Wearing a helmet and practicing sobriety while riding not only help protect your life and well-being but also have an influence on your bike insurance. When it comes to riding a bike, safety should always be a top priority. Wearing a helmet can ensure compliance with legal requirements and increase the likelihood of full coverage in the event of an accident.
Similarly, maintaining sobriety while riding helps prevent accidents and ensures that your insurance coverage remains intact. Let’s take a glance with Kotak general insurance on the importance of helmets and sobriety in riding safely and how they can affect your bike insurance coverage.
The importance of helmets
Wearing a helmet is one of the most important safety measures for riders. Here’s why it matters:
a. Personal safety
A helmet acts as a protective barrier for your head, reducing the risk of severe head injuries in case of an accident. It can cushion the impact and prevent or minimise traumatic brain injuries that can have long-lasting repercussion.
b. Legal requirements
In legal terms, wearing a helmet while riding a bike is mandatory by law. Failing to wear a helmet can result in penalties, fines or even the loss of insurance coverage in case of an accident.
c. Insurance coverage
Helmet usage is considered while determining coverage and premiums.
Impact on bike insurance
The use of helmets can have a direct impact on your bike insurance coverage. Consider the following factors:
a. Insurance policy terms
Review your bike insurance policy to understand the specific requirements and provisions related to helmet use. Familiarise yourself with these terms to ensure compliance.
b. Premiums and coverage
Wearing a helmet is often seen as a responsible behavior that decreases the likelihood of severe injuries. As a result, lower premiums are provided for additional coverage benefits to riders who consistently wear helmets.
c. Claims and liability
In the unfortunate event, wearing a helmet can significantly influence the outcome of insurance claims and liability considerations.
Sobriety and riding
Riding a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and can have severe consequences. Here’s why sobriety matters:
a. Enhanced alertness
Alcohol and drugs increase the risk of accidents. Operating a bike requires focus, coordination and quick reflexes. Sobriety ensures that you are fully alert and capable of making split-second decisions to avoid potential hazards.
b. Legal implications
Riding a bike while intoxicated is not only dangerous but also illegal in India. Violating these laws can lead to fines, license suspension and even criminal charges.
c. Insurance coverage
Often, insurance coverage is excluded while a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs in case of an accident. If you are involved in an accident while intoxicated, your insurance company may deny your claim.
The conclusion
Riding safely is important for every bike rider and two major aspects of safety are wearing a helmet and practicing sobriety. Not only do these measures protect your life and well-being, but they also have implications for your two wheeler insurance coverage.
