Cycle Insurance

[MattDell]

Could any of you recommend a cycle insurance for me? My main requirements are...

1) It's affordable
2) Though I live in a generally safe part of London, theft is my primary concern.
3) It covers the following situation: I recently purchased a new bike to replace my old(er) one. My old bike was just a normal Trek 7.2 hybrid that I didn't care much about so I just left it outside locked to an iron railing in my back garden. My new bike is a Cinelli and I'm being much more protective over it so I've made room in the shed for it. The problem is there isn't much to lock it to and there isn't a lock on the shed either. Ideally I want to fix the lock that was on the shed, but I want to know what the insurance requirements would be before I do that.

So, yeah, ideally something that would cover that scenario and not break the bank. My back garden is gated and locked and has a very high wall surrounding it for what it's worth.

Ta.

-Matt

[Mr E]

Mine is just added to my contents insurance?

[seadragon]

Dont bother, my household insurance only covers up to £250 I think and if you had to insure the bike only through one of those insurance companies it will cost you the earth, unless you have money to burn.

My suggestion, lock it up tight. Use a Kryptonite floor anchor (about £50), one of those scooter chains (about £40) and maybe cover it to deter prying eyes. A one-off cost of about £90.

http://www.saundersonsecurity.co.uk/acatalog/info_...
http://www.saundersonsecurity.co.uk/acatalog/Krypt...

Edited by seadragon on Tuesday 18th December 17:17

[Mr E]

seadragon said:

Dont bother, my household insurance only covers up to £250 I think and if you had to insure the bike only through one of those insurance companies it will cost you the earth, unless you have money to burn.

I think it costs me something like £40 to insure a £1300 custom hardtail.

[insurance_jon]

if damage to the bike whilst riding it is important to you, then get separate cover, as most home insurers exclude damage whilst in use.

With reference to the above, as shed without a lock wont be covered on any policy.

[billzeebub]

Mine is in the home contents policy, who only specify the bike must be locked when unattended. No stipulation as to what lock or where it needs to be kept. Both bikes were stolen out of shed earlier this year. Paid out no probs to value of around £2.5k. My only issue with them was that they would only supply certain makes as replacement from their approved supplier. Worth checking on before taking a policy. I wasn't too bothered as they replaced like for like on spec, not price. I ended up with more expensive bikes as a result. It adds £8 a month to contents policy, well worth it..

Shed now fortified with under-floor anchor points and I use 4x £100+ Motorbike Locks, Hinge Bolts on shed door, £50 padlock and covered window, with motion sensor security lighting and gravel around shed! It will. Take a determined and brave thief now!..was a tad blasé before with cruddy cable locks and a £5 padlock!

Edited by billzeebub on Tuesday 18th December 22:24

[BPC7]

I insured mine through my British Cycling membership, price was ok for a bike worth more than a lot of peoples cars!

[MattDell]

Yeah, I'm thinking I might just need to invest in a good bike cover and lock the Cinelli next to the Trek on the iron railing.

Already anxious about it not being attached to anything in the shed.

[seadragon]

Mr E said:

I think it costs me something like £40 to insure a £1300 custom hardtail.

Thats fair. What I meant was that if my bikes were stolen the payout would only be £250 each from my home contents cover. Since 1 bike is £1500, the other 3k and my new one 2k that £250 each wouldnt be worth it, would be easier to deter any thief as most are lazy and probably wouldnt bother tackling a floor anchor and a really thick chain.

[Mr E]

seadragon said:

Mr E said:

I think it costs me something like £40 to insure a £1300 custom hardtail.

Thats fair. What I meant was that if my bikes were stolen the payout would only be £250 each from my home contents cover.

£40 on my home insurance as a specifically named item. Insured for the full cost of replacement.