What Is CC in Bike Insurance and Why Does It Matter?

When it comes to buying or renewing bike insurance, you may come across a term called “CC” quite often. You might even notice that it affects how much premium you pay. But what is CC in bike insurance, really? And why is it so important in bike insurance?

In this blog, we will explain what CC is, why it matters in bike insurance, and how it can impact your premium and coverage. Whether you are a beginner or someone just looking to understand bike insurance better, this simple guide will help you out.

What Does CC Mean in Bikes?

CC stands for Cubic Capacity. It refers to the engine size or volume of your bike. More specifically, it tells you how much air and fuel mixture your bike’s engine can hold and burn to generate power.

The higher the CC, the more powerful the engine usually is. So, a bike with 150cc will generally be faster and stronger than a bike with 100cc.

For example:

• 100cc bike – Usually gives better mileage, best for city riding.

• 150cc–250cc bikes – More powerful, suited for longer rides or highways.

• Above 250cc – High-performance bikes, sports bikes, or premium models.

Why Does CC Matter in Bike Insurance?

Now that you know what CC means, let’s look at why it is important for your bike insurance.

When you buy a bike insurance policy, the insurance company checks the engine capacity (CC) to determine your insurance premium. The logic is simple:

• Higher CC = More Power = Higher Risk

• Lower CC = Less Power = Lower Risk

This means bikes with a higher CC are considered more prone to accidents, faster riding, and higher repair costs. So, the insurance premium for high-CC bikes is generally more expensive than for low-CC bikes.

How Is CC Categorized for Insurance?

In India and many other countries, bike insurance companies divide bikes into different CC categories to decide the premium. Common CC categories include:

• Up to 75cc

• 76cc to 150cc

• 151cc to 350cc

• Above 350cc

Let’s take an example:

Engine CC Range	Example Bike Types	Insurance Premium (approx.)
Up to 75cc	Mopeds, small scooters	Lowest
76cc – 150cc	Entry-level commuter bikes	Low
151cc – 350cc	Mid-range bikes	Moderate
Above 350cc	Sports, touring, superbikes	High

Please note that the actual premium may also depend on other factors like the bike’s age, location, brand, IDV, and add-ons.

How Does CC Affect Third-Party Bike Insurance?

In India, third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. This covers any legal liability if your bike causes injury or damage to a third party.

The premium for third-party insurance is fixed by the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) based on the CC of the bike.

For example:

• Bikes up to 75cc will have a lower third-party premium.

• Bikes above 350cc will have a higher third-party premium.

So, even if it is a basic policy, the engine CC still affects how much you pay.

How Does CC Impact Comprehensive Bike Insurance?

Unlike third-party insurance, comprehensive insurance covers both third-party damages and your own bike’s damage (in case of accident, theft, fire, etc.).

Here, CC has an even bigger role, because:

• Bigger CC engines usually mean more expensive bikes, which increases the Insured Declared Value (IDV).

• Bigger engines may have higher repair or replacement costs.

• High-CC bikes may be used for racing or long-distance riding, which adds more risk.

As a result, your comprehensive premium increases with the engine’s CC.

Does Changing Your Bike's Engine CC Affect Insurance?

Yes, it does. If you modify your bike’s engine and increase its CC, you must inform your insurer. Failing to do so may:

• Lead to claim rejections later.

• Make your insurance policy invalid.

• Result in fines or legal issues during vehicle inspections.

Any upgrade in performance should always be reported to keep your insurance valid and updated.

How to Check Your Bike's CC?

If you are not sure about your bike’s CC, you can:

• Check the bike’s registration certificate (RC) – It usually lists the engine CC.

• Look at the bike’s user manual.

• Check the manufacturer’s website or brochure.

It is always good to know your bike’s CC, especially when you’re:

• Buying a new policy

• Renewing your policy

• Comparing insurance quotes

• Modifying your bike

Tips to Choose the Right Bike Insurance Based on CC

1. Understand Your Usage

   
   

   If you use your bike mainly for city rides, a lower-CC bike (and its lower premium) might be more suitable.

2. Compare Policies Online

   
   

   Use online tools to compare premiums based on your bike’s CC and coverage needs.

3. Don’t Ignore Add-ons

   
   

   Even if you have a high-CC bike, choose the right add-ons like zero depreciation or engine protection to get full value.

4. Consider Long-Term Plans

   
   

   For peace of mind, especially for high-CC bikes, opt for long-term insurance plans (2–3 years) to avoid yearly renewals.

Conclusion

Understanding what CC means in bike insurance is more than just technical knowledge, it plays a key role in making informed financial decisions. Knowing the engine's cubic capacity helps you choose the right bike based on your budget and riding needs, understand how your insurance premium is calculated, and avoid unexpected surprises during claim settlement. It empowers you to make smarter choices when buying or renewing your policy. Whether you are a first-time buyer or renewing your existing plan, being aware of how CC affects your premium is essential. With trusted platforms like SquareInsurance, you can easily compare policies based on your bike’s CC and select the most suitable coverage. So, the next time someone asks, “What is CC in bike insurance and why does it matter?”,  you will have a clear and confident answer.