Cycle insurance is a great option for all cyclists; you can protect your bike and your finances if the bike is damaged or stolen, which is a great incentive for anyone who cycles frequently for leisure, commuting or both. However, like all insurance policies, there will be restrictions and exclusions in place. There are various limitations to cycle insurance, such as value, proving ownership and the condition of the bike; before you consider a cycle insurance policy, you should make yourself aware of any restrictions.
In this guide, we will explore the maximum value a bike can be to qualify for a cycle insurance policy, the condition the bike needs to be in and how you can prove ownership. If you would like to find out more about cycle insurance, and how you can apply, you can visit our insights page here.
Our cycle insurance policies here at ALA come with general standards that all bikes should meet. The bike should be in good working order, come with a frame number and you must be able to provide proof of ownership. Also, the bike cannot exceed £6,000 in value. Most bikes that exceed this value are professional racing bikes, so if your bike falls into this category, it may be worth looking for specialist insurance.
There will also be exclusions when attempting to make a claim. For instance, you must lock the bike with an approved lock, and it must be stored in a secure, insured location at the time of theft or damage. You will also need to provide a police incident number if your bike was stolen or damaged maliciously, and you cannot claim for general wear and tear that does not affect the functionality of the bike.
There are certain circumstances that will only be covered if you opt for additional coverage. For example, if you damage someone else’s property or injure another individual, you will need public liability cover to be protected. You can find out more about additional coverage here.
To find out more about general exclusions and value, please read our previous guide here.
If your bike has only suffered from general wear and tear, and your bike is still working, then your claim will not be successful. You should check that your bike is in good working order before you buy a cycle insurance policy. If your bike has already sustained damage that may make it more susceptible to being damaged beyond repair, then your application for a policy may be rejected. You cannot claim for manufacturer faults, and if your bike is gradually declining in condition, you won’t be able to claim for repairs.
If your bike was damaged beyond repair after you bought your policy, you will be able to make a claim. If your bike is repairable, you will be able to claim if the cost is more than your agreed excess. If repairs cost you less than your excess, you will not be able to claim. It is important to check your bike before you buy a policy; if you are unsure about the quality of your bike and whether you will qualify for a policy, you can get in touch with us today.
Proving that you own the bike when making a claim is incredibly important, as it prevents policyholders from claiming on stolen bikes. Proof of ownership could include a till or VAT receipt, a gifting receipt or a delivery note with the policyholder’s name and the make and model of the bike. Even if your bike is second-hand, you will still need to provide some form of ownership proof. Generally, the bike can be new or used, but must be purchased from a cycle retailer.
If you cannot provide proof of ownership, then your claim will be invalid. All requirements will be discussed with you prior to buying a cycle insurance policy (or you can check via our website), so you can ensure that you have all of the relevant documentation should you ever need to make a claim. If you have any additional cover options, such as accessory cover and cycle hire replacement, you may need to provide extra documentation.
There are various policy exclusions to consider before you choose your cycle insurance policy. Here at ALA, we have comprehensive policy documents to help you understand your policy and what you need to provide should you need to make a claim. If you would like to discuss your policy with a member of our team, you can get in contact with us today to see if we can assist with your query.
When building your cycle insurance quote, you will need to provide the value of the bike, as well as your preferred level of excess and any optional extras that you would like to add. From here, we will give you a competitive price that you can either pay upfront or monthly.
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