policy is not just a mandatory document, it is a lifeline in the time of need. Enjoy your ride, with Coverfox to have a peace of mind!
Ans: Yes, a third party two-wheeler insurance policy is mandatory in Kolkata.
Ans: Yes, when compared to other cities in West Bengal, Kolkata has a higher premium rate because of it being an urban city, with high population and high accident risk.
Ans: Factors that influence two wheeler insurance premiums in Kolkata are model of the bike, location, add-ons, age of the bike, NCBs, type of insurance, etc.
Ans: A fine of ₹2000 for the first offence and ₹4000 for subsequent offences is levied for not having insurance in Kolkata.
Ans: A third party two-wheeler insurance policy is mandatory in Kolkata.