For many cycling enthusiasts across India, insurance is much more than just permitting oneself to ride legally. It's about ensuring financial stability in the event of an unfortunate accident, to ensure peace of mind while riding. With all biking companies offering add-ons to their two-wheeler insurance, the most requested is zero depreciation bike insurance.
Zero depreciation bike insurance allows the bike owners to not be responsible for the depreciation of bike parts when making a claim. In other words, for example, if your bike suffers damage to its accessories made from plastic, rubber, fibre or even metal, the insurer will cover the entire replacement cost and not deduct the expenses for age-related depreciation. This is why so many riders, especially those who ride a brand-new or high-value bike, consider it essential.
While most insurers limit this cover to bikes less than 5 years old, there are nuances and exceptions worth exploring. Factors such as the type of bike, insurer-specific policies, and even your claim history can influence eligibility.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What is zero depreciation bike insurance
- Why insurers usually restrict it after 5 years
- Possible exceptions for older bikes
- The best alternatives and add-ons to safeguard bikes beyond 5 years
- Practical tips to choose the right zero depreciation for a two-wheeler
By the end, you’ll clearly know whether zero depreciation bike insurance after 5 years is worth chasing—or whether you should focus on more innovative add-ons to keep your bike well protected.
What Is Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance?
Before we dive into the eligibility rules, let’s first understand what is zero depreciation bike insurance and why it is such a valued add-on among riders.
Depreciation in Bike Insurance – The Basics
- Every bike, regardless of how carefully it is maintained, loses value over time.
- This natural reduction in value is known as depreciation.
- When you raise a claim under a standard two-wheeler insurance policy, the insurer deducts depreciation charges before settling the claim.
Over the years, these deductions can become significant, leaving you to pay a large portion of the repair costs yourself.
Zero Depreciation Cover Explained
Zero depreciation bike insurance (also known as nil-depreciation or bumper-to-bumper cover) eliminates this deduction. With this add-on:
- You get full claim coverage for replaced bike parts.
- Depreciation is not considered as long as your bike meets the eligibility criteria, which typically includes an age limit
- Out-of-pocket expenses for repairs are significantly reduced with zero depreciation cover.
In short, zero depreciation ensures that you don’t bear the cost of ageing parts during claims.
Key Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance Benefits
Check out the following zero depreciation bike insurance benefits:
- Full coverage for parts: Metal, fibre, plastic, and even rubber components.
- Higher claim settlements: No depreciation means you receive more money from the insurer.
- Best suited for new bikes: Especially during the first 3–5 years when the bike’s value is high.
- Peace of mind: You don’t have to worry about surprise repair bills after an accident.
In short, bike insurance zero depreciation cover protects you from the financial impact of ageing bike parts, ensuring you get maximum claim value without hidden deductions.
Is Zero Depreciation Available for Bikes Older Than 5 Years?
Now, let’s address the central question: Can we take zero depreciation insurance beyond 5 years?
The General Rule
Most insurers in India restrict zero depreciation cover for bikes that are up to 5 years old. The reason is simple: as the bike age wear and tear become natural, frequent, and costlier for insurers to cover fully. Beyond five years, the probability of parts replacement increases, making the add-on financially unsustainable for insurers.
However, as a rule of thumb, once your two-wheeler crosses five years, getting a new zero-depreciation cover for the bike becomes difficult.
Why the Restriction Exists
- High maintenance needs: Older bikes require more frequent replacement of parts.
- Lower resale value: The payout insurers make often exceeds the practical value of the bike.
- Claim ratios: Insurers risk facing high losses if depreciation is waived off indefinitely.
So, while zero depreciation is fantastic for new bikes, it’s not the long-term solution for ageing two-wheelers.
