Introduction
Bike insurance is not optional in India. Third-party cover is mandatory by law, and riding without it can cost you a Rs 2,000 fine, a seized bike, and a legal nightmare if you are in an accident. But the cheapest policy is rarely the best one. The best bike insurance plans in India are the ones that pay your claim quickly, cover your bike properly, and cost a fair price for your bike and your city. This guide compares the top insurers for 2026, explains the three types of cover, and shows you the add-ons that actually matter.
The short answer is that most riders should buy a comprehensive policy with zero depreciation cover, from an insurer with a claim settlement ratio above 90 percent and a large cashless garage network near their home. For a 150cc bike, that costs roughly Rs 2,400 to Rs 4,800 a year, depending on the insurer, the city, and the add-ons you choose.
Types of bike insurance in India
There are three types of bike insurance, and the difference between them decides what you get when something goes wrong. Third-party insurance is mandatory by law under the Motor Vehicles Act. It covers bodily injury, death and property damage to a third party, but it does not cover your own bike at all. Its premiums are set by IRDAI and are the same across insurers for the same engine size: up to 75cc costs Rs 538 a year, 75cc to 150cc costs Rs 714 a year, 150cc to 350cc costs Rs 1,366 a year, and above 350cc costs Rs 2,804 a year, as reported for 2026. Because the price is fixed, there is no point comparing third-party premiums between insurers. Comprehensive insurance covers both third-party liability and damage to your own bike, including accidents, theft, fire, natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes, and vandalism. Its premium is 3 to 5 times higher than third-party only, but for any bike worth over Rs 50,000, comprehensive is the only sensible choice. Standalone own damage cover is a third option: it covers only your own bike, and you can buy it only if you already hold an active third-party policy, since IRDAI allowed it from September 2019. New two-wheelers sold in India must carry a 5-year third-party cover under IRDAI rules in force since 2018.
Quick comparison: the best bike insurance plans in India in 2026
| Insurer | Comprehensive premium for 150cc bike reported | Claim settlement ratio reported | Cashless garages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO | Rs 2,800 to Rs 4,500 | 91.23 percent | 6,800 plus | Fast claims and digital process |
| Bajaj Allianz | Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,200 | 88.74 percent | 4,000 plus | Affordable, long-term policies |
| ICICI Lombard | Rs 2,900 to Rs 4,800 | 87.89 percent | 5,600 plus | Wide network, tech-driven claims |
| Tata AIG | Varies | Around 98 percent | 7,500 plus | Variety of add-ons |
| Reliance General | Varies | 98.60 percent | 8,700 plus | Wide garage network |
| Acko | Around Rs 3,200 | 97 percent plus | 2,500 plus | Digital-first urban riders |
| GoDigit | Rs 2,400 to Rs 3,800 | 82.15 percent | 2,500 plus | Low premium, app-based claims |
Note that claim settlement ratios differ across sources for the same insurer, with some guides quoting the same companies at 95 to 100 percent. The figures above are the more conservative set, and you should check the latest IRDAI annual report and the insurer’s own disclosure before you buy. Premiums are indicative for a new 150cc bike in a Zone B city, and actual premiums vary by bike model, city, IDV, and add-ons.
1. HDFC ERGO: best for fast digital claims
HDFC ERGO is one of the most recommended bike insurers in India for 2026, with a reported claim settlement ratio of 91.23 percent in one comparison and higher figures in other guides. Its comprehensive premium for a 150cc bike is reported at Rs 2,800 to Rs 4,500, with a cashless garage network of more than 6,800 garages. HDFC ERGO’s strength is its fully app-based claim filing and fast processing, which matters most on the day you actually need to claim. Its zero depreciation add-on costs a reported Rs 450 to Rs 850. HDFC ERGO suits riders who want a smooth digital claim experience and a wide garage network.
2. Bajaj Allianz: best affordable comprehensive plan
Bajaj Allianz is one of the most affordable options for comprehensive bike insurance, with premiums reported at Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,200 for a 150cc bike and a claim settlement ratio of 88.74 percent in one comparison, with other guides quoting it above 96 percent. Its cashless network covers more than 4,000 garages, and its zero depreciation add-on costs a reported Rs 400 to Rs 750. Bajaj Allianz also offers strong long-term package policies, which suit riders who want to lock in cover for several years. It is a good choice for budget-conscious riders who still want proper comprehensive cover.
3. ICICI Lombard: best for wide network and tech claims
ICICI Lombard is a large, trusted insurer with a reported claim settlement ratio of 87.89 percent in one comparison and above 97 percent in other guides. Its comprehensive premium for a 150cc bike is reported at Rs 2,900 to Rs 4,800, with more than 5,600 cashless garages. ICICI Lombard is known for tech-driven claims, including video-based inspection for minor damage, which can speed up small claims. Its zero depreciation add-on costs a reported Rs 500 to Rs 900. ICICI Lombard suits riders who want a big-brand insurer with a strong digital claim process.
4. Tata AIG: best for add-on variety
Tata AIG offers a comprehensive bike insurance policy with extensive protection against third-party liabilities and own damage from theft, accidents, and natural and man-made disasters. Its claim settlement ratio is reported at around 98 percent, with a cashless network of more than 7,500 garages. Tata AIG’s strength is the variety of its add-ons, which lets you build a policy that fits your bike and your riding. It suits riders who want flexibility and a high claim settlement record.
