Insurance for Rental Bikes

Rental bike provides financial protection against any damages or accidents while using a rented bike. Read on to know more.
Insurance for Rental Bikes
3 mins
28-November-2023

Bike rental insurance is a type of insurance that covers you in case of theft, damage, or injury while using a rented bike. Whether you are renting a bike for a day, a week, or a month, bike rental insurance can give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected costs.

How to get insurance for rental bikes?

There are different ways to get insurance for rental bikes depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

  • Buy insurance from the rental company: Many bike rental companies offer insurance plans that cover theft, damage, or liability for a fee. This is the easiest and most convenient option, as you can get the insurance at the same time as you rent the bike.
  • Use your existing insurance: If you have a home, renter, or travel insurance policy, you may already have coverage for rental bikes. Some policies may cover your personal belongings, including bikes, up to a certain limit, even if they are rented. Some policies may also cover your liability in case you cause damage or injury to others while using a rented bike.
  • Buy a standalone bike insurance policy: If you rent bikes frequently or for long periods, you may want to consider buying a standalone bike insurance policy that covers rental bikes. This is a separate policy that you can buy from an insurance company or a specialised bike insurance provider. This option may offer more comprehensive and flexible coverage than the other options, as you can choose the level and type of coverage that suits your needs.

Do rented e-bikes need an insurance policy?

E-bikes are electric bikes that have a battery and a motor that assist the rider’s pedaling. E-bikes are becoming more popular and widely available for rent, as they offer many benefits, such as faster speed, longer range, and easier riding. However, e-bikes may also pose some risks, such as higher theft, damage, or injury potential, due to their higher value, weight, and speed. Therefore, you may wonder if you need separate insurance for e-bikes taken on rent.

The answer depends on the type and source of your rental insurance. Some rental companies may include e-bikes in their standard insurance plans, while others may charge extra or require a separate plan for e-bikes. Some existing insurance policies may cover e-bikes as personal belongings or bikes, while others may exclude or limit them due to their electric nature.

Some standalone bike insurance policies may cover e-bikes as bikes, while others may classify them as vehicles and require a different policy. Therefore, you should always check the terms and conditions of your rental insurance before you rent an e-bike and ask for clarification if you are unsure.

What to look out for when getting rental bike insurance?

Getting bike rental insurance can be a smart and safe choice, but it can also be confusing and costly if you are not careful. Here are some tips on what to look out for when getting bike rental insurance:

  • Compare different options: Before you rent a bike, you should compare different options for rental insurance, such as buying from the rental company, using your existing insurance, or buying a standalone policy. You should consider the cost, coverage, and convenience of each option, and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Read the fine print: Before you sign up for any rental insurance, you should read the fine print carefully, and understand what is covered and what is not. You should pay attention to the details, such as the amount and type of coverage, the exclusions and limitations, the deductibles and excesses, the claim process and requirements, and the cancellation and refund policies.
  • Keep the proof: When you rent a bike, you should keep the proof of the rental and the insurance, such as the receipt, the contract, the policy, and the confirmation email. You should also take photos of the bike before and after the rental and note any existing damage or defects. In case of theft, damage, or injury, you should report it to the rental company and the insurance provider as soon as possible, and keep the proof of the incident, such as the police report, the repair bill, the medical report, and the witness statement.

You should also follow the instructions and guidelines of the rental company and the insurance provider and cooperate with them throughout the claim process.

Frequently asked questions

Should I insure a rental electric bike?

Yes, you should insure a rental electric bike, as it may have a higher risk of theft, damage, or injury than a regular bike, due to its higher value, weight, and speed. You may need to pay extra or get a separate plan for e-bikes depending on the rental company or the insurance provider.

Why should I get two-wheeler insurance for a rental electric scooter?

Two-wheeler insurance is a type of insurance that covers motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and other two-wheeled vehicles. If you rent an electric scooter, you may need to get two-wheeler insurance, as some electric scooters may be classified as vehicles, and not as bikes, due to their electric nature and their speed and power.

Is insurance higher for a rental bike?

The cost of insurance for a rental bike may vary depending on several factors, such as the type, value, and duration of the rental, the level and type of coverage, the rental company and the insurance provider, and your personal details and history. Generally, insurance for a rental bike may be higher than insurance for an owned bike, as rental bikes may have a higher risk of theft, damage, or injury, due to their frequent use, exposure, and turnover. However, you may be able to find affordable and suitable insurance for a rental bike, if you compare different options, read the fine print, and keep the proof.

Disclaimer

*T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Future Generali Life Insurance Company Limited, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited , Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited and Care Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite CA registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also a distributor of other third party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, sum insured, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective insurance company or the respective Assistance service provider company.

Note – While we have made all efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits, etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective product’s sales brochures before concluding their sale.

T&C Apply. *Premium indicated is exclusive of taxes for third party coverage of two-wheeler up to 75 CC. Premium may vary based on the specification of the vehicle.