When exploring motorcycle insurance policies, you may encounter the term “network garage” quite often. So, what exactly does a network garage mean? What is its significance in a bike insurance scheme? That is precisely what we will discuss in this blog.
Network garages are nothing but a way for insurance providers to offer cashless claim facilities to their policyholders. In simple words, these are the registered auto garages where you can get your motor vehicles repaired in a cashless manner in case they meet with an accident.
As a matter of fact, the garage network of the insurer is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for the best insurance for a bike.
Let us find out more about network garages and their working!
What is a Network Garage In Bike Insurance?
A network garage or a cashless garage is one that is registered with the insurance provider. When you buy an online two-wheeler insurance policy for your bike, and if your bike gets damaged, you can get all the repairs done at the network garage.
The advantage here is that you do not need to pay a single penny out of your pocket for repair bills. Instead, the insurance provider will settle all your repair bills directly while you enjoy cashless repairs and replacements for covered causes, up to the insured amount.
So, whether you are looking for comprehensive or cheap bike insurance, always make sure that your insurance provider has a good network of auto garages where you can get cashless repairs and replacements done on your insured bike.
How Do the Network Garages Work in a Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy?
Typically, network garages work in collaboration with reputed insurance companies, like Tata AIG, to provide smooth and hassle-free auto repair services to policyholders. Here is how they work:
- Tie-ups with reputed insurance providers: As already discussed, network garages have tie-ups with reputed insurance companies. Essentially, these agreements define the terms and conditions under which the repairs will be performed and the bills will be settled.
- Approval of cashless services: As soon as your insurer has approved a cashless repair at a network facility, you can take your bike to the nearest empanelled garage and get it repaired by professionals.
- Assessment of damage: When you take your bike to a network garage, a damage assessment is performed to determine the extent of damage. Based on it, an estimate for the cost is calculated and sent to the insurance company.
- Direct settlement: Once the repair work is done, the garage settles the repair bills directly with your insurer. Simply put, they send your invoices mentioning the total repair cost to the insurance company. In return, the insurer settles the bills without requiring your involvement.
- Quality assurance and peace of mind: One of the biggest benefits of getting your bike repaired at a network garage is the quality assurance they provide. It means you can get your vehicle repaired without worrying about the service standards. You can stay assured that your vehicle is handled by a professional.
How Do I Know If My Insurance is Cashless?
When you purchase a two-wheeler insurance policy from a reputed insurance company, there are good chances that it comes with a cashless claims facility.
If you already have an insurance plan but do not know if it offers cashless claims or not, check out your policy documents. If it is not mentioned there, you can look for a list of network garages on the official website of your insurance company.
Alternatively, you can directly confirm the same with your insurance provider. They will provide information about this facility and guidance on how to claim it.
Final Words
A garage network is one of the most important features of a two-wheeler insurance plan. It is an auto repair facility where garages across the country have tie-ups with your insurance provider.
At a network garage, you can get your bike repaired in a cashless manner. In short, you do not need to pay for the repairs and replacement of covered bike parts from your pocket; your insurance company will settle the invoices directly. It is advisable to check the list of network garages from the insurance provider of your choice before purchasing a bike insurance policy.