Good Bike Insurance: What You Need to Know Before Buying

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Sportsman riding bike behind unrecognizable rivals during competition
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Buying bike insurance can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. You need to consider several factors before making a decision.

First and foremost, you need to know what type of bike insurance you need. This depends on the type of bike you own and how you plan to use it. For example, if you have a high-value bike that's used for racing or touring, you'll need a specialized insurance policy that covers accidental damage and theft.

Most bike insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. This can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the policy.

Explore further: What Insurances Do I Need

Types of Bike Insurance

GEICO Insurance Agency, in collaboration with Markel, offers bike insurance for a wide range of bicycles. This includes BMX bikes, designed for stunts and racing, and mountain bikes, perfect for off-road terrain.

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There are many types of bike insurance, each catering to specific needs. For example, you can get insurance for road bikes, designed for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, or for commuter bikes, built for everyday use and urban riding.

Here are some of the types of bike insurance you can consider:

  • BMX bikes
  • Mountain bikes
  • Road bikes
  • Recumbent bikes
  • E-bikes
  • Tandem bikes
  • Commuter bikes

Each type of bike insurance policy will depend on your personal needs, so it's essential to consider what you need and what you can afford.

Types Covered

Bicycle insurance covers a wide range of bikes, including BMX bikes, which are built for stunts and tricks.

BMX bikes are designed to be tough and lightweight, making them perfect for high-flying stunts and racing. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, are designed for off-road terrain and feature wide tires, sturdy frames, and shock absorbers to handle rough trails and steep climbs.

Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, with lightweight frames and narrow tires. Recumbent bikes offer a more comfortable riding experience with a laid-back, reclined seating position.

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E-bikes come with battery-powered assistance, making commutes easier and allowing riders to cover longer distances with less effort. Tandem bikes are ideal for partners or families who want to enjoy cycling together.

Commuter bikes are practical, durable, and built for comfort, making them ideal for urban riding and daily commutes through city streets.

Here are some examples of bikes covered by bicycle insurance:

  • BMX bikes
  • Mountain bikes
  • Road bikes
  • Recumbent bikes
  • E-bikes
  • Tandem bikes
  • Commuter bikes

What Is Not Covered

Bike insurance through GEICO Insurance Agency offers great coverage, but there are certain things it doesn't cover.

Normal wear and tear is not covered by bike insurance, which means you'll need to budget for regular maintenance and repairs.

Mechanical breakdowns are also not covered, so if your bike breaks down due to a faulty part, you'll need to pay out of pocket.

Intentional damage is not covered, which means if you intentionally damage your bike, you'll be responsible for the costs.

Here are some key things bike insurance doesn't cover:

What to Consider

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You should consider your budget and insurance requirements when looking for good bike insurance. Make a list of your needs and see which insurers meet them at the most competitive price.

Most people will look to balance policy cover and benefits/extras with the price. It's down to you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances, based on the information you can access.

Insurance companies strive to make details of their cover more accessible, but it's still complicated. Consider what you need protection for, and whether you'd ever want to claim, as this can help you decide what level of cover is right for you.

Third-Party

Third-party insurance can provide financial protection in case of an accident that damages someone else's property or causes injury.

This type of insurance covers third-party property damage up to Rs.7.5 lakhs and the cost of treatment of injuries to a third party.

In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, the policy will cover legal liabilities and compensate the family of the deceased as per the court's judgement.

It's worth noting that third-party insurance is a must-have in many places, as it helps to ensure that you're not held financially responsible for damages or injuries caused to others.

Things to Consider When Buying

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You'll want to consider the level of security you're willing to invest in, as most insurers will expect you to have secured your bike with a good lock, ideally one that's cemented in.

It's a good idea to team a lock with the best bike storage solutions, especially if you're keeping your bike in an outbuilding. You'll also need to ensure the frame is secured to a permanent structure when locking your bike while out and about.

Keep in mind that using an anchor lock is often a requirement, and attaching your bike to anything that can be unscrewed won't cut it. Don't forget to notify your insurance company if you decide to add a GPS bike tracker to help track down and recover your bike if it gets stolen.

You'll also want to consider any potential exclusions, such as riding your bike for work or being deemed a professional rider, which most insurance policies won't cover.

Insurance Options

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Bicycle insurance is a must-have for any serious cyclist, and it's essential to know what options are available. You can get primary coverage for the cost to repair or replace your bike in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism.

There are several types of insurance coverage to choose from, including bicycle physical damage, liability, medical payments, and vehicle contact protection. Bicycle physical damage coverage can also include additional perks like rental reimbursement and spare parts at no extra cost.

Here are some of the key insurance options to consider:

Roadside assistance is also available for a small annual fee of $12, which includes 24-hour emergency service, up to 25 miles per tow, and five tows per year.

