An insider's guide to cycle insurance

Cycling is one of life's simple pleasures. A bike can be bought for very little, and you don’t need a licence or specialist equipment to enjoy it. Cycle insurance might not be mandatory like it is for drivers, but given 90 per cent of bike thefts go unsolved, it's indispensable for many riders.

At its most basic, cycle insurance protects against theft. In fact, if you have house insurance, you may find you already have a rudimentary level of cover. However, in the way motorists don't settle for third party, fire and theft cover, cyclists can benefit from a fully comprehensive cycle insurance policy.

The ETA was the UK's first provider of fully comprehensive cycle insurance. Every policy includes a long list of benefits as standard including cover against accidental damage, vandalism, third party claims and breakdowns.

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Check the small print

You won't be surprised to discover that every cycle insurance company offers something different, so it pays to do your homework. And remember to check the small print. For example, some providers insist you show them evidence of a broken lock if your bike is stolen. Given thieves often take the lock with them, we think that's unreasonable.

Check whether the way you store your bike –both at home and when you’re out and about – is covered. For example, if you keep your bicycle in a shed, is a particular level of security specified for the door or padlock? If so, you can end up having to fork out for an expensive lock unexpectedly.

ETA cycle insurance simply requires that the shed door is locked – we don't specify the lock type.

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What happens when you claim?

The best test of an insurer is your claims experience.

What excess will you pay if you make a claim? If it's nothing, check if there's a minimum claim amount as this is effectively the same thing.

No-claims discount. At time of writing, the ETA is the only UK cycle insurance provider to offer a no-claims discount.

Can you submit a claim form online? Will one person deal with you, or will you be passed from pillar to post? If your bike is stolen, will you be forced to use a particular supplier or will you receive a cheque so you can choose to use the bike shop you want?

You won't find answers to these questions without looking carefully at an insurer’s website, or asking them directly, but you'll be pleased you did if your bike is pinched.

Got a question about cycle insurance?

Post your question here, or call us on 0333 000 1234.

The ethical choice

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The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.