Swim, bike, run, repeat – why you need to include considering insurance in your pre-event preparation

Sponsored: You’re on top of your training, you’ve worked on your technique and you’re comfortable with your equipment. Your transitions are quick and smooth, and you know how you’re going to stay fuelled and focused; the rest is down to how you’re feeling on the day, there’s nothing else you need to think about, right? 

But what about insurance? Do you really need it, and what does it actually cover? We talked to our friends at The Insurance Emporium who have been providing specialist bike insurance for years, and they’ve given us a short guide to choosing insurance, so you can make an informed choice. 

Do I legally have to insure my bike?

No, it’s not a legal requirement in the UK. 

Why do I need bike insurance?

Bike insurance can cover you if your bike gets lost or stolen, but also if you’re involved in an accident, or cause one. It can also cover your accessories and competitive use. 

Can’t I just include my bike on my home insurance?

You can, but you may have limited cover outside the home, and there might be exclusions so it’s best to check your cover. Claims could also affect your home insurance premium/no claims history. A specialist cycle insurer will also have more of an understanding of how much money goes into event cycling/cycling kit/clothing etc. 

What does specialist bike insurance cover?

With specialist bike insurance you know you’ll be covered for most eventualities: 

• Theft, Loss or Accidental Damage – theft is a huge concern for any cyclist, so you get the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered, and you’ll get New for Old for Life too. If you add the optional benefit of Competitive Use you could be covered if your bike is stolen, lost or damaged while being used for competitive purposes, and Event Withdrawal due to sudden, unexpected and unforeseeable injury covers you for any non-refundable event fee. 

• Public Liability – this covers you if you cause an injury to someone else. Third Party cover is often included in event fees, but that might not cover you if you injure/damage fellow competitors, or their bikes. 

• Bicycle Kit – this is also a big one for triathletes who often accumulate a lot of gear so with Bicycle Kit cover you know things such as bottle cages, helmets, lights, locks, panniers and pumps are covered, as are cycling clothes, e.g. pads, gloves, hats, jerseys, shoes, tops etc. Your cycling tech is covered too – cycling computers, GPS, mounted cameras, and having Gadget and Mobile Phone Cover as an optional benefit gives you that extra reassurance. 

Other benefits include; Dental Treatment, Replacement Hire, Unattended Vehicle, Family Cover, Emergency Recovery (UK), Worldwide Cover, and Personal Accident. 

You can also cover up to six bikes on one policy and, providing you have receipts for the different components, you can also claim for a custom-made bike. 

Specialist bicycle insurance may feel like yet another expense, but the peace of mind you get can make it worth it – you get to enjoy your event and concentrate on your performance without worrying about anything happening to your kit in the transition area. 

The Insurance Emporium has three standard policy levels each with different amounts of cover to suit cyclists of all degrees of experience, which you can then enhance with a choice of Optional Benefits. Take a look at their website, or give them a call for a free, no-strings quote and details of the 20% discount available if you have one of their approved locks and secure ID systems. They’ve got you covered, both in and out of the saddle. 

Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no:202748. 

 All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time. 

 We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.