Suppose you went somewhere after parking your bike, and when you returned, you realised your bike was not there. You learn that the traffic police have towed your bike. It will be a stressful and disturbing situation for the bike owners.
But how do you deal with this situation? What steps should you take? If your bike is damaged while being towed, will your bike insurance policy cover this loss?
Don’t worry; in this article, we will address all the questions that can arise in such a situation and guide you on how to deal with such situations effectively and calmly.
Let us first understand the different reasons that can lead to such a situation.
Reasons For Two-Wheeler Towing By Traffic Police
Traffic police can tow your bike for some of the following reasons
- Illegal parking
- Unattended vehicles in high-risk areas such as near airports, government buildings
- Blocking emergency access
- Expired or no licence plates
- Breaking down in a congested area
- Unauthorised use or stolen bikes
- Traffic violations and accidents
Steps to Take When Your Bike Is Towed By the Traffic Police
1. Remain Calm and Confirm Your Bike Was Towed
First, stay calm and assess the situation. Talk to the people or the shop owners present—ask what happened to your bike. Did the police tow it? If yes, ask for a reason. It will help you make a rational decision and next step.
2. Contact the Traffic Police
Once confirmed, contact the traffic police, tell them about the situation, and gather information from their end. They will provide the reason for doing so and the process to retrieve it.
3. Gather Necessary Documentation for Retrieval
Gather all required information and documentation to deal with the authorities easily. This documentation includes:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Valid driving licence
- Valid bike insurance policy
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate (if required)
- Challan or fine payment receipt if your bike was towed due to a traffic violation or parking offence.
- Proof of identity and address
- Witness if there have been disputes or misunderstandings
- Any other specified documentation
4. Visit the Nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Visit the nearest RTO office; they will ask for your bike’s relevant details and documentation. They will coordinate with the traffic police and provide the NOC (non-objection certificate) or impound release order( if required ). Further, they will assist you in your bike retrieval.
5. Visit the Impound Lot
When you arrive at the impound lot, be prepared to provide the necessary documentation and pay the required fees. Also, be ready to pay the penalty in case of any law violation.
6. Inspect Your Bike
After retrieving your bike from legal custody, thoroughly inspect your bike’s conditions and different components. If you find any damages, take evidence by clicking pictures and file reimbursement if you have own-damages or comprehensive bike insurance.
7. Learn from the Experience
Everyone makes mistakes, but what makes one more experienced and mature is learning from them and not repeating them in the future. So, stay updated with traffic regulations and be extra careful about the place of parking.
Is Towing Covered by Two-Wheeler Insurance in India?
It is important to know that not every online two-wheeler policy, such as third-party bike insurance, covers the towing bike expenses. However, if you have an own-damage or a comprehensive bike insurance policy, there might be a chance to get this coverage in your policy. If not, then while buying the bike insurance policy online, you can add the optional towing coverage with your primary bike insurance policy for the additional coverage.
Final Thoughts
Situations like towing the bike are unexpected, but dealing with such situations requires a calm and rational mindset. Following the above mentioned steps, you can easily navigate the whole process and retrieve your bike.
However, learning from your experience and familiarising yourself with your traffic rules and regulations regarding parking your vehicle is always recommended. It will help you avoid such unwanted situations in the future and save you both time and money.
