Electric scooter insurance is needed for road use in India. Learn what it covers, which add-ons help and how to buy it in simple steps. Get a quote today.
Yes, you need electric scooter insurance to ride legally on Indian roads. Third-party insurance is compulsory for every vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and electric scooters are insured in the same way as petrol scooters. You can buy it online in a few minutes with your vehicle details.
This guide explains what the policy covers, what extra covers you can add, and how to buy it step by step.
Is insurance compulsory for an electric scooter?
Yes. Any vehicle that runs on a public road needs at least third-party insurance. This includes electric scooters and electric bikes that need registration.
If you ride without valid insurance, the fine is ₹2,000 and/or up to 3 months in jail for a first offence. For a repeat offence, it is ₹4,000 and/or up to 3 months (Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019). Keep your policy valid at all times. For more on this, see our post on the penalty for riding without insurance.
What does the policy cover?
There are two main types of policy.
- Third-party policy: pays for injury, death or property damage to another person. Injury or death liability is unlimited. Property damage liability is limited to ₹7.5 lakh. It does not pay for damage to your own scooter.
- Comprehensive policy: third-party cover plus own damage cover. It covers your scooter for accident, fire, theft, natural calamities like flood or earthquake, and man-made events like riot, as per policy terms.
Both policies include a compulsory personal accident (PA) cover of ₹15 lakh for the owner-driver, unless you already have a similar cover. It applies to the owner-driver only.
Learn the difference in detail on our third-party insurance page.
Which type should you choose?
An electric scooter has a battery, a motor and a charger. These parts can be costly to repair or replace. A third-party policy will not pay for any of them if they are damaged in an accident, fire or theft.
So, if your scooter is new or you use it every day, a comprehensive policy is usually a safer choice. If your scooter is old and has low value, you may decide that basic cover is enough. It is your choice, but remember that third-party cover alone leaves your own scooter unprotected.
For a new scooter, third-party cover is usually sold for 5 years, as with other new two-wheelers. Own damage is usually 1 year at a time. A longer own-damage option may be offered by some insurers.
Add-ons that may help
Insurers may offer extra covers for electric two-wheelers. Terms differ by insurer, so check the policy wording.
- Battery cover: may help with battery damage, as per policy terms.
- Charger and cable cover: for the charger and cables.
- Zero depreciation: the insurer does not cut depreciation on replaced parts, so the claim pay-out is higher. It is usually for newer vehicles, often up to around 5 years old.
- Roadside assistance: help if your scooter stops on the road.
- Return to invoice: may help in case of theft or total loss.
- Key and lock replacement: helps if you lose your key.
Choose only the add-ons you really need. For battery risks, read our post on EV battery cover.
How to buy electric scooter insurance online
Buying is simple. Follow these steps.
- Keep your RC (registration certificate) copy and your ID and address proof ready.
- Enter your vehicle number and basic details on the insurer's website or app, or ask us for help.
- Choose third-party or comprehensive cover.
- Check the IDV. IDV (Insured Declared Value) is the market value of your scooter. It is the most you can get for theft or total loss.
- Pick add-ons and, if you want, a voluntary deductible.
- Pay online. The insurer usually sends the policy copy by email or SMS.
You can see more options on our electric vehicle insurance page, or get a quote directly.
Deductible and your premium
A compulsory deductible is the part of every claim that you pay yourself. A voluntary deductible is an extra amount you choose to pay, which can lower your premium. But if you choose too high a figure, you will pay more at the time of a claim. Pick an amount you can manage.
How to make a claim
If your scooter is damaged, inform the insurer quickly. Inform the police for theft, a major accident, third-party injury or death, or riot. Do not move or repair the scooter beyond need before the survey. After the surveyor checks the damage, send your documents, get the repair done and settle the claim.
Documents usually needed are the RC copy, driving licence, previous policy copy, ID and address proof, claim form, FIR (when needed), repair estimate and bills, and photos of damage.
In a cashless claim, you repair at a network garage and the insurer pays the garage. In reimbursement, you pay first and claim back with bills. Our claim support page can help you.
Do not let your policy lapse
If your policy expires, your scooter is uninsured from the next minute. The insurer may ask for an inspection before renewing an expired policy. Your No Claim Bonus (NCB) may also be lost after a long gap. Renew on time using our renew vehicle insurance page.
Rules can change and differ by insurer. Your policy document is final.
FAQs
Does a low-speed electric scooter need insurance?
Rules depend on the vehicle type and whether it needs registration. Check with your dealer and your policy wording. If your scooter is registered, it needs insurance.
Is battery theft covered?
It depends on your policy and add-ons. Ask the insurer clearly before you buy.
Can I buy insurance for a new electric scooter at the showroom?
Yes, dealers usually offer a policy at the time of sale. You can also compare other options before you decide.
Will my NCB apply to an electric scooter?
NCB is a discount on the own-damage premium for claim-free years. It belongs to the owner, so check with the insurer how it applies when you move to a new vehicle.
This guide is for information only. Rules and policy terms can change, and the policy document is final. Please read your policy wording.