
Mountain biking is an exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors, but it's not without risks. A single crash can lead to costly repairs or even total loss of your bike.
The average cost of a mountain bike can range from $500 to $5,000, making it a significant investment that's worth protecting.
As a mountain biker, you're likely no stranger to rough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. A single accident can leave you with a hefty repair bill or even a new bike purchase.
Regular maintenance can help prevent accidents, but it's not a guarantee against damage or theft.
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Why You Need Insurance
You need mountain bike insurance because you're likely to be riding in challenging terrain, which comes with a risk of crashing and accidental damage. This can be expensive to repair or replace.
If you're planning to travel with your mountain bike, you'll need cover for theft from vehicles, as well as damage while in transit. This could include flights to mountain bike resorts in the Alps or further afield.
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Challenging yourself on difficult trails means you'll want to have accidental damage cover, so you can ride freely and confidently without worrying about the cost of repairs. This cover can also extend to Europe for up to 30 days.
If you're planning to travel outside Europe, compete in MTB events, or need cover for more than 30 days, you'll want to consider the Ultimate package, which boosts the single bike coverage to £15,000.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing a mountain bike insurance policy:
- Up to £2,000,000 public liability cover as standard
- Optional personal injury cover
- Optional emergency medical cover, including dental care, optical care and physiotherapy
Types of Insurance
There are several types of insurance that mountain bikers should consider.
Liability insurance covers damages to others, such as property damage or injury.
Collision insurance pays for damages to your bike in the event of a crash.
Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your bike that aren't related to a crash, such as theft or vandalism.
Personal injury protection insurance helps cover medical expenses if you're injured while riding.
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Why It Varies

Insurance premiums can vary from month to month. This is because the cost of claims is calculated retrospectively, so if more people make claims, premiums will go up to a maximum cap.
This means that if you're part of a group that makes fewer claims, your premium may decrease. It's a fair system that reflects the actual cost of claims.
If you're considering taking out insurance for your mountain bike, you might want to check if your existing home contents insurance covers you for cycling-related risks.
MTB and Gravel Bike Insurance
Mountain biking comes in many forms, and no matter how you ride, you'll want to get the cover that's right for you and your bike. You can choose from three cover types and add optional extras like cover for racing or travel.
Direct Line offers a flexible approach to bike insurance, where you only pay for what you need. This means you can customize your policy to suit your riding style.
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Mountain bike insurance is essential, especially if you're traveling to bike parks or resorts. It's not just about covering your bikes at home, but also when they're in transit or stored in a hotel room.
The Performance policy insures your mountain bike against accidental damage, including crash damage while riding, with a single bike limit of £5,000 and a total bike limit of £15,000. This policy also covers theft from a locked car or van, as well as from your secure garage, house, or flat.
If you're traveling outside Europe or need cover for more than 30 days, the Ultimate package is a better option. This policy boosts the single bike coverage to £15,000 and keeps you covered while racing in MTB events.
You can add Race and Event cover to your cycling insurance to protect your bike during competitions or group events. This cover includes reimbursement of entry fees if you're unable to compete due to injury.
Here are some key features of the Performance policy:
- Accidental damage coverage, including crash damage while riding
- Theft coverage from a locked car or van, as well as from your secure garage, house, or flat
- Coverage for damage while in transit, including airline damage
- Extended coverage in Europe for up to 30 days
Protecting Your Bike

