The days of standing in lengthy lines or making many phone calls to obtain a physical copy of your insurance paperwork are long gone. Insurance companies have made it simpler than ever to obtain your policy data and crucial papers online, thanks to advancements in technology. Having a digital copy of your bike insurance, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner on the road, is not only convenient but also guarantees that you’re always prepared for any unforeseen events.
So take your laptop or smartphone and prepare to enter the world of online insurance downloads. Forbes Advisor India will walk you through the quick and easy procedure of getting your bike insurance document online in this post. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a newcomer to the world of two-wheelers, knowing how to get this vital document from the comfort of your own home may save you time, worry, and possibly even money.
How to Get Duplicate Bike Insurance Copy Online
The process to get a copy of your bike insurance is not complicated, notably if you have purchased the policy through a digital-insurance company. You can read ahead about the process to obtain a duplicate copy of the bike insurance policy online.
Contact your insurance provider
The first step is to reach out to your insurance company. You can find their contact details on their website or your policy documents. Inform them about the loss of your original insurance copy and request a duplicate.
Provide necessary details
The insurance company will ask for specific details to verify your identity and policy information. Be prepared to provide your policy number, bike registration details, and personal identification information.
Submit required documents
Once you’ve provided the necessary details, the insurance company may ask you to submit certain documents. These may include a copy of your bike’s registration certificate, a police complaint (if applicable), and a written request for a duplicate copy.
Pay any applicable fees
Some insurance companies may charge a nominal fee for issuing a duplicate copy. Make sure to inquire about any fees involved and complete the payment process, if required.
Online verification and processing
After submitting the required documents and paying the fees, the insurance company will verify the information provided. This process may take a few days. Once verified, they will generate a duplicate copy of your bike insurance.
Download the duplicate copy
Once the duplicate copy is ready, the insurance company will provide you with a link or send it to your registered email address. You can then download and save the duplicate copy for your records.
How to Get Duplicate Bike Insurance Copy Offline
Obtaining a duplicate copy of your bike insurance offline can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s a guide on how to get a duplicate bike insurance copy offline:
Contact Your Insurance Provider
The first and most important step is to contact your insurance provider or agent. Call their customer care hotline or go to their local branch office. Give them your policy information, including your coverage number and any pertinent information regarding your bike.
File a First Information Report (FIR)
If your bike insurance copy was stolen or lost due to illegal conduct, you must submit a FIR at your local police station. This report will be requested by your insurance carrier as proof of the loss.
Visit the Nearest Insurance Office
After reporting the loss to your insurance, go to the nearest branch office in person. For verification reasons, bring your bike’s registration certificate, a copy of the FIR (if relevant), and your identity.
Complete the Required Forms
Your insurance company will give you the documents you need to get a duplicate copy of your bike insurance policy. Fill out these forms completely and submit them with the necessary documentation.
Pay the Duplicate Copy Fee
Most insurance companies charge a nominal fee for issuing a duplicate insurance copy. Be prepared to pay this fee when you submit your request. The amount may vary from one insurer to another.
Wait for Processing
Your insurance provider will handle your request once you have provided all of the required paperwork and paid the charge. Depending on the company’s internal procedures, this might take a few days to a number of weeks.
Collect Your Duplicate Copy
Once your request is approved, visit the insurance office again to collect your duplicate bike insurance copy. Ensure that all the details on the new copy are accurate and match your original policy.
Is a Hard Copy of the Bike Insurance Policy Required?
In the past, it was mandatory for all bike owners to carry a physical hard copy of their valid insurance at all times. However, with the rapid digitization seen today, the norms have relaxed a bit. While a hard copy is not absolutely necessary anymore, it is still recommended to carry one if possible.
Having the insurance policy document in hand provides instant proof of your insurance status if required. For example, during routine checks by traffic police or in case of an accident. An electronic or soft copy may take time to retrieve from your phone or documents. Producing a physical copy is more convenient in emergency situations.
However, considering many now rely on digital insurance copies, the law allows presenting a valid soft copy or even sharing the policy details from the insurer’s website as valid proof. But a physical document serves as a backup and is the safest option in the absence of internet connectivity or non-functional devices.
While not legally binding, it is still a safer practice to carry a printed insurance hard copy along with the digital one. This provides instant verification of your coverage while meeting legal compliance. So in summary, while not mandatory, possessing a physical insurance policy copy is highly recommended for bike owners.
Bottom Line
Whether you need a duplicate copy of your bike insurance due to loss or any other reason, both online and offline methods make the process simple and hassle-free. While online retrieval via the insurer’s website or app offers maximum convenience, you can also visit their local office to get an offline duplicate copy.
The key is to accurately provide your identification and policy details to the insurance company for swift verification. Retain all important bike documents such as the insurance policy, RC book, and PUC certificate in digital formats on your phone or cloud for easy access anytime, anywhere. You can also take printouts for backup.
Above all, keep your original insurance documents safely in a fireproof locker or wallet at home to avoid the need for duplicates. Staying prepared with valid insurance coverage is crucial for your financial protection as well as road legal compliance. Follow these guidelines to easily obtain that duplicate copy and ride stress-free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get duplicate copies of my bike insurance policy if I lose my original?
Yes, you can obtain duplicate copies from your insurance provider if you lose the original policy. You need to inform them and submit valid identity proof for verification. The process can be completed online or by visiting their local office. A nominal fee may apply for duplicate copies.
Is it illegal if I carry a soft copy of my bike insurance policy?
No, carrying a soft copy of your bike insurance policy is not illegal. The law allows presenting a valid digital copy on your phone or sharing policy details from the insurer’s website as acceptable proof during checks. However, carrying a printed copy is safer and provides instant verification in the absence of internet connectivity.
What happens If I do not carry my bike insurance policy while riding?
If caught riding without a valid insurance policy during checks, you may be fined up to Rs 2000 by traffic police under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The vehicle can also be impounded. Not having insurance also voids your right to an insurance claim in case of an accident. It is always advisable to carry your insurance documents while riding for your financial protection and compliance with traffic rules.
