I lost my first great love at 16 - while I was flirting with the pretty Susi at the quarry pond. A brazen thief cut the iron band with which I had chained my beloved Corratec Team Bow to a tree and snatched it from my heart forever. But luck was on my side. My parents' household contents insurance compensated me for all the damage, and to top it all off I got a kiss from sweet Susi. Not everyone is that lucky. Or does your household contents insurance cover bicycle theft? And what if you injure yourself doing your favourite sport?
Which insurance makes sense for cyclists?
Biking is a high-risk sport, and in the worst-case scenario you could suffer permanent damage in the event of a fall. Do you have accident insurance? Or liability insurance to protect you if you knock down the person next to you in a marathon sprint to the finish? There are countless insurance policies that cover you when practising your hobby, in the event of an accident or when travelling. But not all of them really make sense. We cut a swathe through the insurance jungle and show you which four areas are really relevant for bike sports.
Theft insurance for bicycles
Who pays if the bike is stolen depends on where and how it was stolen and whether the bike is insured through the household contents insurance, through a supplement in the household contents or through a special insurer.
The Household contents insurance should actually be owned by everyone. If the bike is stolen from your home or a locked cellar, this is considered burglary. In this case, your bikes are also insured. The amount of compensation depends on the sum insured and is calculated on the basis of the living space and a lump sum. For an 80 square metre flat, the sum insured is around 50,000 euros. The premium is around 80 euros, depending on the deductible and place of residence. As the sum insured applies to all bikes in the household, you should calculate whether the cover is sufficient or may need to be increased. Also clarify whether your insurer specifies a maximum limit for compensation for bicycles.
For example, if the bike is stolen during a break in a beer garden, this is considered simple theft. As a rule of thumb, the bike is then insured against theft for one per cent of the total sum insured. In our case, that would only be 500 euros.
About a Extended household contents insurance this amount can sometimes be increased by up to nine per cent of the sum insured. Prices range from around 10 to 90 euros. However, the insurance only pays out if the bike is secured with a lock (sometimes even a very specific one). The time clause that used to be common, according to which bikes were only insured between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., no longer applies.
These tips will help you
- Be sure to keep the invoice for your bike.
- Make a note of the frame number of your bike.
- Keep a clear record of the characteristics: brand, colour, accessories, etc.
- Get a cycle pass or the cycle pass app.
- Take a photo of the bike: This can also help with regulation.
One Special bicycle insurance is worthwhile for particularly expensive bicycles that are left outside at night or are not covered by household contents insurance. The market of providers is quite manageable and is limited to four notable companies. They cover the loss of or damage to the insured bicycle due to theft and other risks. Bicycle insurance can be taken out on the basis of the current value or the new value. But be careful: the full value is not always reimbursed. Pergande & Pöthe only pays the full amount in the first year after purchase. After that, the sum insured decreases by five per cent each year. With ENRA, the maximum sum insured is 2,000 euros. Wertgarantie also only covers 2000 euros, although more expensive bikes and bicycles can be insured. Here, too, the presentation of the frame number or the use of a specific Bicycle lock required.
This is how much bicycle insurance cover costs per year
Bicycle insurers on the Internet
Accident insurance for mountain bikers
A fall while biking is not only painful, it can also be really expensive if, for example, recovery costs are incurred abroad. Statutory accident insurance does not cover this.
One Private accident insurance helps if you injure yourself in a fall or accident. The premium varies according to age, membership group or sport practised and starts at around 100 euros per year. The scope of insurance can be configured according to your personal wishes. The insurance policies cover, for example, rescue and recovery from the scene of an accident or the costs arising from cosmetic surgery, disability or death. However, the insurance also covers daily hospital benefits or compensation for loss of income during medical treatment. The insurance is valid worldwide and 24 hours a day. Important: Check whether your insurance covers your hobby in full. As a rule, leisure activities, i.e. hobby biking, are covered, but some providers exclude racing from the scope of benefits, for example.
Who Member of an association is also covered by accident and liability insurance. However, only as long as the claim occurs during activities within the scope of the club's activities. For example, during training. But the journey to training or to a club meeting is also covered here. As some club contracts are outdated, it is worth checking whether the sums insured are still sufficient. Private pedalling insurance extends cover to private cycling and is generally offered through the club.
Liability insurance
Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory when registering a car. However, private liability insurance is also recommended for bikers. It comes into effect if the insured person damages third-party property.
One Private liability insurance makes sense, especially when taking part in private races. Premiums start at around 50 euros per year. If you cause an accident, the insurance company checks the claims of the injured party and covers the costs. Of course, gross negligence is excluded. The insurance covers property damage and personal injury up to millions and should not be missing in any household. Even if you have already taken out personal liability insurance, you should check your policy to see whether your hobby is actually covered to the full extent (racing participation).
You should bear this in mind
- Always clarify whether your own hobby is covered by the insurance.
- Many insurance policies exclude participation in races from their benefits.
- Check your tariff regularly. As your circumstances change, so do your claims.
Travel insurance for mountain bikers
Accidents abroad are unpleasant enough. On top of that, health insurance often does not cover the damage. Damaged luggage is just as annoying. But you can protect yourself here too.
One International health insurance makes particular sense for those with statutory health insurance. Despite international agreements between the Schengen states, health insurance policies abroad often do not pay in full. Rescue costs or repatriation costs, or the costs of medical treatment are often not covered. This is where international health insurance, which is often offered for as little as ten euros a year, can help, often together with a credit card contract. For longer stays abroad, however, you should always enquire about the exact benefits. The duration and number of stays abroad are often limited.
One Luggage insurance is usually a relatively expensive affair, but makes sense especially for valuable cargo. If the bike is damaged during the flight, the chances of being reimbursed for the full value are usually slim. When travelling by air, the compensation limit for lost or damaged luggage is currently around 1,300 euros. Expensive bikes are therefore not fully reimbursed. Luggage insurance can be partially integrated into household contents insurance. HUK, for example, covers damage to luggage up to 40 per cent of the total sum insured. This naturally increases the insurance premium by a few euros. In some cases, luggage insurance can also be taken out through the travel or training camp organiser.
Important tips on travel protection
- Before travelling, check whether your health insurance covers your destination country.
- If you are staying abroad for a longer period of time, make sure you clarify which benefits you will receive.
- Some insurance policies limit the duration and number of trips.
Stefan Frey
Editor
