Owning a bike in India is not just about convenience—it’s also about responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities is ensuring your bike has valid & active insurance . Whether you are purchasing new bike insurance for the first time or renewing your two-wheeler insurance, insurers will require specific documents. Having these documents ready saves time, prevents delays, and ensures you don’t miss out on benefits like No Claim Bonus (NCB).
In recent years, the process has become easier thanks to digital adoption. Instead of carrying bulky paper files, you can now store and submit your RC, insurance policy, and driving licence through DigiLocker or mParivahan. These digital copies are legally valid and widely accepted by insurers and traffic authorities.
In this guide, we’ll explore in detail the how many documents are required for bike insurance - whether you’re buying a new policy, renewing an existing one, making a claim, or transferring ownership.
Documents Needed for New Bike Insurance Purchase
When you buy a bike for the first time, insurers ask for specific documents to verify your identity, the ownership of the vehicle, and the purchase details. Check out the documents required for new bike insurance:
Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar, Driving Licence, Passport)
Identity proof is crucial because it confirms the person purchasing the insurance is the actual owner of the bike. Commonly accepted identity proofs include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- PAN Card
These documents help insurers reduce fraud and comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) norms set by IRDAI.
Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Voter ID, etc.)
Your address proof ensures that the insurer can reach you for official communication, claim-related correspondence, or policy renewal reminders. Examples of valid address proof include:
- Recent utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
If you are moving to a new city or state, updating your address in your bike insurance policy is essential for smooth claims.
Bike’s Registration Certificate (RC)
The Registration Certificate (RC) is the most crucial document for bike insurance. It contains:
- Vehicle number
- Engine number
- Chassis number
- Vehicle class and registration details
Without the RC, insurers cannot link the policy to your bike. If your RC is still in process (standard for new bikes), the temporary registration document may also be accepted initially.
Purchase Invoice for the Bike
The purchase invoice serves as proof of ownership and provides details of the bike’s price. This is important for calculating the Insured Declared Value (IDV), which directly affects the premium and claim amount.
In the case of Return-to-Invoice Cover, this document becomes even more critical, as it ensures that you receive the original invoice value reimbursed if your bike is stolen or totally damaged.
Passport-Size Photographs (as required)
Some insurers still request passport-size photos at the time of a fresh insurance purchase. While many processes are now digital, a photo may be needed for offline applications or KYC records.
Documents Required for Bike Insurance Renewal
Renewing bike insurance is usually simpler than buying it for the first time, but insurers still need some documents to verify continuity and eligibility for discounts. Below are the documents required for bike insurance renewal:
Previous Insurance Policy (if renewing)
The earlier policy document helps insurers:
- Verify coverage details.
- Check the expiry date.
- Confirm your claim history.
If you have lost your bike insurance policy document, you can request a duplicate copy from your insurer or retrieve it from DigiLocker.
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Certificate
The No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a discount on your premium if you did not raise any claims during the previous year. To avail of this discount, you must submit your NCB certificate, which your previous insurer usually issues.
This document is crucial if you are switching insurers for two-wheeler insurance renewal.
PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate
A valid PUC certificate is mandatory for renewing any bike insurance policy in India. It shows that your bike meets the government’s pollution control standards. If your PUC has expired, insurers may not allow renewal until it is updated.
Proof of Identity & Address (if changed)
If your identity or address has changed since you last bought insurance, you’ll need to provide updated documents to ensure accurate records. This avoids issues during claims or renewals.
Inspection Report (for long-lapsed policies)
If your policy has expired for a long time (often more than 90 days), insurers may require a physical inspection of your bike before renewing. An inspection report assesses the condition of the bike and helps insurers decide the risk level before issuing a policy.
Documents Required for Bike Insurance Transfer
When you sell or purchase a second-hand bike in India, the insurance policy linked to that vehicle must also be transferred to the new owner. This process, called bike insurance transfer, is as important as transferring the Registration Certificate (RC).
If insurance remains in the seller’s name while the bike is used by the buyer, both parties may face legal and financial complications in case of an accident.
To complete the insurance transfer smoothly, the following are the documents required for bike insurance transfer:
- Original Bike Insurance Policy: The existing policy must be handed over to the new owner. This becomes the base document for the transfer.
- Form 28, 29, and 30 (RTO forms): These forms are necessary for ownership transfer at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Insurers often ask for copies as supporting proof.
- Registration Certificate (RC): Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence are accepted. This helps insurers update KYC records.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the bike was under loan or hypothecated with a bank, an NOC from the lender may be needed.
- Sale Agreement or Delivery Note: This acts as proof of transaction between the seller and buyer.
Documents Required for Bike Insurance Claim
When it comes to filing claim for bike insurance, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with the stress of an accident, theft, or unexpected damage. Having the right documents required for bike insurance claim ready makes the process smooth and quick. So, what documents are required for a bike insurance claim?
Depending on the type of claim - accidental damage, theft, or third-party liability - the insurer may request slightly different sets of documents.
Common Documents Needed for All Claims:
- Original Bike Insurance Policy
- Duly Filled Claim Form
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- Driving Licence of Rider
Additional Documents for Theft Claims
- First Information Report (FIR): A mandatory police report filed immediately after theft.
- No Trace Certificate : Issued by police if the stolen vehicle is not recovered after a set period.
- Original Keys of the Bike: To prove genuine theft and rule out negligence.
Additional Documents for Accidental Damage Claims
- Repair Estimate and Bills: Issued by the garage or service centre.
- Surveyor’s Report : Insurers often appoint a surveyor to inspect damages before approving repairs.
Additional Documents for Third-Party Claims
- Copy of FIR or Police Report Especially if another person or property is involved.
- Court Order or Legal Notice (if applicable) Required when cases move into legal proceedings.
Using DigiLocker and Digital Documents
Gone are the days when you had to carry a file of documents for every insurance-related task. Today, insurers widely accept digital documents.
- DigiLocker: This government-backed app lets you store and share digital copies of your RC, driving licence, and insurance policies. These are legally valid and accepted by traffic police and insurers.
- Scanned copies: For purchase or renewal of bike insurance online, scanned copies of identity proof, RC, and address proof are often sufficient.
- Policy download : Once you buy or renew insurance online, your policy is sent via email or can be downloaded from the insurer’s website.
Conclusion
Having the correct documents required for bike insurance ready saves time and avoids last-minute hurdles. For a new bike insurance purchase, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, the RC, the invoice, and photographs. For bike insurance renewal, key documents include your previous policy, NCB certificate, valid PUC, and updated KYC details.
With digital solutions like DigiLocker, you do not always need to carry physical copies , making it easier to manage and access your policy anywhere, anytime.
Whether it’s a new purchase or renewal, being ready with documents required for two-wheeler insurance ensures a smoother process and uninterrupted protection for your ride.
FAQ
Yes, most insurers accept scanned or digital copies for online bike insurance purchase or renewal. However, originals may be required in specific offline cases.
You must renew your RC first. An expired RC is not valid for insurance renewal. Without it, insurers cannot issue or extend coverage.
Yes, digital copies stored in DigiLocker or your insurer’s mobile app are legally valid. Traffic police also accept them as per government regulations.
Not always. If you are renewing with the same insurer, they already have your claim history. But if you switch insurers, you must provide an NCB certificate.
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