Alternatives for Older Bikes – What You Can Do
If your bike is more than 5 years old and you can’t get zero depreciation, you still have several ways to safeguard your vehicle. Here are some smart add-on covers for two-wheeler insurance that act as alternatives:
Engine Protection Add-On
Covers damage to your bike’s engine due to water ingress , oil leakage, or lubrication failures—issues often excluded from standard policies. This is especially useful during monsoon seasons when waterlogging is common.
Example: If your 6-year-old bike suffers an engine seizure after riding through flooded roads, the engine protection cover saves you from paying a huge bill.
Return-to-Invoice Cover
Restores the original invoice value of your bike (purchase price + registration + road tax) if it is stolen or declared a total loss.
Note: This is usually available for bikes up to 3–5 years, but some insurers may allow extension for slightly older vehicles on request.
Comprehensive Own-Damage Policy Benefits
Even without zero depreciation, a comprehensive bike insurance policy covers accidental damage, theft, fire, and natural calamities. While depreciation will apply, the protection still prevents significant financial losses.
No Claim Bonus (NCB) Protection Cover
This allows you to retain your accumulated NCB discount even after making a claim. For older bikes where premiums are already low, NCB protection keeps renewals affordable while ensuring continued benefits.
Roadside Assistance Add-On
Provides on-the-spot help if your bike breaks down—flat tyre, towing, battery jump-start, or emergency fuel delivery. Older bikes are more prone to sudden breakdowns, making this add-on very practical.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Bike
With multiple add-ons and restrictions, it’s essential to choose wisely.
Consider Your Bike’s Current Value and Repair Costs
If your bike is over 5 years old, its market value (IDV) has already depreciated significantly. Check if it makes financial sense to pay extra for add-ons. For example, a roadside assistance cover may be more useful than paying for a return-to-invoice cover.
Analyse the Cost vs Benefit of Each Add-On
- If you live in a flood-prone city, the engine protection add-on makes sense.
- If you travel long distances often, roadside assistance is a wise choice.
- If you haven’t made claims in years, NCB protection can save money in the long run.
Check Insurer Flexibility and Renewal Terms
Some insurers are more flexible with older vehicles. At the time of two-wheeler insurance renewal, check whether they offer special add-ons for your bike’s age group. Always compare before deciding.
Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance vs Comprehensive Policy
Here’s a quick comparison of zero depreciation bike insurance vs comprehensive to help you understand how they differ once your bike crosses 5 years:
| Feature | Zero Depreciation Bike Insurance | Standard Comprehensive Bike Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation Deducted? | No | Yes (as per IRDAI depreciation chart) |
| Eligibility | Up to 5 years (some exceptions) | All bikes, regardless of age |
| Claim Amount | Higher (full replacement cost) | Lower (after depreciation) |
| Premium | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | New or high-value bikes | Older bikes |
Once your bike is older than five years, a comprehensive policy with smart add-ons is often the most practical solution.
Conclusion
So, can I get zero depreciation insurance beyond 5 years?
- For most bike owners, the answer is no—insurers generally don’t allow it.
- A few exceptions may exist for superbikes or exceptional renewal cases.
But that doesn’t mean your older bike cannot be well protected. By opting for alternatives like engine protection, roadside assistance, NCB protection, or a solid comprehensive bike insurance policy, you can ensure your two-wheeler stays financially safeguarded.
When it’s time for two-wheeler insurance renewal, think beyond zero depreciation. Evaluate your bike’s condition, usage, and risks. Select the ideal combination of add-on covers for two-wheeler insurance to achieve value for money and reliable coverage.
FAQ
Yes, in many cases, insurers allow zero depreciation until the bike completes 5 years. Once it crosses 5 years, the option usually expires.
Some insurers may offer zero depreciation coverage for up to 7 years on superbikes or premium motorcycles. Vintage bikes usually require customised coverage.
No. Return-to-invoice only compensates for total loss or theft by restoring the invoice value. Engine protection is a separate add-on.
Most insurers allow one claim per year under return-to-invoice, while engine protection claims may be allowed multiple times depending on the insurer’s terms.
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