Two-wheeler pillion riders are at a higher risk when it comes to motor accident cases. There are various reasons behind this including not wearing protective gear most of the time. The risk of injury is as high as the rider of the two-wheeler. To mitigate this risk, it is mandatory to purchase third-party insurance for two-wheeler vehicles in India. Most of the laws related to motor vehicle is enlisted in Motor Vehicle Act.
Can A Pillion Rider Claim Insurance?
The answer is yes. Pillion riders can also claim compensation under third-party insurance which has been made mandatory by the government. Either you can have the comprehensive two-wheeler insurance and purchase insurance as an add-on to insure the pillion rider or you can purchase it separately.
What Does Third Party Insurance Cover?
Third-party insurance is liability insurance purchased from an insurance company. It basically protects the owner from legal liabilities arising after the accident where the injury is caused to the other person who is sitting at the back. Every bike rider is liable to get this third-party cover. In the absence of this insurance cover, the rider is entitled to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000 and can also be imprisoned for three months.
- In case of injuries due to accidents, the pillion rider can claim compensation up to Rs 3,00,000. In case of death in the accident, the next of kin can claim up to Rs 5,00,000 as compensation. In order to ensure maximum financial protection for the pillion rider, the compensation amount is in the same range as that of the rider of the motorcycle.
- When a person other than the rider and pillion rider sustains an injury by collision or accident, third-party insurance doesn’t cover that person. The cover benefits cannot be availed in such cases.
- As per the laws, only two persons are allowed to ride a two-wheeler. Therefore, a third person riding the vehicle cannot seek compensation under a third-party insurance scheme.
- The cover includes Rs 10,000 for vehicles carrying injured persons to the hospital which includes ambulance services.
- If the pillion rider wants to get treated in a foreign country, the person needs to notify the insurance company within a week.
How Can You Apply For Third-Party Insurance Claims?
- The very first thing you need to do is to click clear pictures of the incident and the vehicle.
- Note down the details of the vehicle.
- Noting down the contact details of an eyewitness will be helpful for you.
- Inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Register an FIR in the nearest police station.
- Consult a MACT lawyer and file a case in Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Court.
- Keep all the required documents with you while going to court.
- Share the court’s order with your insurance company to get the compensation.
Documents Required to Make a Third Party Insurance Claim
- Driving license (DL)
- Insurance Policy Document
- Registration Certificate (RC) of the two-wheeler
- Duly filled and signed claim form
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- First Investigation Report (FIR) (in an event of accident)
- A copy of PAN Card (if the claim amount is more than Rs. 1 lakh)
- Original receipt/bills of bike or any two-wheeler repairs
- Duly signed Satisfaction Voucher (SV) or Discharge Voucher (DV)
What Is Comprehensive Two Wheeler Insurance?
As the name suggests, this scheme covers almost everything. A comprehensive insurance policy provides complete financial security and protection against third-party liability, personal accident cover for the owner or driver of the two-wheeler as well as damages caused to your two-wheeler due to an accident. The policy also covers the theft of a stolen vehicle. It also has several add-on options. Insuring pillion riders is one of them.
This article is written by Varsha. You can reach out to the author via email at bnbvarsha@gmail.com.
