No Toll Charges for Two-Wheelers on National Highways

Good news for those who enjoy taking long rides on scooters or motorbikes and zipping through the countryside and cities. Your trip just got easier in terms of money and time. Yes, you guessed it right. The Indian government has said again that two-wheelers do not have to pay tolls on national highways. This is not just a small change to the rules; it is a huge relief for a country where two-wheelers are a way of life. From college-going students to the working class who require a regular commute on a budget, two-wheelers have always been the preferred choice of transport. But what does it mean for a rider? What benefits can be expected from this rule? And even though you mean to save on tolls, does this mean you are also safe from accidents and other roadside problems as well? Here, we will delve into the details of this policy and also how two-wheeler insurance is still crucial to keep you safe, toll or no toll.

About the Toll-Free Policy

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said recently that two-wheelers do not have to pay tolls on national highways. This rule is not new, although it was not followed in some places. With more and more riders complaining about being charged too much at toll booths, this clarification has come as a huge sign of relief.

Important points of the policy

• Motorcycles and scooters don't have to pay tolls on national highways.
• The rule applies to all states of India, no matter where you are.
• Riders can tell the authorities about any toll Plaza that wrongly charges motorcycles or scooters.
• Over 70% of all vehicles in India are two-wheelers; this move or policy is meant to ease a financial burden on the owners.

Importance of the rule

For millions of Indians, a bike is more than just a commute. It is a lifeline. It is how people get to schools, offices, deliver food and medical amenities. Fuel charges and maintenance costs are already soaring. Amidst this, not charging tools is a good idea that helps people from low and middle-income groups and makes travel easier by avoiding unnecessary stops.

For instance, you could save 20 to 50 rupees on each toll gate on a 100 KM Highway ride. This adds up to a lot of money saved each month for someone who commutes every day or rides a lot. But don't let your savings fool you. Insurance is still important. Though you do not need to worry about tolls anymore, being a responsible rider does not stop there. In fact, being told to go free can actually mean that the two-wheelers can write faster and for longer distances, which often raises the risk of accidents. That is the time when two-wheeler insurance becomes not just important but essential.

The Need for a Comprehensive Bike Insurance

The benefits of comprehensive bike insurance are numerous, some of which include:

1. First and foremost, the benefit is the complete coverage that the insurer provides from Losses due to theft, fire, earthquake, and flood, etc. Along with the third-party damage caused by your vehicle
2. You become eligible for a no-claim bonus benefit on your bike insurance renewal premium if there is no claim raised by you during the policy year.
3. The policies can be customised by adding on Riders as per your choice and requirements. For example, you can choose roadside assistance or zero depreciation, or return to invoice rider along with your basic policy coverage.
4. You have access to thousands of highly equipped garages for repair and maintenance across the country, where you can access a cashless benefit.
5. A third-party bike insurance, which forms a part of comprehensive bike insurance policies, is a mandatory requirement as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

Comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind, especially if you ride on highways, because of the state of roads, the weather conditions and the rising number of vehicle thefts.

A real-life scenario

Let us find out why you need both two-wheeler insurance and toll-free riding to go together. For instance, if you are a delivery person in the state of Maharashtra who rides a bike more than 100 KM every day, you will save 600 to 800 rupees now that the tolls are no longer charged. However, since you are always in a hurry in the monsoon, your bike skids off the road due to a slippery turn and gets damaged badly. If you have full, comprehensive bike insurance coverage, your entire financial burden for the repair of your bike is taken care of. If not, then the money saved on tolls is not saved anymore. Now that free rise, that officially back here, something you can do to make your rice even smoother and safer:

1. Check your insurance validity: Check if your coverage is still valid through the insurance company website or the M Parivahan app. An expired policy could cost you more than it could justify by putting you in a bad financial situation.
2. Considered a comprehensive bike insurance coverage: This extra cost of premium is well worth every penny as it gives you financial security and Peace of Mind, especially if you are a regular on the highway.
3. There are a lot of toll plazas: The rule may be official, but it may not be followed in all places right away. In case you are charged wrongfully, take a picture of the toll board showing the types of vehicles and visit their official website to report it.

Looking At the Bigger Picture

This is more than just savings. This free movement for two-wheelers does not just help people; it also has a bigger effect on society and the economy:

1. It encourages rural riders and gig workers to get around easily in a cost-effective manner.
2. It encourages fair use of the road, making sure that two-wheelers are not taxed unfairly.
3. It cut down on traffic jams at toll booths and speeds up traffic
4. It promotes fuel-efficient bikes over cars, which helps the environment
5. This policy, along with affordable two-wheeler insurance options, makes it possible for a lot of people in India to travel safely and seamlessly on the road.

Concluding Remarks

The government's promise that two-wheelers will not have to pay tolls on national highways is a welcome change, especially for the middle-class families, the delivery people, the students and even the adventure bikers. It lowers the cost of travel, makes it easier for people to get around and fits with the policy that promotes inclusive transportation.

But one should not forget to get a two-wheeler insurance for your vehicle, even though you can drive past the toll booths without stopping. A stray dog, a pothole or a swerving truck can turn your smooth ride into a costly accident; that is why a comprehensive bike insurance is a must-have and is no longer a luxury.

So put on your helmet, start the engine and drive without paying the tolls with insurance as your rider buddy. Last but not least, make sure to renew your insurance before it runs out. If affordable, choose a multi-year policy to avoid any coverage gaps. Always have your insurance papers with you to prioritise your safety. Have fun riding and be safe.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.