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Insuring a high-value or superbike: what changes
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Introduction
A superbike follows the same basic insurance cover structure as any other two-wheeler: Third-Party cover, Own Damage cover and optional covers. But insuring a high-value motorcycle comes with a few additional considerations.
The IDV can run into several lakhs, specialist parts can be expensive and take time to source, and standard motor insurance does not cover damage caused during racing or track events. Accessories and modifications also need to be declared separately in many cases.
This blog explains what changes for high-CC motorcycles, including Third-Party premiums, IDV, Own Damage costs, trackday exclusions, accessories, optional covers and cashless repairs.
Keep in mind
Bikes above 350cc fall into the highest Third-Party premium band, with the rate based on CC rather than the bike's price.
The IDV is particularly important for a high-value motorcycle because a small percentage difference can mean a large difference in the claim payout.
Standard motor insurance excludes damage caused during organised racing, speed trials and trackday events.
Aftermarket accessories and modifications are not automatically included in the standard IDV and may need to be declared and endorsed.
The compulsory deductible applies to Own Damage claims regardless of the bike's value.
Why IDV matters more on a high-value or imported bike
Insured Declared Value (IDV) is the insured value of the bike and the maximum amount payable for theft or total loss, subject to the policy terms.
For a high-value motorcycle, even a small gap between the correct IDV and the policy's declared IDV can result in a significant amount at claim time.
Bikes sold in India
For bikes sold through authorised dealerships, the IDV is based on the manufacturer's listed price and applicable depreciation. The same depreciation percentage can apply to a superbike and a commuter bike of the same age, but the rupee difference will be much larger on the more expensive bike.
Imported bikes
For Completely Built Unit (CBU) motorcycles, customs duties form part of the on-road cost. Check how the insurer has calculated the IDV for your specific model and whether it adequately reflects the bike's value.
If the proposed IDV is significantly below the current value of a like-for-like replacement, discuss it with the insurer before buying or renewing the policy.
Bikes over five years old
For bikes over five years old, the IDV is generally agreed between the insurer and owner. A well-maintained, low-mileage superbike may have a higher market value than a standard depreciation calculation suggests.
Check recent used-bike prices for your specific model, variant and condition before agreeing to the IDV.
The exclusion that superbike owners miss most, trackday and racing
If you own a superbike, it is important to understand that standard motor insurance does not cover damage caused during organised racing, speed trials or trackday events. This applies to events held on closed circuits, racetracks or designated courses.
What this means in practice
Trackday damage is generally not covered
If your bike is damaged during a trackday, even a non-competitive event at a racing circuit, the standard Own Damage policy will not cover the repair.
Organised racing is excluded
Damage during road races, hill climbs, timed runs or other organised speed events is also excluded.
Normal road riding is covered
The exclusion does not apply simply because you ride a high-performance bike quickly on public roads. Normal road use remains covered, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Some insurers may offer a trackday endorsement for an additional premium, but this is not standard across all policies. Check whether your insurer offers it and what events and conditions it covers before taking your bike to a circuit.
Fitted accessories and modifications, what is covered and what is not
Factory-fitted accessories included in the manufacturer's specifications are generally part of the bike's standard IDV. Aftermarket accessories are not automatically covered and may need to be declared separately.
This can include accessories such as aftermarket exhausts, crash guards, frame sliders and top boxes.
How to cover aftermarket accessories
- Declare the accessories when buying or renewing the policy.
- Provide the purchase receipt and photographs where required.
- The insurer can add the accessories to the policy at an agreed value, usually for an additional premium.
What about performance modifications?
Changes that significantly affect the bike's performance or risk profile, such as engine tuning, upgraded suspension or track-specific tyres, may also need to be disclosed to the insurer. Failing to disclose a significant modification could affect a future claim.
Optional covers worth adding for a superbike
The available optional covers are broadly the same as those offered for other two-wheelers, but their value can be greater when the bike and equipment are expensive.
Helmet Cover
Useful if you use a premium helmet and want protection against its loss or damage.
Rider Gear Cover
Can cover eligible riding equipment such as suits, gloves, boots and protective gear.
Return to Invoice
Can be useful on a newer high-value motorcycle because it can cover the applicable on-road price instead of the depreciated IDV in a theft or total-loss claim, subject to policy conditions.
Pillion Rider Cover
Extends Personal Accident protection to the pillion, subject to the policy terms. It may be more relevant for touring motorcycles regularly used with a pillion.
Emergency Medical Expenses OPD
Covers eligible medical expenses after an accident where hospitalisation is not required.
The following optional covers are not available for any two-wheeler: Key Secure and Tyre Secure.
What Kiwi Insurance does differently
Superbike claims can involve specialist repairs, imported parts and authorised service centres. Kiwi Insurance assigns a dedicated Claims Specialist after you register a claim to help coordinate the process.
One point of contact
Only with Kiwi, you get a dedicated Claims Specialist who explains the claim process and required documents.
Support throughout the claim
You can stay in touch with the same specialist through the Kiwi app.
Help with claim-related questions
The specialist remains your point of contact for issues involving repairs, imported parts or declared accessories.
The Claims Specialist is assigned after you register a claim, not at the point of buying the policy.
Conclusion
Superbike insurance follows the same two-wheeler framework, but IDV, repair costs, trackday exclusions and accessories become more important as the bike's value increases.
Check that your IDV reflects the bike's value, understand what your policy excludes, declare aftermarket accessories and confirm that suitable cashless repair facilities are available before you need them. With Kiwi Insurance, a dedicated Claims Specialist is assigned after you register a claim to help manage the process.
Riding a superbike and want to make sure the cover matches the machine?
Head to Kiwi Insurance to explore bike insurance for high-value motorcycles and get the right cover in place.
Frequently asked questions
The Third-Party premium is the same for all conventional two-wheelers above 350cc, as it falls under the highest CC band. The difference is mainly in the Own Damage premium, which is linked to the bike’s IDV. For example, a superbike with an IDV of ₹15 lakh will generally have a much higher OD premium than a commuter bike with an IDV of ₹80,000.