Best bicycle insurance in the UK

Do you need bicycle insurance?

Bicycle insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but for keen cyclists it’s worth considering as a way to protect your investment. High-spec racing bikes can easily cost thousands of pounds to replace, but even a casual cyclist with a bike on the cheaper end of the scale may benefit from this kind of cover, particularly those who couldn’t afford to buy a new bike outright if they needed to.

Insurance for bicycles can also offer liability cover, which can be invaluable if you’re involved in an accident that results in damage to a third party’s property and you were found to be negligent or reckless. Costs could quickly escalate in this scenario, and if you didn’t have adequate insurance you could be required to cover the cost yourself.  

A lot of it will come down to price – both the price of the bike, and of the insurance policy and any excess – so it’s important to compare bike insurance to see if it’s worthwhile. Ultimately, even though you may not technically need this kind of policy, it can make a lot of sense to invest.

What’s included under bike insurance?

Typically, standard bicycle insurance in the UK will cover the bike against loss, theft and accidental or malicious damage. From there, you can find more comprehensive policies or may be able to add additional levels of cover as optional extras, such as:

• Personal accident cover
• Third-party liability cover
• Legal expenses cover
• Accessories (e.g. helmets, GPS, clothing)
• Lost race fees
• European and worldwide cover
• Roadside assistance and recovery
• Replacement bike hire
• Family and/or multi-bike cover

Cover will always differ between providers and individual policies, which is why it’s so important to compare bike insurance thoroughly. Bear in mind that the best bicycle insurance policy isn’t necessarily the most expensive, but the one that offers the level of cover you need.

What isn’t typically covered

There are a few things that won’t normally be covered by bicycle insurance in the UK, including general wear and tear, use of your bike for business purposes (such as deliveries), accidents that happen while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, and damage that occurs during a race or competition (unless you have specialist cover).

You also won’t be covered if you haven’t taken all reasonable precautions to keep your bike safe. You’ll need a suitable lock and will be expected to keep your bike in a secure location, preferably indoors, in a shed or garage, or behind a locked gate or fence. If you have no choice but to leave it somewhere in public, you may only have cover against theft or damage for up to 24 hours; if it’s there for longer you may not be covered.

There may be other exclusions as well, so always make sure to read the small print before you decide on your policy.

Types of bikes covered with bicycle insurance

Most types of bike will be covered by bicycle insurance, including standard road and mountain bikes, folding bikes and BMX bikes. You’ll also be able to find cover for electric bikes and hybrid options, and if you’re using your bike for commuting to and from work.

If you’ve got a custom-made or antique bike, it may be more difficult to source suitable cover. Though that doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and could simply mean you need to find more specialist options. Start your search by using our chart to compare bike insurance providers, and as ever, make sure to check the policy wording to ensure you’re fully covered.