Bikes with higher Cubic Capacity (CC) generally require more risk to insure. Hence, the overall premium gets higher. Bike insurance for higher-CC bikes usually comes at a higher premium also because their larger engines generate more power and torque, increasing overall speed.
This heightens the chances of claims due to accidents. Their spare parts, embedded electronics and advanced technologies are costlier compared to their lower cc counterparts. If you have a higher CC bike, such as one beyond 350 cc or are planning to purchase one, you must understand why insurers may impose a higher premium.
Read this blog to get clarity on how coverage differs in high cc bikes and stay informed while making an insurance purchase.
What is the Role of Higher CC in Bike Insurance Coverage?
The Cubic Capacity, or CC, of a bike is the maximum power output that it produces. It acts as the primary factor determining how much power a motorcycle can produce in terms of horsepower or brake horsepower (bhp), torque, top speed and more. Thus, the higher the cc of your bike, the higher the power and performance it delivers.
For example, a motorcycle with a 125 cc engine generally produces around 10.7 bhp and 10.6 Nm of torque. A 400 cc motorcycle may generate around 27 BHP and 38 Nm of torque, or more depending on the manufacturer. Thus, the higher torque of high-CC bike models increases the initial pickup, while their higher bhp maintains a higher speed.
Here, you may ask why a higher CC bike requires higher premiums for coverage? You must note that the higher the power output, the higher the chances of accidents, especially across busy streets of India. In terms of mandatory third-party liability, the IRDAI also sets a higher slab. It is around ₹2804 as per the publication by ET Auto.
For comprehensive or standalone plans, insurers also set a higher premium amount. This is because the IDV of such bikes is higher due to their market value and other factors.
What Factors Differentiate Coverage for Bikes With Higher Engine Capacity?
Now that you have got a glimpse at the role of a higher CC bike engine in influencing coverage and premium of a bike insurance, you must have a look at their detailed description:
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Higher Insured Declared Value or IDV
IDV is the maximum amount that you can claim for a bike or two-wheeler insurance. It is based on the current market value of your bike or motorcycle. It provides a payout in case of theft or total damage. Suppose a 400 cc bike has an ex-showroom price tag of ₹2,35,000. This results in a higher IDV and premium in a comprehensive or standalone plan.
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Higher Repair Value
Bikes with higher CC generally include sophisticated technologies. For example, to enhance security, they may come with safety features like traction control, cornering ABS, side-stand engine cut-off, etc. If such insured bikes get involved in accidents, sustain damage, and require replacement or repairs of such parts, it costs more, leading to an increased premium.
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High-End Performance Related Risks
Most bike enthusiasts prefer a high-CC bike due to their higher top-end performance or even their speed. If you are one of them, you must know that its higher throttle and speed increase the chances of accidents on city roads or even on highways, even if you ride with caution. It increases the risk profile of your bike, and insurers charge a higher premium.
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Add-On Covers
As a rider of a high-CC bike, you may opt for add-on covers like engine protection, zero depreciation, roadside assistance, etc. Such covers help to optimise expenses during repairs and increase coverage scope while slightly increasing premiums.
You can enquire about premiums for high-capacity bike insurance or high-performance electric bike insurance from a reputed insurer like Bajaj General Insurance. Insuring your two-wheeler with such insurers helps ensure efficient coverage.
Final Words
Bike insurance for high-capacity two-wheeler models requires better coverage, increasing the overall premium. Due to their high risk profile, expensive repairs and replacements, insurers generally impose a higher premium for efficient coverage. Required add-ons also increase overall premiums to cover your high-CC motorcycle.
