Are you thinking of insuring your bicycle?
You probably should be… Over 600,000 bikes are stolen yearly in Germany, and only 1 out of 10 are found.
Keep reading, and you’ll learn:
- What bike insurance is
- What it covers
- How much it costs
- But most importantly, when (and for who) it makes sense.
Without further ado… Let’s get started.
What is bike insurance?
Bike insurance is coverage specifically for bicycles. It protects against damage, theft, and wear and tear.
One of the main benefits of bike insurance is that it provides better coverage than regular homeowners or renters insurance. However, these policies often have low limits on sports equipment like bikes, so they may not fully cover the cost if your bike is stolen or damaged.
Bike insurance is especially important for people with expensive bikes, like high-end road bikes or e-bikes, because it ensures you’re covered for their full value. It also covers you for liability in case you’re involved in an accident where someone else is injured, or their property is damaged.
In short, bike insurance gives cyclists peace of mind by offering protection that regular insurance might not fully cover.
But doesn’t household insurance already cover my bicycle?
While household insurance can cover your bike, it often has limitations.
For example, without a bike-specific add-on, household insurance usually only covers theft if your bike is stolen from your “home” (your house, apartment, or garage). This means if your bike gets stolen or damaged outside of your home—say while you’re out riding—household insurance likely won’t help. On the other hand, bike insurance covers theft and damage anywhere, even when you’re far from home.
Another issue is the coverage limit. Household insurance generally offers a smaller payout, often around 1% of your total insured sum or up to about €3,000, even on better plans. This might not be enough if you have a high-value bike, like an e-bike. In contrast, bike insurance can cover much more, sometimes up to €12,000, which fully protects more expensive bikes.
Plus, household insurance usually only covers theft, while bike insurance also covers damage from accidents, vandalism, and even repairs for normal wear and tear. In short, bike insurance provides much more complete protection.
Who needs bicycle insurance?
Bicycle insurance isn’t something everyone needs, but it can be very useful in certain situations.
If you own an expensive bike, especially a high-end or customized one, insurance is a smart idea. These bikes are often more attractive to thieves and can be costly to repair or replace.
Also, if you ride your bike daily, especially in busy areas, you’re more likely to face accidents, injuries, or breakdowns.
Off-road bikers face additional risks due to the rough terrain, making insurance helpful for those unexpected mishaps. And if you don’t already have homeowners or household insurance that covers your bike, getting a separate policy might be necessary.
On the other hand, if your bike is cheap or old, insurance might not be worth the cost. Also, if you rarely ride your bike, the chances of needing insurance are much lower, making it less of a priority.
In short, bicycle insurance makes the most sense for people with expensive or frequently used bikes, while others might not need it.
What does bike insurance cover?
Bike insurance is designed to protect you from different kinds of problems that can happen with your bike or e-bike. Here’s what it typically covers:
| What’s Covered? | What’s not covered? |
| Theft, including from car roof racks and bicycle stands. | Bikes used for commercial purpose, such as delivery or other jobs. |
| Damage, including from accidents, operating errors, and production errors. | Bike inspection fees, but repairs for parts and labor are included. |
| Parts and accessories, including theft or damage (you must include them in your policy) | Scooters or e-bikes powered solely by electric motors (these require registration and have no pedals). |
| Wear and tear, if your bike is less than 5 years old, including brakes and tires. | Cosmetic repairs, like scratches or paint touch-ups aren’t covered, only functional damage is included. |
| Vandalism | |
| E-Bike Battery Protection |
How much does bicycle insurance cost?
The cost of bicycle insurance can vary widely depending on a few important factors. Typically, the more valuable the bike, the higher the premium. Surprisingly, e-bikes often have lower premiums compared to traditional bikes of the same value, because of they are less likely to be stolen.
Bike Value: The insurance cost is linked to how much your bike is worth. This includes any high-value parts, like your seat or lights, as well as the original price of your bike lock. If you own multiple bikes, insuring all of them will raise the overall cost.
Replacement Cost and Rider Age: The replacement cost is important—more expensive bikes cost more to insure. Interestingly, older riders may get a lower premium because they are considered more responsible.
Location: Where you live also plays a role. If you live in a high-theft area, your premium might be higher.
Accessories: If you’re a serious cyclist with expensive gear, like special wheels or other accessories, you can include them in your coverage, but this will increase the cost too.
In short, the price of bicycle insurance depends on the bike’s value, the rider’s age, where they live, and the gear included. If your bike is expensive or you’re adding high-end accessories, expect to pay more.
Bike insurance in Germany, starting at €4.48 per month.
What type of bike will insurance cover?
Most insurance policies will cover the following types of bikes:
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Electric bikes
- Folding bikes
- BMX
- Commuter bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Hybrids
Conclusion
Well, that’s it. Now you’re the expert on bike insurance.
Let’s turn it over to you…
What do you think? Does bike insurance make sense for you?
Or maybe, we have not answered one of your questions?
In any case, let us know by booking a call with one of our experts, or by sending them a message directly using the form below.
