Compare bicycle insurance
Bag a bargain on bicycle insurance
- Get a replacement bike if yours gets damaged or stolen
- Bicycle breakdown cover when you need it
- Plus enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*
Compare bicycle insurance from 25 trusted providers**
Do I need bicycle insurance?
If you rely on your bike to get around, it could be a real blow if yours gets stolen or damaged beyond repair and you don’t have bicycle insurance in place.
Then there are cycling accessories, like helmets, to consider. Without the proper cover, expensive repairs and replacements will have to come out of your own pocket.
As well as paying to replace your bicycle, insurance could save you money by getting you back on the road faster. This could prove vital if you need it for getting to work, uni or college.
We’ve partnered with comparison service i-Wonder to help you find the right policy for your circumstances from their wide panel of lenders.
Why compare bicycle insurance with our partner i-Wonder?
- Compare a wide range of standalone bicycle insurance policies quickly and easily
- Access and compare from a panel of over 25 providers**
- Compare policies with optional extras such as personal accident cover, legal expenses cover, replacement bike hire cover and public liability cover
- i-Wonder are a leading price comparison technology expert for niche products such as bike insurance
- They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (993258).
**Correct as of October 2024
What can cycle insurance cover?
Policies vary, but bicycle insurance quotes from i-Wonder will generally cover:
- New for Old and Market Value
- Theft Cover
- Public Liability & Legal Expenses
- Commuting, competitions and commercial use
- Accessories cover
- Replacement cycle hire
- Personal Injury cover
- European and worldwide cover
Many policies also offer new for old cover if you need to replace your bike with a new equivalent, but some may deduct an amount for wear and tear.
What add-ons can I get with bicycle insurance?
If you need more comprehensive cover, you can often add optional extras to a basic cycling insurance policy for a further cost. These include:
- Personal accident coverage, for if you seriously injure yourself while cycling
- Third-party liability to cover the cost of any claims made against you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while riding
- Extended accessories cover, for temporary items like helmets and clothing
- Cycling abroad cover for international adventures
- Competitive use, if you’re taking part in cycle race events or competitions
- Legal expenses to cover the cost of legal assistance if you need it after a cycling incident
- Bicycle breakdown cover if you suffer a puncture, broken pedal or other mechanical issue on the road.
What won’t bicycle insurance cover?
Most bicycle insurance policies come with exclusions. This means your policy may not cover you if:
- Someone other than you was in possession of the bike when it was damaged or stolen
- You can’t prove you’re the owner of the bike
- The bicycle lock you’re using isn’t an approved model listed in your policy
- Your bike is damaged through general wear and tear
- Cosmetic damage like scratches and dents doesn’t prevent the bike from working
- The bike is lost or damaged while you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When you compare cycle insurance quotes, consider the exclusions and decide whether these are relevant to you.
What types of bikes are covered with cycling insurance?
Bicycle insurance should cover most types of bike, including:
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
- Electric bikes
- BMX’s
- Hybrid bikes
- Folding bikes
Is my bike covered by my home insurance?
There are three ways a bike can be included in your home insurance:
1. Contents insurance
Some providers (but certainly not all) will classify push bikes as contents. That means they will cover them if they’re stolen, damaged or destroyed when inside your home.
There are often conditions that must be fulfilled to ensure any claim will be paid. For example, your bike must have been locked up in your garden or kept in a locked outbuilding if it was stolen from within the boundaries of your home.
There’s usually a maximum limit you can claim before you need to add the bike individually to the policy.
2. Personal possessions outside the home
If you have contents insurance, you can buy an add-on to cover your belongings outside of your home. This can cover things such as mobile phones and watches, as long as you specify them on your insurance. Sometimes bikes can be included.
Again, insurance providers may state that your bike needs to be locked to a fixed point to ensure a payout if stolen.
3. Individual bike cover
When getting a quote, customers can add bikes worth more than £350 to their policy separately.
If your bike isn’t worth £350 and you want to make sure it’s covered, check the definitions of contents and personal possessions in the policy wording. If it doesn’t cover your bike, you should think about taking out separate cycle insurance.
What should I look for with bicycle insurance?
When you start to compare cycle insurance, there are several things to look out for:
Whether your bike is already covered
You may find that your bike is already covered by your existing home insurance policy. If so, check the terms of your policy to see if you need to declare your bike and any conditions you may need to meet to be eligible for cover.
Where it’s covered
You’ll want your policy to cover you when you’re out and about, not just when your bike is at home in your shed. You might also want cover for leaving it somewhere overnight. If you’re into cycle touring, check whether the cover extends to other countries.
When it’s covered
You’re not likely to be covered for a bike that’s damaged while competing in a race. If you’re a competitive cyclist, you can get specialist bicycle insurance to cover you for this.
What it’s covered against
For example, theft, vandalism and accidental damage. If you need extra protection, look for policy add-ons or take out a specialist bicycle insurance policy.
How much it's covered for
If you have an expensive bike, check to see if your policy has a limit on the pay-out it will provide. If you have an expensive bike or one with lots of modifications, it might make sense to arrange specialist cycle insurance.
What security is expected of you
If you don’t do your bit to secure your bike, it’s unlikely your insurance will pay out. Most insurance providers will insist you have a robust, approved lock and that you secure it to an immovable object.
What you’ll receive if you make a claim
It’s important you know whether you’ve got like for like cover or whether you’ll need to find some money yourself for an equivalent replacement.
Some insurance providers pay out less the older the bike is. Other insurance providers will arrange for your bike to be replaced, while others will give you money to spend as you wish.
