Bike Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover: What, Cost and When to Buy 2026
What Is Bike Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover
Zero depreciation cover (also called bumper-to-bumper) removes the depreciation deduction on plastic, rubber, and fibre parts during a claim. Without it, insurance pays only the depreciated value of replaced parts, often 30% to 50% lower than the new-part cost.
You can add this cover only on a comprehensive policy. It does not work as a standalone product and is not available on a third-party only plan.
A panel and headlamp replacement on a 3-year old bike: bill Rs 18,500. Without zero dep, insurer pays Rs 11,200 (40% depreciation cut). With zero dep, full Rs 18,500 paid.
Why You Need Bike Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover
Insurance is built on probability. The standard comprehensive cover handles the big-ticket items but leaves several real-world gaps. Here is why this specific add-on closes a costly gap for Indian riders:
- Standard cover deducts depreciation - On a Rs 18,000 claim, a 30% to 50% depreciation cut leaves you paying Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000 out of pocket.
- Best for bikes under 5 years old, premium bikes (350cc plus), and evs. - This is when the cover delivers measurable ROI.
- One claim pays for years of premium - The yearly cost (Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per year) is usually less than 10% of what a single uncovered incident would cost out of pocket.
- The waiting period applies only once - Most providers have a 7 to 15 day waiting clause when first added. Buy at policy purchase to skip this.
- Optional but high-value - Not legally required, but most experienced riders treat it as non-negotiable.
What Is Covered and What Is Excluded
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Direct accident damage matching the add-on | Covered in full |
| Repairs at network garages | Cashless settlement |
| Repairs at non-network garages | Reimbursement after bills |
| Towing as part of the claim | Covered up to RSA limit if added |
| Engine and gearbox internal parts, wear-and-tear items, batteries on petrol bikes, total loss. | Excluded |
Add-On Cost by Bike Category
Two-wheeler premiums in India depend on your bike's cc, age, city RTO, and the cover type you pick. Below are typical 1-year premium ranges as of 2026:
| Variant | Third-Party Only | Comprehensive | With Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (100 to 125cc) | Not applicable on TP only | Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,800 | Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per year extra |
| Mid (150 to 200cc) | Not applicable on TP only | Rs 2,100 to Rs 4,500 | Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per year extra |
| Premium (250cc plus, EV) | Not applicable on TP only | Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,500 | Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per year extra |
Actual premium depends on your IDV, RTO zone, and add-on bundle. Get an exact quote at hizuno.com/bike-insurance.
How to Buy Bike Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover Online
Buying online from Zuno takes under 4 minutes. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Pick a comprehensive policy - At hizuno.com/bike-insurance, choose a comprehensive plan. This add-on does not work on third-party only.
- Select the add-on at quote stage - In the add-on bundle screen, tick Bike Insurance Zero Depreciation Cover. The premium adjusts live and the policy schedule shows the cover line clearly.
- Check the waiting period - Buying at policy purchase or renewal means the cover starts day 1. Mid-term add can carry a 7 to 15 day waiting period.
- Pay and download policy - Pay through UPI, net banking, or card. Policy lands in your email instantly.
- Save the policy on phone - Keep a digital copy for traffic stops, RTO checks, and quick reference at the garage.
City and State Nuances
Indian cities differ on traffic density, theft risk, monsoon flooding, and RTO load. Here is how key metros and tier-2 cities affect your bike premium:
| City | Premium Adjustment | Recommended Add-On |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | High flood risk | Mandatory pair with engine protect |
| Delhi NCR | High theft and pothole risk | Pair with RSA and tyre protect |
| Bangalore | Heavy traffic, pothole zones | Pair with RSA |
| Chennai | Coastal humidity, monsoon flooding | Pair with engine protect |
| Pune | Lowest base premium | Standard add-on bundle |
| Hyderabad | Highway commuter belt | Pair with RSA and pillion cover |
| Kolkata | Monsoon and traffic | Pair with engine protect |
| Ahmedabad | Long highway routes | Pair with RSA |
Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata bikes need engine protect for monsoon. Bangalore and Delhi NCR benefit from roadside assistance for traffic-zone breakdowns. Pune and Hyderabad RTOs offer the lowest base premiums among metros.
Common Mistakes Indian Bike Owners Make
Letting your bike policy lapse by even a single day. You lose all your accumulated No Claim Bonus (up to 50%) and the bike must clear a fresh inspection before any new policy starts.
- Buying mid-term - Most providers apply a 7 to 15 day waiting period when this add-on is added after policy start. Buy at policy purchase to avoid the wait.
- Stacking incompatible add-ons - Some add-ons overlap with the base cover. Read the policy schedule carefully so you do not pay twice.
- Skipping at policy purchase to save Rs 500 - One missed add-on can mean Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 out-of-pocket at first claim.
- Lowering IDV to offset the add-on cost - Lower IDV means a thinner claim payout. Set IDV at market value and pay the add-on premium honestly.
- Choosing a non-network garage - Cashless settlement only works at the 5,000+ Zuno network garages. Non-network garages need full payment first, then reimbursement.
Pro Tips to Save on Bike Insurance
- Bundle 4 add-ons for the bundle discount - Most providers offer 8% to 12% off when you buy a bundle of 4 or more add-ons.
- Renew on time to keep the cover continuous - A single day of policy lapse can reset claim history and trigger inspection.
- Use cashless at network garages - Bill is settled directly with the workshop. No paperwork hassle for you.
- Read the small print on sub-limits - Some add-ons have per-incident or per-year limits. Know what they are before you claim.
- Renew with the same provider for stacked discounts - Three years of clean renewal often unlocks loyalty pricing on add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bike Insurance Guides
Sources: Content based on information published by IRDAI, ARAI, MoRTH, Parivahan Sewa, General Insurance Council (GIC), and other relevant regulatory or industry sources, as applicable.
Disclaimer: Premiums and amounts shown are indicative and approximate reference figures only; the actual figure varies with the vehicle's age, No Claim Bonus, geography (RTO zone) and various other parameters. The company offers products under Motor, Health, and Commercial Insurance. For risk factors, terms and conditions, exclusions, and product features, please read the policy wording, sales brochure, and prospectus carefully before concluding a sale. Zuno General Insurance Limited | IRDAI Reg. No. 159 | CIN: U66000MH2016PLC273758 | Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Tower 3, Wing B, Kohinoor City Mall, Kohinoor City, Kirol Road, Kurla (West), Mumbai 400070 | Toll-Free: 1800 12000 | Landline: 022 42312000 (Call charges applicable) | Website: www.hizuno.com | Email: support@hizuno.com.
Section 41 of the Insurance Act, 1938: No person shall allow or offer to allow, directly or indirectly, as an inducement to any person to take out, renew, or continue an insurance policy in respect of any kind of risk relating to lives or property in India, any rebate of the whole or part of the commission payable or any rebate of the premium shown on the policy, nor shall any person taking out, renewing, or continuing a policy accept any such rebate.