What many riders don’t realise is that their behaviour on the road directly impacts something beyond just safety — it affects their bike insurance renewal premiums. Yes, each time you float a traffic rule or ride recklessly, you may be signing up for a more expensive insurance policy later.
In this blog, we’ll break down how your riding record — your history of how you behave on the road — plays a crucial role in determining the premium you pay when you renew your policy. So, if you’ve been curious about why your online 2-wheeler insurance quote seems higher than expected, your riding habits may be the reason.
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What Is a Riding Record?
Your riding record is essentially your road report card. It contains a summary of your driving behaviour, including:
Number of traffic violations (e.g., speeding, signal-jumping)
- Accidents you’ve been involved in
- Any legal action taken (like license suspension)
- Number of challans issued to your vehicle
- All this data is maintained by the traffic police and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Insurance companies can access this record to evaluate your risk profile when offering or renewing a policy.
The Direct Link Between Riding Record And Premium
Your bike insurance premium is based on how much risk you pose to the insurer. A good rider is less likely to file claims, and that means lower costs for the insurance company. On the other hand, someone with frequent violations or an accident history is seen as high-risk.
As a result, clean record riders are often rewarded with lower premiums, while riders with poor records may find their bike insurance renewal costs going up.
Traffic Violations And Their Impact
Let’s explore some common violations and how they affect your premiums:
1. Wrong-Side Riding
One of the most dangerous and common offences in India. It disrupts traffic flow, increases accident risk, and is often penalised with fines up to ₹2,000 or more. Repeated wrong-side riding also marks you as a high-risk individual, leading to increased premiums during your bike insurance renewal.
2. Speeding And Signal Jumping
Speeding is thrilling, but it comes with heavy consequences. Not only does it increase the chance of accidents, but repeated offences also affect your insurance. Signal jumping is another such violation that reflects reckless behaviour — something no insurer wants to support with low premiums.
3. Riding Without A Helmet
Helmets save lives and also reduce insurance costs. If you’re caught without a helmet, you’re not only breaking the law but also showing disregard for safety. This behaviour reflects poorly on your riding record and can raise your online 2-wheeler insurance premium.
4. Mobile Phone Distraction
Using your phone while riding is dangerous and illegal. It’s a growing reason behind road accidents and serious injuries. If you’ve been fined for such violations, your riding history may reflect a careless attitude — something that’s flagged during premium calculations.
Accidents And Claim History
Your insurance claim history is another critical factor. If you’ve filed multiple claims in a year, it tells the insurer that your risk of getting into accidents is high. This reduces your No Claim Bonus (NCB) and increases your bike insurance renewal cost.
On the other hand, riders who go a full policy term without raising a claim often enjoy discounts (up to 50%) on premiums through NCB benefits.
License Suspension And Legal Action
License suspensions, even temporary, are red flags for insurance companies. It indicates serious misconduct or multiple offences. If your license has been suspended or revoked due to violations like drunk driving, your online 2-wheeler insurance cost may rise significantly, or you may even be denied coverage.
How Insurance Companies Use This Information
When you apply for or renew your two-wheeler insurance, insurance companies review:
- RTO records
- Past insurance claims
- Challan history linked to your vehicle registration number
Using this data, they assess how likely you are to make a claim in the future. A bad record equals higher risk, which leads to higher premiums.
How to Improve Your Riding Record and Reduce Premiums?
If your riding record isn’t spotless, don’t worry. There are ways to turn things around:
Follow Traffic Rules
Obey traffic signals, speed limits, and lane discipline. Regular adherence to rules helps build a clean record.
Avoid Repeated Claims
Unless absolutely necessary, try not to file small claims. Preserve your No Claim Bonus (NCB) to earn discounts during renewal.
Use a Certified Helmet
Always wear a BIS-approved helmet; not just for safety, but also to avoid penalties that may affect your record.
Avoid Distractions
Do not use mobile phones while riding. It’s illegal, risky, and affects your insurance reputation.
Attend Defensive Riding Courses
Taking certified road safety or defensive riding programs can sometimes be counted as a positive in your risk assessment.
Renewing Bike Insurance, The Smart Way
When it’s time for your bike insurance renewal, take a moment to review your own record. Use this checklist:
- Are there any pending challans?
- Have you maintained a claim-free year?
- Is your license in good standing?
- Have you adhered to all traffic laws?
If your record is clean, you can confidently renew or even switch to a better online 2-wheeler insurance plan with competitive premiums.
Use Online Tools to Check Your Status
Several portals allow you to check your challan status or previous insurance claims:
- Parivahan.gov.in
- State traffic police websites
- Two-wheeler insurance premium calculators
These can give you clarity on your current standing and help you plan your insurance purchase accordingly.
A Word On Comprehensive Coverage
A clean driving record also opens doors to better comprehensive insurance options. Consider plans that offer:
- Third-party liability
- Own damage cover
- Personal accident cover
- Add-ons like zero depreciation or engine protection
These inclusions might cost a bit more upfront, but could save you thousands during accidents or legal disputes.
For instance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers well-rounded online 2-wheeler insurance policies that balance affordability with extensive protection. If you’ve maintained a good riding record, you might even be eligible for premium discounts and hassle-free renewals.
Your actions on the road do more than just impact your safety — they directly affect your wallet. From traffic violations to accident claims, your riding history is a key factor in determining how much you’ll pay at the time of bike insurance renewal. A poor record might result in increased premiums, while a clean one can bring rewards like lower costs and extra benefits.
So, the next time you feel tempted to jump a signal or skip wearing a helmet, remember — it’s not just a legal fine you’re risking, but also your insurance benefits.