What your policy excess is
You’ll likely have to pay an amount towards the cost of your claim, but check this excess isn’t too high. There’s no point having insurance if you can’t afford to claim.
Bear in mind that claiming on your home insurance can affect your no-claims bonus. This means, even if the excess is low, you might want to think twice before you make a small claim.
What’s the difference between specialist cycle insurance and home insurance?
Specialist bicycle insurance
Specialist cycle insurance provides more comprehensive cover than home insurance. This could be important if you have an expensive bike or take part in races.
Home insurance
Most home contents insurance policies offer basic cover for bicycles. However, you might find your contents insurance only covers your bike when it’s in your home or locked in the shed or garage. You may need to pay extra to cover your bike when it’s away from home.
Insurance providers also have limits on the value of individual items they’ll cover. For valuables, this is typically around the £1,500 mark. But bike limits are often much lower, so if your bike is worth more than £350, you may have to add it to your policy separately for an extra premium. This is usually cheaper than taking out a standalone bike insurance policy.
How do I get bicycle insurance with my home insurance?
If you already have home insurance and want to stick with the same provider, contact your insurance provider directly. They’ll let you know what kind of bicycle insurance they offer.
If you’re buying new home insurance or thinking of switching, start a quote with us. We’ll ask you some questions about what you want to insure, including bikes. Then we’ll show you a selection of policies that meet your needs.
Whatever you do, make sure you check all the policy details carefully. This will tell you the exact situations in which your bike is covered and how much it’s covered for. If you’re not happy with the terms, go for a different policy.
How much is bicycle insurance?
The cost of your bicycle insurance premium can depend on a few factors, such as your bike’s value, the type of bike it is and even your own circumstances.
Your premium can also be affected by where you keep your bike overnight and where you live – you may pay more if you live in an area with a higher crime rate.
Also, be aware that modifications could mean that cheap bicycle insurance is hard to find. These include any changes you make to your bike that might increase its value and make it more attractive to thieves.
Your home insurance can be tailored to suit your needs, as can specialist bicycle insurance. It’s important to compare home and bicycle insurance quotes to ensure you get the right cover for your needs.
How do I work out the value of my bike?
To make certain you don’t underinsure your bike when comparing bicycle insurance, its total value shouldn’t take depreciation into account. You should always state the bike’s full value new, even if you bought it second-hand.
You should also include any upgrades or modifications you’ve made to your bike. If in doubt, it’s better to overestimate than underestimate the value of your bike.
Alternatively, try an online valuation tool to find out how much your bike is worth.
How can I protect my bike from thieves?
Follow these five tips to help keep your bike safe:
1. Double lock it
Using two locks hampers thieves and makes your bike less of a target. Invest in two different types of high-quality, approved bicycle locks, at least one of which is a ‘Sold Secure’ rated lock.
2. Park it in a safe space
It’s important to leave your bicycle in a safe place, so avoid quiet, secluded areas. Also try to find a spot that’s well-lit, relatively busy and monitored by CCTV.
3. Register your bike
You can register your bicycle for free in just a few minutes on the National Cycle Database. Many thieves are deterred by this, and it will also make it easier for the police to find your bike if it’s stolen.
4. Secure it to an immovable object
When leaving your bike unattended, secure it to something sturdy like a bike stand, rack or a lamppost.
5. Store it securely at home
Take as much care to lock your bike securely at home as you would in a public place, especially if it’s kept in a shed or garage.
What our expert says...
Unless you compete in cycling events or your bike is very valuable, you may be able to get the cover you need on a standard home insurance policy with added protection for when you’re out and about. But once you’ve got your quote, check your policy wording carefully so you know exactly what you’re covered for.
- The Editorial Team, Experts in personal finance, insurance and utilities
Frequently asked questions
If I make a claim on my bicycle insurance will my bike be replaced?
The decision to replace or pay the claim out in cash will vary among insurance providers, so it’s important to check your policy's terms and conditions.
If it’s possible for the bicycle to be repaired, most insurance providers will make the necessary arrangements.
Is bicycle insurance mandatory in the UK?
No, unlike car insurance, bicycle insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. However, it could protect you, your bike and other road users if an accident happens.
It’s certainly worth considering if you have a high-spec bike, rely on it for transport or regularly compete in racing competitions. If you do compete, it’s likely that the race organisers will want you to be insured before you’re allowed to participate.
Check before signing up for a race.
Do I need special insurance for an electric bike (e-bike)?
Like regular bicycles, your e-bike can be included in your home insurance policy. Or, if you want to have more comprehensive cover, it can be covered by a specialist bicycle insurance policy instead.
You’re not legally obliged to insure your e-bike as long as it has a maximum power output of 250 watts and doesn’t exceed 15.5mph and has pedals.
Can I insure my bike for business use?
Yes, there are policies available that will cover your bike if you use it for work. Just remember to select this cover option when getting a quote – in some cases, you may need to add commercial cover as an additional extra.
Will kids and young riders be insured?
Specialist bicycle insurance will only cover riders over the age of 16. Family bikes should be included under your home contents insurance against theft or malicious damage.
However, this cover only applies to when they’re stored at your property. Just remember to include them when working out the value of your contents insurance.
Why might my bicycle claim not be paid?
There are several reasons that could cause a claim to be rejected. These include:
- Not adequately securing your bike
- Not using approved bicycle locks
- Not providing proof of ownership
- Using the bike for monetary gain, such as deliveries, without appropriate cover
- Any incidents that happen while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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