In 2021, there were 16,458 reported cycling traffic accidents in the UK, highlighting why you can never be too careful with your bike. A personal accident could leave you with an injury, or your bike could sustain significant damage that you must cover. Malicious or accidental damage can occur while you are not using your bicycle.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from the financial burden of bike damage. Here, we discuss what bike damage is covered with ALA Cycle Insurance and when you may be liable to cover damage costs. We also walk through the damage claims procedure, how to make a claim and what you could receive.
Click on a link to jump to that section:
- Accidental damage bicycle insurance
- Malicious damage bicycle cover
- Making a bike damage claim
- What could you receive if your claim is successful?
- Why insure your bike with ALA?
- Common Queries
However, it’s important to note that we don’t cover aesthetic damage that results from general wear and tear over time, nor do we cover damage that doesn’t impair the bike’s function. Tyres are only covered if the bike itself was damaged during the incident that affected the tyres .
However, it’s important to note that we don’t cover aesthetic damage that results from general wear and tear over time, nor do we cover damage that doesn’t impair the bike’s function. Tyres are only covered if the bike itself was damaged during the incident that affected the tyres .
Malicious damage bicycle cover
Malicious damage is when a third party causes deliberate damage to your bike. ALA would cover such damage if the bike were kept in line with the security requirements outlined in your policy (this can be at or away from home). In most circ*mstances, malicious damage that impairs the bike’s function will be covered on bicycle insurance. However, in the following scenarios, you may be liable to cover malicious damage on an ALA policy:
The bike was left near a train/bus station or place of work for more than 24 hours.
The bike was left on display in a vehicle or attached to the outside of a vehicle overnight.
There was no sign of forced entry where the bike was damaged (suggesting it was left in an unlocked location).
An approved lock wasn’t used to secure the bike or quick-release wheels.
Any vandalism that does not impair the function of the bike (e.g. graffiti or scratches) .
Making a bike damage claim
You will only be able to claim bike damages costing more than your agreed excess. Minor damages will need to be handled personally.
If the accident or damage was caused maliciously, the first step is to report this to the police within 24 hours of noticing the damage. This is important, as you’ll need to provide us with the crime reference number when making your claim. If accidental damage is the reason for making a claim, you will not need a crime reference number, only the following evidence that you own:
- The insured bike.
- Any damaged accessories worth up to the agreed value on your policy.
- A secure lock.
Evidence of ownership could be a till receipt, a gifting receipt, an invoice or a delivery note. Please check your policy documents for more guidance on making a claim.
What will you receive if your claim is successful?
Your payout will depend on the damage that was sustained. If your bike is repairable, you will receive the cash value of repair costs.
If your bike is damaged beyond repair, you could receive the following:
A cash settlement for a new-for-old replacement bike if the bike was bought new and less than three years old at the time of the loss.
A cash settlement for a like-for-like replacement bike if your damaged bike was second-hand or over three years old at the time of the loss.
Once we have approved your claim, you will receive a cash settlement within 48 hours of receiving confirmation.
Why insure your bicycle with ALA?
We are a significant cycling insurance provider in the UK. We offer a wide range of bicycle insurance policies to suit every cyclist. Our cover includes road bike, mountain bike, electric bike and BMX insurance . Our affordable plans that can be tailored according to your specific needs make our cycling insurance widely accessible . You can add optional coverage, including:
Accessory cover
Cycle hire replacement
Personal injury cover
Public liability insurance
Legal expense cover
Our team of experts are always on hand to advise on everything from choosing the right plan to making a successful claim. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates us, so your insurance policy is protected from day one.
Common Queries
What does bicycle insurance cover?
Bicycle insurance typically covers bicycle theft and malicious or accidental damage. Some policies have optional add-ons such as public liability, accessory, bicycle hire and personal accident cover. ALA also offers Worldwide cover as standard, extending your cover for 30-day tips overseas, which a travel insurance policy may not provide.
Will bicycle insurance cover a bent frame?
ALA Cycle Insurance covers any damage that impairs the bike’s function as long as the policyholder is not liable for this damage. Gradual deterioration from frequent use is also not covered. Since a bent frame can impair the bike’s function and likely occurs suddenly, this can be covered by ALA Cycle Insurance .
With a successful claim, will you get a repaired bike, a new bike or cash?
Most bicycle insurance providers will offer a replacement bike (arranged directly with the supplier) or, the cost of bicycle repairs. A new-for-old replacement is available for bikes (bought new) less than three years old. Like-for-like replacement applies to all other bikes.
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