5. Reliance General: best for long-distance riders
Reliance General is a strong choice for riders who travel long distances, because it has one of the largest cashless garage networks in India, with more than 8,700 garages. Its claim settlement ratio is reported at 98.60 percent. A wide garage network matters when your bike breaks down far from home, because a cashless garage means the insurer pays the garage directly and you do not have to arrange reimbursement. Reliance General suits tourers and riders in smaller towns where garage choice is limited.
6. Acko: best digital-first insurer
Acko is a digital-first insurer that has become popular with urban riders. Its comprehensive premium for a 150cc bike is reported at around Rs 3,200, with a claim settlement ratio above 97 percent and more than 2,500 cashless garages. Acko’s strength is speed: minor repair claims are reported to settle in 24 to 48 hours, and the whole process runs through the app. Acko suits young urban riders who want a cheap, fast, fully online policy and who do most of their riding in a city.
7. GoDigit: best low premium option
GoDigit, also called Digit, is one of the cheapest comprehensive options, with premiums reported at Rs 2,400 to Rs 3,800 for a 150cc bike. Its claim settlement ratio is reported at 82.15 percent in one comparison and above 96 percent in other guides, which is the widest disagreement in this guide, so check the latest figures before you buy. GoDigit offers fully app-based claim filing and a cashless network of more than 2,500 garages, with a zero depreciation add-on reported at Rs 380 to Rs 720. GoDigit suits price-sensitive riders who want the lowest premium, but the claim ratio disagreement means you should compare its latest record carefully.
4 must-have add-ons for your bike insurance
Zero depreciation cover is the single most important add-on for any bike less than five years old. Without it, the insurer deducts depreciation from your claim: 50 percent on plastic parts, 50 percent on rubber and nylon parts, 30 percent on fibreglass, and nothing on glass. With zero depreciation, the insurer pays the full cost of replaced parts. It costs roughly Rs 350 to Rs 900 a year depending on the insurer. Roadside assistance is the second add-on worth buying, because it covers towing, flat tyre help, fuel delivery, and breakdown support, which is invaluable on a highway. Engine protection cover is the third, especially if you ride in flood-prone cities, because it covers engine damage from water ingression, which a standard policy excludes. Return to invoice cover is the fourth, and it pays the full invoice value of your bike if it is stolen or totally damaged, instead of the depreciated IDV. For a new bike, buy comprehensive cover with zero depreciation and roadside assistance at minimum, and add engine protection if you ride in a city that floods.
How to save money on bike insurance
Compare quotes on PolicyBazaar, InsuranceDekho, or Coverfox, where you can compare more than 20 insurers in two minutes with identical coverage. Comprehensive premiums vary by 30 to 40 percent between insurers for the same bike, so comparison saves real money. Keep your no claim bonus, because a claim-free record can earn you up to a 50 percent discount on premiums after five claim-free years. Do not claim for small scratches, because a small claim can cost you a bigger no claim bonus at renewal. Set the IDV correctly: a low IDV lowers your premium but also lowers your payout if the bike is stolen, so do not under-insure to save a few hundred rupees. Renew on time, because a break in cover means an inspection, a possible loss of no claim bonus, and a period with no protection. Finally, buy online directly from the insurer or an aggregator, because offline agents often add their own charges.
How to claim bike insurance without trouble
If you have an accident, first make sure everyone is safe and call for help if needed. Take photos of the damage, the other vehicle, and the location. Inform your insurer within 24 hours through the app or helpline, and file an FIR if there is theft, third-party injury, or major damage. Do not repair the bike before the surveyor inspects it, unless it is unsafe to leave it. Keep every bill, receipt and document, and follow up on the claim number until it is settled. Cashless claims are easiest: take the bike to a network garage, and the insurer pays the garage directly. Reimbursement claims take longer, because you pay first and claim later, so prefer a network garage whenever possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is bike insurance mandatory in India?
Yes. Third-party insurance is mandatory by law under the Motor Vehicles Act. Riding without it can cost a Rs 2,000 fine. Comprehensive cover is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for any bike worth over Rs 50,000.
What is the third-party bike insurance premium in 2026?
IRDAI-regulated third-party rates for 2026 are reported as Rs 538 a year for bikes up to 75cc, Rs 714 for 75cc to 150cc, Rs 1,366 for 150cc to 350cc, and Rs 2,804 for bikes above 350cc. Some sources quote slightly different starting premiums, so check the latest IRDAI circular.
Which is the best bike insurance company in India?
For most riders, HDFC ERGO, Tata AIG, Reliance General and ICICI Lombard lead on claim reliability and garage reach. Acko and GoDigit are typically the most affordable. The best choice depends on your bike, your city, and the garages near you.
What is zero depreciation cover in bike insurance?
Zero depreciation is an add-on that makes the insurer pay the full cost of replaced parts without deducting for age. Without it, the insurer deducts up to 50 percent on plastic and rubber parts. It is essential for bikes less than five years old.
Can I get a discount on bike insurance?
Yes. A no claim bonus can give you up to a 50 percent discount after five claim-free years. Comparing quotes online can also save 30 to 40 percent, because comprehensive premiums vary widely between insurers.
Conclusion
The best bike insurance plans in India in 2026 are not the cheapest ones. They are the comprehensive policies from insurers with high claim settlement ratios, large cashless garage networks, and the add-ons that protect a new bike properly. For most riders, that means a comprehensive policy with zero depreciation and roadside assistance from HDFC ERGO, Tata AIG, Reliance General, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Acko or GoDigit, chosen after comparing live quotes for your exact bike and city. Buy the right cover once, renew it on time, keep your no claim bonus, and you will never have to worry about what a single accident costs.
