Bicycle stolen, what to do: When does the insurance pay for bicycle theft?
BIKE
· 22.09.2022
Firstly, a few sober and sobering figures:
9,8 %: This is how low the detection rate for bicycle theft is in Germany
TOP 3: This is where most bikes are stolen in Germany (source: GDV, Statista.com):
1st place: Leipzig
2nd place: Münster
3rd place: Potsdam
110 million euros: This is the amount of claims in 2021 according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). The average loss is therefore higher than ever before.
But there is also good news: in 2021, fewer bicycles were stolen than at any time in recent memory. A record low! Experts explain the decline by the fact that more people are working from home due to the corona measures and bicycles are therefore less likely to be left unattended.
However, the current scarce availability of bikes is driving up prices on the second-hand market. As a result, bike thefts are becoming more lucrative for criminals, as shown in the February 2022 a spectacular robbery on a Shimano transport has shown. Increased caution is always required, especially in the high season. Bikes are often stolen from the supposedly secure communal cellar. "The best prophylaxis against bike theft is vigilance and high-quality locks," says Roland Huhn, ADFC legal advisor. What to do if it does happen, the expert reveals in the interview (see below).
When does the insurance pay for bicycle theft?
A few details determine whether the insurance pays out for bicycles or not. Four scenarios in the check.
Completed Kellearning abbeyl or garage
The household contents insurance pays here. Provided that the cellar compartment was cordoned offand there are Traces of burglary. The police must therefore be informed. The household contents insurance usually does not require that the bike was also locked. In the case of cellar lockers without visual protection, the insurance company may be able to claim gross negligence.
Shared cellar compartment in the hotel or at home
This is where household contents insurance comes in notbecause several people have access to the premises. This means that there are usually no signs of burglary. Theft insurance or supplementary insurance for household contents insurance is required. Many providers require the bike to be stored at a anchored object is connected.
From the vehicle or from the bike carrier (locked)
In both cases, a Special bicycle theft insurance necessary. Car insurance is not liable for loose objects in or on the car. In individual cases, the insurance company may check the case for negligence, e.g. in the case of a very expensive bike. Anything that makes the theft more difficult helps when negotiating with the insurance company.
Public square, connected
Here only one Theft insurance. Important: As a rule, the bike must be attached to a connected to a firmly anchored object be. Also important: Many insurers require a certain quality of bike lock. This is usually measured by the value of the bike. For example, the new price of the lock must be at least 49 euros.
Interview with ADFC legal advisor Roland Huhn
BIKE: Mr Huhn, where is my mountain bike safest from theft?
ROLAND HUHN: Presumably in the home. Anyone who breaks in there is usually not after a bike. In fact, very few bikes are stolen from buildings. However, the insurance companies do not differentiate in the statistics what type of bicycle is involved. This is why public places are considered the number one crime scene for bicycle theft. However, these are mostly commuter bikes.
Mountain bike festivals are considered dangerous places. What should I be aware of here?
Do not leave your bike unattended. And if you only go to the ice cream parlour for a short time, you should still secure the bike with a High-quality bicycle lock to an anchored object. The same is best done in the hotel bike cellar.
And if it does happen?
In the event of a break-in, the police must be informed and the insurance company notified. Important: The details must match, otherwise the insurance company will doubt your credibility and may not pay out. It's good to have pictures, frame numbers, etc. to hand.
Special bicycle insurance policies also cover theft in public places. What needs to be considered?
You should read through the conditions. In the event of theft, the new value of the bike should be reimbursed. In most cases, insurance companies require locks of a certain value. If you ignore this, you may end up with nothing. My tip: The comparison "Test results for 107 bicycle insurance policies" from Stiftung Warentest for download for 4.99 euros.
Update on bike thefts from June 2023: High season for bike thieves
140,000 stolen bikes: The figures are falling slightly. However, the overall loss for insurers is growing. The background: the rising number of expensive e-bikes.
With the start of the bike season, business is booming not only for the bike industry, but also for bike thieves. And they have successively caused more and more damage over the last few years: insurers had to pay out 140 million euros for stolen bikes in 2022 - a record. However, the number of thefts (140,000 in 2022) is actually falling slightly. In contrast, the value of stolen bikes has risen: on average almost 1000 euros. The reason: expensive e-bikes, especially e-MTBs. Incidentally, the risk of theft is highest in major German cities and in eastern Germany. Leipzig, for example, was the theft hotspot in 2021 with 1365 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. That's why: The start of the bike season is also a good time to think about special bike insurance. Important: It must also include expensive e-MTBs.
