A bike is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a valuable asset and a part of your daily life. Unfortunately, bike theft is a common issue in many cities, and losing your two-wheeler can be a stressful and financially painful experience. The good news is that if your bike is covered under a comprehensive insurance policy, you can file a claim and recover its value.
But how exactly do you file a claim for a stolen bike? What documents are required? How long does it take? In this blog, we’ll answer all these questions and walk you through the entire process of claiming insurance for a stolen bike.
What Type of Insurance Covers Bike Theft?
Third-party insurance is mandatory in most countries, but it only covers damage or injury to others. It does not protect your own vehicle.
To be eligible for theft-related compensation, you need:
- A comprehensive bike insurance policy, or
- A standalone own damage policy
This type of coverage includes protection against theft, vandalism, and total loss of your vehicle.
Step-by-Step Process to Claim Insurance for Bike Theft
Here’s what you need to do if your bike is stolen:
Step 1: File an FIR at the Nearest Police Station
The very first step is to file a First Information Report (FIR).
Why it’s important:
- It’s a legal requirement for theft claims.
- It proves to the insurer that your bike has been officially reported as stolen.
- It kicks off the police investigation process.
Make sure you get a copy of the FIR, as your insurance provider will require it.
Step 2: Inform Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurer immediately after filing the FIR. Most insurance companies require theft claims to be reported within 24 to 48 hours.
How to notify your insurer:
- Call the customer service number listed on your policy.
- Log into the insurer’s website or app to initiate a claim.
- Provide all relevant details: policy number, registration number, location of theft, and time of incident.
The insurer will register your claim and assign a claim reference number for tracking.
Step 3: Inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO)
You must notify the RTO about the theft of your vehicle. This step is crucial for two reasons:
- It allows them to issue a theft endorsement certificate.
- It officially updates the government record that your bike has been stolen.
You may also need to surrender the registration certificate (RC) if required by your insurer.
Step 4: Submit the Required Documents
Your insurer will ask for a number of documents to verify your claim. Here’s a standard list of documents needed:
Mandatory Documents:
- Copy of the insurance policy
- Copy of the FIR
- Duly filled and signed claim form
- Copy of the Registration Certificate (RC)
- Copy of the driving license
- Copy of the vehicle’s tax payment receipt
- Original keys of the vehicle (all sets)
- Copy of your Aadhaar card or any government ID
- A non-traceable certificate from the police (later in the process)
Some insurers may also require:
- Service booklets
- Photos of the vehicle (if available)
- RTO theft intimation form
Pro Tip: Always keep extra copies of your documents ready, and don’t hand over originals unless specifically asked.
Step 5: Cooperate with the Police Investigation
Once the FIR is filed, the police will start their investigation.
They usually have 90 days to try and locate your bike. During this period, they may:
- Ask for your assistance
- Visit the crime scene
- Contact you for further details
If the bike is recovered, you will get it back. If not, the police will issue a “Non-Traceable Report”, which confirms that the vehicle could not be located.
This report is crucial for the insurance company to proceed with the settlement.
Step 6: Submit the Non-Traceable Certificate
Once the police declare your vehicle “non-traceable,” they will issue a certificate that states the investigation has concluded and the bike has not been recovered.
Submit this non-traceable certificate to your insurer along with any final documents they ask for.
Only after this certificate is submitted will the insurer start processing your claim for compensation.
Step 7: Claim Approval and Settlement
Once all the documents have been verified and the investigation is complete, the insurer will:
- Declare the bike as a total loss
- Approve the settlement amount based on the Insured Declared Value (IDV) mentioned in your policy
- Subtract applicable deductibles before making the payment
The amount is usually transferred directly to your registered bank account.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Claim?
The overall process can take 2 to 3 months, depending on:
- How quickly you report the theft
- How fast the police issue the non-traceable report
- The insurer’s internal verification and approval timeline
If all documents are in place and the police act swiftly, the settlement process can be faster.
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection
Even if you follow the process correctly, a claim may be rejected if:
- The policy has expired or is inactive
- You fail to file an FIR within the prescribed time
- You delay informing the insurer
- You can’t provide original keys or service documents (some insurers mandate these)
- The bike was stolen due to negligence (e.g., left unlocked)
To avoid rejection, always:
- Keep your policy updated
- Follow the process promptly
- Read your policy terms to understand what’s required
Tips to Prevent Bike Theft
While insurance helps cover the loss, prevention is always better:
- Always park in well-lit, secure areas
- Use disc locks or handlebar locks
- Install a GPS tracker
- Never leave your keys unattended, even for a few seconds
- Consider installing anti-theft alarms
These small steps can go a long way in keeping your two-wheeler safe.
Conclusion
Losing your bike to theft is unfortunate, but having a valid comprehensive insurance policy offers peace of mind. The key to a successful theft claim is acting quickly, submitting the correct documents, and cooperating fully with both the police and your insurance company.
While the process can take a few weeks to complete, insurers are bound by regulatory timelines and will settle your claim once all conditions are met.
If you haven’t already, make sure your current policy covers theft—and keep all your documents up to date. You never know when you might need them.
