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 over 28 trusted providers**
** Correct as of March 2025.
Do I need bicycle insurance?
Unlike car insurance, bicycle insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK so you can choose not to have it.
Then again, if you rely on your bike to get around, it could be a real blow if yours gets stolen or damaged in an accident and you don’t have insurance in place.
These statistics from GOV.UK highlight why bicycle insurance could prove useful:
- Almost 15,000 cyclists were injured in road accidents in Britain in 2023
- More than 65,000 incidents of bicycle theft were recorded in England and Wales between July 2023 and June 2024.
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.
Wondering if you need bicycle insurance? Learn what it covers – and what it doesn’t – as well as whether to include your bike in your home insurance or opt for specialist cover. Discover how to protect your bike from thieves, compare quotes, and choose the right policy for your needs. Plus, find out what factors affect the cost of bicycle insurance so you can make an informed decision about protecting your bike.
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 28 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 March 2025.
What can cycle insurance cover?
Standard bicycle insurance typically covers you for:
- Theft – you’ll be reimbursed if your bike is stolen or goes missing
- Accidental damage – covers the cost of repairs or a replacement if your bike is damaged in an accident.
There are two types of cover available:
- New for old – this is for bikes bought as new. If your bike is stolen or damaged beyond repair, you could replace it with a new equivalent.
- Market value – this is for bikes bought second-hand. It covers the replacement cost based on current market value.
You can usually tailor your policy to include optional extras or extended cover for a further cost.
Add-ons with bicycle insurance
Public liability and legal expenses
Covers the cost of claims made against you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while riding.
Helmets and other accessories
Protects temporary or fitted accessories, including helmets, locks and lights, against damage or theft.
Replacement cycle hire
If you need a replacement bike while you’re waiting for yours to be repaired or replaced.
Personal accident cover
If you seriously injure yourself while cycling.
Family and multi-bike
Get a discount if you insure more than one bicycle on your policy.
European and worldwide travel
Cover for international cycling adventures. There may be limits on how many days you’re covered for.
Competitive use
For taking part in cycle race events or competitions.
Loss of earnings
Covers you if you’re injured while cycling and unable to work.
Bicycle breakdown cover
If you get a puncture, broken pedal or other mechanical issue on the road.
What won’t bicycle insurance cover?
Most bicycle insurance policies come with exclusions – things your policy may not cover you for. Typically, these include if:
- You can’t prove you’re the owner of the bike
- Your bicycle was stolen because you didn’t lock it properly
- The damage is cosmetic – just scratches and dents that don’t prevent the bike from working
- The bike was lost or damaged while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Your bike was left somewhere other than your insured location for more than 24 hours
- You use your bike for business, for example working as a courier
- Your bike was deliberately damaged by you or someone known to you
- Your bike is damaged through general wear and tear.
When you compare cycle insurance quotes, consider the exclusions and decide whether these are relevant to you.
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 bicycles 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 personal possessions when you’re out and about. This can include bicycles, as long as they’re not used for racing.
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, you can add bikes worth more than £350 to your 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’s the difference between specialist cycle insurance and home 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.
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. Cover limits are also often much lower than specialist cover.
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.
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 bikes
- Hybrid and electric bikes
- Folding bikes
- Commuter bikes.
Don’t leave your bicycle uninsured
According to the Crime in England and Wales Survey, there were 65,477 incidents of bicycle theft recorded by the police in the year ending June 2024.
Get bicycle insuranceHow 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
When you’re out and about, you’ll want to leave your bicycle in a safe place. So avoid quiet, secluded areas. 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 visible marking, 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 lamppost. Make sure you secure the frame and both wheels. Some thieves will steal the frame and leave the wheels behind.
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.
How can I get a bicycle insurance quote?
You can get a quote for your bicycle in a matter of minutes. You’ll just need to give us a few details about you and your bike. Here's what you'll need:
1. Details about your bike
Including type, make, value and when you bought it.
2. Security information
Where you store the bike and if it will be locked when left unattended.
3. Personal details
Including your name, how old you are and where you live.
4. Policy requirements
Will you need cover for commuting, personal accident or replacement bike hire, for instance?
What our expert says...
"Unlike home insurance, which may have restrictions on theft away from home or require specific security measures, a dedicated bicycle policy often provides broader protection, including accidental damage, cycle hire and breakdown cover. To get the right cover, compare policies carefully and look for features like 'new for old' replacement and check security requirements to ensure your bike is fully covered wherever you ride."
- Anna McEntee, Home, travel and pet insurance expert
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 payout 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.
How much is bicycle insurance?
The cost of your bicycle insurance premium can depend on a few factors, including:
- Your bike’s value
- The type of bike
- Where you live
- Where you keep your bike overnight
- Any modifications you’ve made to your bike.
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 make sure you get the right cover for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Will my bike be replaced if I make a claim on my bicycle insurance?
The decision to replace or pay the claim out in cash varies between insurance providers. You’ll need to check your policy’s terms and conditions.
If it’s possible for the bicycle to be repaired, some insurance providers will make the necessary arrangements.
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 typically 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.
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.
Can I have car and bike insurance in one policy?
Not usually. Bicycles are normally covered under a home insurance policy.
How to get cheap bike insurance
Some insurance providers will offer discounts for referring friends or insuring multiple bikes. But the best way to get cheap bike insurance is to shop around and compare quotes from different providers.
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