Bike insurance works differently depending on the type of two-wheeler a rider owns and the local rules and regulations regarding coverage. For bicycles and electric bikes – popularly known as e-bikes – insurance is not typically required, but experts recommend cycling enthusiasts take out coverage. Motorcycle insurance, on the other hand, is mandatory in most states and regions as such vehicles run on powerful engines, increasing the level of risk.
If you are one of the riders trying to work out if coverage is necessary, this article can serve as a handy guide. We will discuss how bike insurance works for the most common types of two-wheelers – bicycles, e-bikes, and motorcycles. We will also talk about what each policy covers, the benefits of having one, and the factors influencing premiums. For the insurance professionals who usually read our site, this is an excellent article to send to a client who has questions about this topic.
Bicycle insurance provides financial protection against a host of bike-related issues. While coverage is not legally required, it may be worth considering for certain types of cyclists.
How does bicycle insurance work?
Bicycle owners can access bike insurance in two ways:
Standard homeowners, renters, and condo insurance plans typically provide coverage for bicycles under the personal property section of the policies. These, however, offer limited protection and lower coverage limits compared to specialist bike cover. While this type of protection may suit casual riders, avid cyclists with modified and expensive bikes may find coverage inadequate.
For those who own high-priced bikes, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) recommend purchasing a rider that allows them to schedule personal property. Home insurance policyholders typically use this type of endorsement for high-value items as it allows them to boost coverage.
The recent cycling boom brought about by the pandemic has created a niche market for bicycle insurance. Standalone bike policies have higher coverage limits and provide tailored protection specifically designed for cycling enthusiasts. This, of course, has a corresponding impact on premiums.
Personal property coverage under home insurance policies typically provides protection against theft and vandalism, with the claim amount depending on whether the plan covers actual cash value or replacement cost.
For bike damage, policies kick in depending on the situation. Some scenarios covered under homeowners, renters, and condo insurance include damages sustained in a vehicular accident while the bike is being transported and if the bike is destroyed in a house fire. Home policies do not cover instances when the cyclist crashes into an object like a tree or another vehicle. For the latter, they can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage under their car insurance policies.
Want to learn more about the different kinds of protection auto insurance and other types of insurance policies provide? Check out our comprehensive insurance guide.
Standalone bike insurance policies, meanwhile, provide coverage for the following:
Some specialized bike insurance policies also offer roadside assistance services and taxi fare reimbursement if they can no longer use their bicycles to get home.
Bicycle insurance premiums typically range from $100 to $300 a year in the US. Rates depend on a variety of factors, including how much the bike costs. In Canada, annual premiums may be equivalent to between 3% and 7% of the bicycle’s total value, while in the UK, coverage costs about £50 for a bike worth £1,000.
Taking out separate bike insurance is not for everyone. According to industry experts, coverage may be worth considering if the bike owner:
E-bike insurance provides mostly the same coverages as that for regular bicycles. It is also not mandatory for riders to purchase. But because these two-wheelers run on some type of engine, some states have drafted laws regarding its usage.
How does e-bike insurance work?
Similar to regular bicycles, e-bike owners can access coverage for their units through their homeowners, renters, or condo insurance’s personal property section. They can also schedule their e-bikes for enhanced protection. Standalone e-bike insurance is likewise available.
Comprehensive e-bike coverage offers the same protection as that for standard bicycle policies. These can include the following:
Here's a cost breakdown by country:
The e-bike’s value and the local regulations regarding coverage and usage are the primary factors affecting premium prices.
Several US states have established classification systems for e-bikes to distinguish them from similar types of two-wheelers such as mopeds and scooters. These 26 states have adopted a three-tier e-bike classification system that governs many aspects of ownership, including age limits for riders, and requirements for helmets, licenses, registration, and insurance.
These are the three classifications of e-bikes that the states mentioned above use, according to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL).
E-bike owners are advised to contact their state’s insurance department or a licensed insurance agent or broker to better understand local coverage requirements for their two-wheelers.
Motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement for anyone riding their two-wheelers on the road – and for good reason. This type of coverage helps protect riders against liability if their vehicles are involved in an accident and provides financial compensation if their bikes are stolen or damaged.
The minimum requirement for US motorbike riders is liability coverage. Most policies offer other types of protection, but these are optional, according to Triple-I. These are the most common types of coverages available for motorcycle owners.
Just like in other types of bike insurance, there are several factors that impact the premium prices of motorcycle insurance. These include:
Typical price ranges by country are:
You can get useful tips on how to slash motorcycle insurance costs by reading our practical motorbike premium-reduction guide.
While the market value of a motorcycle is significantly less than that of cars, the cost of insurance is typically higher due to the two-wheeler’s risk exposure. Because some motorbikes can accelerate faster and reach much greater speeds compared to other types of vehicles, accidents involving motorcycles can likewise be more destructive and devastating.
Data gathered by Triple-I has shown that motorcycle riders are five times more prone to injury and 29 times more likely to die due to an accident than someone driving a car. Premium prices, however, go down for inexpensive motorbikes that run on less powerful engines.
You can work out how much motorcycle insurance you need by checking out this guide.
Are you an owner of a bicycle, e-bike, or motorcycle? Do you think taking out coverage is worthwhile and necessary? Hit us up in the chat box below for your thoughts.