Options

If you're looking for options, you've got a few. You can choose from bicycle insurance plans that cover physical damage, liability, medical payments, and more. Some plans even offer additional coverage like rental reimbursement and spare parts.

A man riding a bike on a road
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Comprehensive plans are a combination of third-party and own damage covers that insure you against third-party liability as well as damage or loss caused to your vehicle. These plans usually cover damages to your bike due to accidents, natural or man-made disasters, theft, and more.

You can also opt for an own damage cover if you have an active third-party cover. This plan insures you against damage caused to your vehicle due to accidents, fire or natural calamities, theft/loss, and repair/replacement expenses resulting from an accident.

Some bicycle insurance policies are tailorable, meaning you can choose your level of coverage when first taking out the policy. You can even adjust your policy at any given time using an insurance dashboard.

Here are some options to consider:

Specialist bike insurance policies often offer several benefits that you won’t get with home insurance, including discounts for multiple bikes, travel cover, and insurance for accessories like helmets, locks, and lights.

British Cycling Membership

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British Cycling Membership offers third-party liability insurance up to £20 million, as well as legal support and assistance.

Membership also includes personal accident insurance if you opt for the Race membership, providing an added layer of protection.

You'll get discounted access to Bikmo insurance, making it a convenient option for cyclists who want to bundle their insurance needs.

As a member, you'll also enjoy priority access to tickets and a racing licence, which can be a huge advantage for those who want to participate in cycling events.

Discounts are available at various cycling-related businesses, including Evans, Halfords, Science In Sport, and Chain Reaction Cycles, making membership a great value for cyclists who regularly shop at these stores.

Get a Quote

Getting a quote for bike insurance is a relatively quick and easy process. You can get a bike or E-bike insurance quote online through GEICO or speak to an insurance specialist at (855) 591-9785.

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The process is straightforward, and you can get a quote in just 5 minutes by entering your details once for multiple bike quotes. This can be done using a price comparison website like Protect Your Family's bike insurance comparison engine.

Some insurance companies, like GEICO, offer 24/7 customer support, although their phone lines are only open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (ET) on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET) on Saturdays.

By shopping around and comparing quotes, you can find the best deal for your bike insurance needs. This is especially true if you're flexible with your monthly outgoings.

Here are some popular price comparison websites that can help you get a quote:

  • Protect Your Family's bike insurance comparison engine
  • Biker Insure

These websites can save you time and effort by allowing you to enter your details once and receive multiple quotes.

Insurance Providers

If you're looking for a reliable insurance provider, you have plenty of options in the UK. There are 10 well-known motorcycle insurance brokers, including Bikesure, Carole Nash, and Devitt, each with their own panel of underwriters.

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These underwriters are the companies that ultimately decide how much you'll be reimbursed in the event of a claim. Some of the most widely used underwriters include Ageas, Allianz, and Aviva.

When choosing an insurance provider, it's worth doing some research to see which underwriter could be best for you. You can check the claims experience of each underwriter to make an informed decision.

Here are some of the key features to look for in an insurance provider:

  • Multi-bike discounts: Some providers offer discounts for multiple bikes, such as Pedalsure's 50% multi-bike discount.
  • Public liability: This type of cover provides protection in case you're liable for an accident.
  • Travel cover: Some providers offer up to 60 days' travel cover, such as Pedalsure.
  • New for old: This type of cover provides a new bike if your old one is written off.

By considering these factors and doing some research, you can find the best insurance provider for your needs and budget.

Insurance Benefits

Many bicycle insurance policies offer flexible coverage options, allowing you to tailor your policy to suit your needs.

You can choose from various levels of coverage, including third-party damage, theft protection, and accidental damage to your own property.

Higher levels of cover even add competition insurance, which protects your bike in case of damage during a race or sportive.

Does Cover Damage?

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Many bicycle insurance policies offer various levels of coverage, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

The most basic policies cover third-party damage, which means damage to someone else's property. This is a good starting point, but it's worth considering adding theft protection and accidental damage coverage for your own property.

Some policies also offer competition insurance, which covers damage to your bike during a race or sportive. This is especially important if you plan on competing regularly.

It's essential to read the fine print of your policy to understand what's covered and what's not. For example, some policies may not cover damage to your bike if you're riding competitively without disclosing it.

Home insurance can also provide some coverage for bike damage, but it's not always the best option. As Marianne Streather, a former road racer, shared, she had a payout on her home insurance for damage to her bike's wheels, but this was because they were listed on the house insurance policy.

If this caught your attention, see: Funeral Home Business Insurance

Return

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In the UK and US, cyclists aren't legally required to have any form of insurance.

You're on your own if you need to replace your bike, kit, or pay for third-party expenses if you cause damage while riding.

