Insuring a bike?

[deena]

I was just reading about Cassandra's terrible crash (I hope you are up and riding soon) and many of you have had bike-totalling crashes. I am sure in many cases the driver's insurance will cover replacement, but what about an uninsured driver or a crash that involves a walker, dog, or other hazard?

Do insurance companies offer policies that cover bike replacement? Have any of you insured your bikes?

[Bikingmomof3]

Good question.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I made a copy of my bike receipt and am going to try to have it added to our homeowner's insurance umbrella- the same added policy that covers my musical instruments if they are stolen. Not going out today in the heat, but will post back later this week with what they say about insuring a bike. It will be interesting to see whether they cover theft as well as damage. For example, my policy will cover theft of my instruments from my house or traveling, or from another location where I am, but will NOT cover theft if I left them in my car (which I would never do anyway!)

[mimitabby]

Our homeowner's insurance covers us for replacement cost of contents, including bikes.

We have actually used it once ..
when someone lifted a new trek off our hollywood rack on the back of our car.

[Dogmama]

Our homeowner's insurance covers us for replacement cost of contents, including bikes.

We have actually used it once ..
when someone lifted a new trek off our hollywood rack on the back of our car.

That is my understanding also. I checked with my insurance agent (State Farm) years ago when I was doing a cross-state tour on my custom bike. He made the following suggestions:

1. Take pictures of your bike. (My advice - get close up pictures of expense bits, e.g., Campy gearing, expense rims, etc.)

2. Keep receipts.

Also, I have replacement-value on my policy. That means, if it is beyond repair or gets stolen, they have to buy me a new one. I can't imagine having to hassle depreciation on a bike. We all know they are PRICELESS no matter how old they are!!

For all you oldies but goodies -

My bike has a lugged steel frame. Replacing that would be difficult, if not impossible. You need to make sure that a qualified bike shop certifies that these special bikes are irreplaceable - well - except maybe with a Lightspeed or Orbea Hey - we all have our prices!!