Bike insurance add-ons can fill gaps in your basic policy. Learn which two-wheeler covers are useful and how to choose them. Ask Insurance Kro for a quote.
Bike insurance add-ons are optional covers that you buy on top of your main policy. They fill gaps that a basic comprehensive policy may leave. Useful ones for many riders are zero depreciation, roadside assistance, key and lock replacement, and consumables cover, but the right choice depends on your bike and how you ride.
What Are Add-Ons in Bike Insurance?
A normal comprehensive policy gives you third-party cover and own damage cover. It does not pay for everything. For example, the insurer may cut a part of the claim for depreciation on replaced parts.
An add-on (also called a rider) is a small extra cover that you pay for with your premium. Each add-on solves one problem. You can pick only the ones you need. Terms differ by insurer, so always read the policy wording.
Add-ons are mostly available with comprehensive policies. A basic third-party policy does not cover your own bike, so own-damage add-ons do not make sense there. Read our guide on third-party bike insurance to see the difference.
Common Bike Insurance Add-Ons
Here are the add-ons you will usually see for two-wheelers.
- Zero depreciation: The insurer does not cut depreciation on replaced parts like plastic, rubber, glass and metal, as per policy terms. Your claim pay-out is usually higher.
- Engine protection: Helps with engine damage from water entering the engine, such as in a flood, and similar cases that a normal policy may not cover.
- Return to invoice: If the bike is stolen or totally damaged, you may get the invoice value instead of just the IDV.
- Roadside assistance: Help if your bike breaks down, for things like towing, a flat tyre or a dead battery.
- Consumables cover: Pays for small items used in repair, like engine oil, nuts, bolts and grease.
- Key and lock replacement: Helps if your key is lost or stolen.
- NCB protection: Lets you keep your no claim bonus even after a claim, usually up to a set number of claims.
- Daily allowance: A small amount for daily travel while your bike is in the garage.
- Tyre protection: Helps with damaged tyres, which a normal policy often does not cover.
- Battery cover: Mostly useful for electric two-wheelers.
Zero Depreciation: The Most Popular Add-On
When parts are replaced after an accident, the insurer usually reduces the claim for the age of the parts. This is called depreciation. You pay the difference.
With zero depreciation, this cut is not made on the parts covered by the add-on. It is usually meant for newer bikes, often up to around 5 years old, but check the insurer's rules. There is also usually a limit on the number of claims per year.
If you ride in busy traffic or park on the street, scratches and dents are common. This add-on can then be very helpful. Read more in our guide on zero depreciation bike insurance or the zero depreciation cover page.
Roadside Assistance and Key Cover
Small problems can stop your day. A flat tyre on a highway or a lost key at night is stressful.
Roadside assistance usually gives you help at the spot. Services may include towing to a nearby garage, a small fuel delivery or help with a dead battery. The distance and number of calls are usually limited.
Key and lock replacement pays for a new key or lock set if yours is lost, stolen or broken. Some riders skip it, but it can save a lot of hassle if you lose a smart key.
Which Add-Ons Should You Choose?
There is no single answer. Think about your bike and your riding.
- New bike, city riding: Zero depreciation and consumables are usually a good start.
- Bike parked outside: Look at return to invoice and key replacement.
- Long trips and highways: Add roadside assistance.
- Flood-prone area: Check engine protection, because engine damage from water usually needs this add-on.
- Older bike: Many add-ons may not be offered. Keep it simple.
Do not buy every add-on. Each one adds to your premium. Choose the ones that match a real risk for you. If you are still comparing, our bike insurance page and comprehensive insurance guide can help you understand the base policy first.
Things to Check Before You Buy
Add-ons have rules. Always check these in the policy wording:
- The age limit of the bike for each add-on.
- How many claims are allowed per year.
- What is not covered under each add-on.
- If any deductible still applies to your claim.
- Whether the add-on needs to be taken at every renewal.
Also remember that claims can be rejected for reasons like wear and tear, mechanical breakdown or giving wrong facts. An add-on does not remove these limits.
If you want help to choose, you can get a quote and compare the options. Rules and add-on terms can change, and your policy document is the final word.
FAQs
Are bike insurance add-ons compulsory?
No. Add-ons are optional. Only third-party cover is compulsory for your bike. You choose add-ons based on your needs.
Can I buy add-ons with a third-party bike policy?
Usually no. Most add-ons are sold with comprehensive policies because they relate to damage to your own bike.
Does zero depreciation work for old bikes?
Usually it is offered for newer bikes, often up to around 5 years old. Check each insurer's rules.
Do add-ons increase my premium?
Yes, each add-on adds a little to your premium. Pick only the ones you really need.
This guide is for information only. Rules and policy terms can change, and the policy document is final. Please read your policy wording.