Your mountain bike is an investment, and you want to make sure it's protected from damage or theft. Direct Line Cycling Insurance covers accidental bike damage, which is especially important for downhill biking.
Even if you have home contents insurance, it may not cover your bike while you're out cycling or participating in a sportive. Check your policy to see if it covers theft away from home, malicious damage, taking your bike abroad, replacement bike hire, taxi fare reimbursement, and cycling accessories.
If you're just starting out, you may not need to worry about events, but if you decide to take part in sportives or challenges, you can add our Race and Event cover to your cycling insurance. This will cover you for damage to your bike during a competition or group event, theft or damage to your bike while on MTB or gravel trails, and reimbursement of entry fees for any cycling events you've entered and can't compete in.
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Direct Line Cycling Insurance offers three cover types and allows you to add optional extras, such as cover for racing or travel. This means you only pay for what you need, nothing more.
Some things to consider when choosing your bike insurance include:
- Accidental damage while cycling or participating in a sportive
- Theft away from your home
- Malicious damage
- Taking your bike abroad
- Replacement bike hire
- Taxi fare reimbursement
- Cycling accessories, including personal gear and additional wheelsets
Insurance Options
You've got a mountain bike, and you want to protect it with insurance. There are three cover types to choose from, so you can pick the one that fits your riding style.
You can get cover for tackling steep downhill courses or off-roading on scenic gravel trails. The key is to choose the cover that's right for you and your bike.
You can add optional extras like cover for racing or travel if you need them. This way, you only pay for what you need, nothing more.
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Choose Direct Line
If you're looking for a hassle-free insurance experience, Choose Direct Line. They offer a range of insurance options, including home, car, and travel insurance.

Their policies are designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing you to tailor your coverage to fit your specific needs. For example, their home insurance policies can include coverage for accidental damage, which can be a lifesaver if you accidentally spill paint on your carpet.
With Direct Line, you can manage your policies online, making it easy to make changes or pay bills on time. You can even get a quote in just a few minutes, making it simple to compare prices and find the best deal.
Their customer service team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have, which can be a huge relief if you're dealing with a claim or issue.
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Ultimate
Laka's Ultimate package is a game-changer for serious mountain bikers. It covers your bike anywhere in the world for 120 days, giving you access to the best trails around the globe.
Their team of bicycle experts handles all claims in-house, ensuring a quick and easy process. They've recruited primarily from bike shops and keep their claims handlers up to date with the latest mountain bike gear.
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With the Ultimate package, you'll have emergency bike hire covered, so if your mountain bike is unrideable, you won't miss out on any riding. This is especially useful if you're planning a trip to the Alps and find your bike is damaged.
Laka's Ultimate policy also covers mountain bike racing, including downhill and enduro, which are commonly excluded on other mtb insurance policies. This gives you the confidence to compete in any discipline.
Their policies include cover against theft if your bikes are stolen from locked vehicles, or while locked to a roof rack, so you can explore and ride where the best trails are.
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Bicycle and Rider Cover
If you're an avid mountain biker, you know how important it is to protect your bike and yourself while riding.
Bicycle and Rider Cover provides protection against theft or damage to your bike and accessories, as well as public liability for you.
This type of cover is especially useful if you ride in crowded areas or participate in events where accidents can happen.
Covering yourself against public liability means you'll be protected if you accidentally damage someone else's property or injure them while riding.
The Laka Experience

Laka is a community-driven mountain bike insurance provider that's changing the way we think about bike insurance. They offer a unique model that rewards safe riding habits, which is a big departure from traditional insurance companies.
Laka's system uses a points-based system to track riding behavior, with safe riders earning points that can be redeemed for discounts on their premiums. This approach encourages riders to take ownership of their safety.
Laka's community aspect is a key part of their appeal, with members able to share tips, advice, and stories about their riding experiences. This sense of camaraderie helps to foster a culture of responsible riding.
Laka's insurance policies cover a range of mountain bike-related activities, including downhill, cross-country, and trail riding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is it to insure a bike?
Insurance costs for a bike typically range from £150 to £300 per year, depending on the bike's value and type of cover.
Does accident insurance cover mountain biking?
Typically, regular travel insurance plans don't cover mountain biking due to its high-risk nature. However, you may be able to add an optional hazardous sports rider to your policy for coverage
Sources
- https://www.imba.com/press-release/imba-welcomes-bikeinsure
- https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/what-mountain-bikers-need-know-about-insurance
- https://laka.co/gb/bicycle-insurance/mountain-bike-insurance
- https://www.directline.com/cycling-insurance/mountain-bike-insurance
- https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/mountain-bike-insurance/
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