Unlike car ownership, there's no mandatory insurance for cyclists.

If you're involved in an accident or your bike is stolen, you'll be out of pocket unless you have insurance.

Choosing the Right Policy

When choosing a bike insurance policy, consider balancing price with the level of cover and policy extras. You can't have everything, and it's essential to make a decision based on your individual circumstances.

Most people look for a policy that offers the right balance between cost and benefits. It's easy to see what's included in each policy on the results page, and you can visit each broker directly to find out more.

Think of it like choosing the right bike - you wouldn't want a fancy bike if you're just riding on flat ground, but if you're hitting rough trails, you'll want a bike that can handle it. Similarly, you need a policy that's tailored to your needs.

Balancing Policy Costs

Photo of Black and Gray Naked Sports Bike Parked Besides Gray Concrete Wall
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You've got to balance policy costs with the level of cover and policy extras. It's easy to get caught up in wanting the maximum cover with all the add-ons, but that's not always feasible.

Cost varies depending on the value of your bike or e-bike, type of bike, how it's used, and the coverages chosen. Bicycle policies can start as low as $100 per year.

You need to make a decision based on your individual circumstances and personal judgement. It's not about finding the cheapest option, but about finding the right balance for you.

Costs are transparent, making it easy to compare policies at a glance. You can also find out more about each policy by visiting the broker directly.

Tailored policies are available, allowing you to pick and choose the cover you need. Some insurers offer three tiers to choose from, while others offer bespoke policies.

Read Your Policy Terms

Reading your policy terms and conditions is crucial to understanding your motorcycle insurance policy.

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Policy documents are a key part in understanding if you have the best motorcycle insurance policy for your specific needs.

It's always recommended to read your policy documents, even if it's just a policy renewal.

Your policy documents may have changed, with amendments to clauses or endorsements that you're not aware of.

Re-checking your documents could prevent nasty surprises in the event of a claim.

UK Specific Information

In the UK, bike insurance is mandatory for all vehicles, including bicycles. This means that if you own a bike, you're required to have insurance to ride it on public roads.

The UK's Highway Code recommends that cyclists carry identification, a helmet, and a basic tool kit with them at all times. This is to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

If you're involved in an accident while cycling, you'll need to report it to the police within 24 hours. This is a requirement under UK law.

Top 10 UK

Person Riding on Sports Bike
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If you're looking for the top UK motorcycle insurance brokers, you can find a list of 10 well-known companies in alphabetical order. Bikesure, Carole Nash, and Devitt are just a few of the reputable names on the list.

To get the best motorbike insurance policy, it's essential to research the underwriter, as they ultimately decide how much you'll be reimbursed in the event of a claim. Ageas, Allianz, and Aviva are some of the most widely used underwriters in the UK motorbike insurance market.

For a more objective comparison, you can use a comparison website like Biker Insure, which can generate a list of around 25 brokers based on your information. This way, you can easily compare features and benefits of each broker, including the level of excess applied and extras included in each policy.

Some of the top UK motorcycle insurance underwriters include Ageas, Allianz, and Aviva, which are all well-established companies with distinct policy and price structures. Here's a list of the 10 most widely used underwriters in the UK motorbike insurance market:

  • Ageas
  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • AXA
  • Highway/LVE
  • KGM
  • Markerstudy
  • Novitas
  • RSA
  • Zurich

For a more detailed comparison, you can visit the results page by clicking on "more info", then "about the provider" to see who underwrites each policy. This can give you valuable insights into the claims experience of each underwriter.

Discovering the UK

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Discovering the UK means understanding its unique characteristics, and in the context of motorbike insurance, this is especially important. You won't typically find individual brokers promoting themselves with definitive statements such as "the best motorbike insurance in the UK" or being able to provide "the cheapest motorbike insurance quotes".

Motorbike insurance is a relatively generic product in the UK, especially when considering just the basic policy without extras or add-ons. The price of insurance depends on multiple factors, including answers to questions prior to receiving a quote, making it difficult to provide sweeping superlative statements that would apply equally to everyone.

The circumstances of every biker will always be completely different, requiring any superlative statements to be quite wide-ranging in nature. This means that claims such as "cheapest", "most recommended", or "most trusted" must be supported by evidence and often come with an asterisk * symbol and qualifying statement.

Broaden your view: Types of Motorbike Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Which company is best for bike insurance?

There are several top bike insurance companies in India, including Royal Sundaram, Future Generali, and Bajaj Allianz, each offering unique benefits and coverage options. To find the best bike insurance for your needs, consider factors like premium costs, policy features, and customer service before making a decision.

Ann Lueilwitz

Senior Assigning Editor

Ann Lueilwitz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content to various publications. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Ann has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Ann's expertise spans a range of categories, including Financial Market Analysis, where she has developed a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on markets.

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