Stolen Bikes & Insurance Policies

[RichardB]

Hi all,

we've been contacted by someone who unfortunately had their bike stolen from a shed and their insurance company has refused to pay out as they say they classify the bike as a motor vehicle.

It would seem this is a good subject to cover as a feature on the site so if anyone has any experiences they would like to share, please reply to this thread.

- Which company do you use ?
- Is it covered as part of your normal household policy?
- Did you take out a specific policy ?
- Terms/conditions etc

cheers
Richard

 

[eddieo]

Barclay's Bank

an extension of standard policy (£20 or £30 I cant remember)

They excepted it as an electric bike

not sure of details except it is insured to its value. was happy at time when I discussed it over the phone but you really need the details in writing I guess

 

[the_killjoy]

I'm with NU and they charged £6 on top of the normal household policy.

 

[jac]

hi the phone call should have been recorded i think

jim

 

[fcurran]

Cycleguard give a comprehensive cover including 3rd party insurance etc. They are advertisers on here and their banner on the right should link to their website otherwise Bicycle and cycle insurance from Cycleguard

Regards

Frank

 

[The Maestro]

My insurance is with the AA, their policy excludes cover of all motorised vehicles.

If I had to make a claim I would claim for a normal bike and then claim for the conversion kit, batteries etc. seperately.

 

[MonVal Electra]

we've been contacted by someone who unfortunately had their bike stolen from a shed and their insurance company has refused to pay out as they say they classify the bike as a motor vehicle.
Richard

Hello, the following info might be of use to this poor unfortunate individual to get the Insurance company to pay up... It is copied directly from the Dept of Transport EAPC regulations sheet :- Department for Transport - Electrically assisted pedal cycles in Great Britain

Fact sheet: Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) in Great Britain
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (an "EAPC")
In GB, the EAPC Regulations[1]; apply to certain bicycles, tandem bicycles or tricycles fitted with pedals by means of which they are capable of being propelled. For the regulations to apply, the motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor and not by an internal combustion engine. The electric motor must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph. Furthermore, the vehicle must also meet the following requirements:

Maximum kerbside weight (including batteries but without rider) shall not exceed

- Bicycle: 40 kg - Tandem Bicycle: 60 kg - Tricycle: 60 kg

Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor shall not exceed

- Bicycle: 200W - Tandem Bicycle: 250W - Tricycle: 250W

An EAPC which complies with the above is not considered to be a motor vehicle within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988. As a result, it is not required to be registered, pay vehicle excise duty (road tax) or be insured as a motor vehicle. No EAPC may be ridden by anyone under the age of 14 years.

The only way around this for the Insurance company, is for them to actually state in their writtten policy, specifically, that they DO NOT insure electric assist bicycles or, any form of motorised vehicle -

The above information will be of use, should this person decide that they wish to pursue the matter.

Sorry, my input crossed with Maestro's which has mentioned an Insurance company get out clause that I have also stated

 

[Caph]

Norwich Union said they would cover my electric bike for no extra fee. I'd say the most important thing is to check with your insurance company and get them to send something out in writing BEFORE you have to make a claim.

If anyone hasn't already sorted this out then this could be your cue ...

 

[stranger]

Cycleguard give a comprehensive cover including 3rd party insurance etc. They are advertisers on here and their banner on the right should link to their website otherwise Bicycle and cycle insurance from Cycleguard

Regards

Frank

I thought the Cycleguard quote I got was fearfully dear.

 

[Grumpy1]

My insurance is with the AA, their policy excludes cover of all motorised vehicles.

If I had to make a claim I would claim for a normal bike and then claim for the conversion kit, batteries etc. seperately.

Isn't that fraud? I mean you'll need to quote a crime ref. And that will quote exactly what bike you had stolen?

As for cycleguard being dear, I can't see how a £6 policy extension is going to offer the same level of cover? I mean surely they wouldn't be the leading cycle insurance specialists for no reason?

 

[rooel]

I use eSure. Under their buildings and contents policy they cover EAPCs and pedal cycles up to £500 at no extra charge. If cover over £500 per cycle is required it becomes a "specified item" in the schedule and a small extra premium is payable. They settled a £600 claim within a week last autumn (EAPC locked to a fence on a public street in daylight).

 

[johnp]

Hi
I have 3 bikes insured with N.F.U in my house policy, Saga have just quoted me £85 to add to a house policy they have quoted on

JOHN

 

[Mussels]

They settled a £600 claim within a week last autumn (EAPC locked to a fence on a public street in daylight).

Off topic but what did they break to steal it?

 

[eddieo]

Isn't that fraud? I mean you'll need to quote a crime ref. And that will quote exactly what bike you had stolen?

As for cycleguard being dear, I can't see how a £6 policy extension is going to offer the same level of cover? I mean surely they wouldn't be the leading cycle insurance specialists for no reason?

My £2.800 Rolex was an extra £20. So the Wisper at £20-30 insured while left locked up, sounds about right considering the value and risk. That's in addition to a fairly high annual home premium remember.......

 

[rooel]

Off topic but what did they break to steal it?

It was a not-too-expensive four digit combination lock. In situations which we (subjectively) regard as "insecure" we now use two locks: a more expensive combination lock and a fairly heavy key lock, both having cables which can be looped round frame and fencing etc.

eSure just require a "lock" locking the bicycle to a fixed object, whereas the specialist companies not only charge a very much higher premium they attach a condition requiring very expensive locks. Unfortunately, recent tests have shown that such locks can be broken by the practised thief within minutes: they may be ten times more secure than the cheaper lock, which may be broken in ten seconds, but ten times ten seconds is only one hundred seconds .

 

[Mussels]

It was a not-too-expensive four digit combination lock. In situations which we (subjectively) regard as "insecure" we now use two locks: a more expensive combination lock and a fairly heavy key lock, both having cables which can be looped round frame and fencing etc.

eSure just require a "lock" locking the bicycle to a fixed object, whereas the specialist companies not only charge a very much higher premium they attach a condition requiring very expensive locks. Unfortunately, recent tests have shown that such locks can be broken by the practised thief within minutes: they may be ten times more secure than the cheaper lock, which may be broken in ten seconds, but ten times ten seconds is only one hundred seconds .

Not all expensive locks can be broken easily but many of the insurance rated ones can, however cables are very vulnerable and having two is probably only a 10% improvement on having one. If you are using two locks then two different types will offer far better security.
It's all relative to risk though, I need high security and did a lot of research to get it but many people aren't so worried.

 

[Barnowl]

I need high security and did a lot of research to get it but many people aren't so worried.

Yes it's all down to cirumstances and odds. I don't use my bike for shopping much and work is relatively secure. I can well understand why you value high security given your bikes exposure and location.

 

[Mussels]

After my derail I'll get back on topic. I had my bike added to my 'More Than' house insurance for £80, when the small print turned up it excluded powered bikes.
I have 3rd party insurance through membership of London Cycling Campaign but it's not clear if it includes ebikes, I'll be cancelling this year though as I don't agree with it's politics anyway.
I will look at changing my home insurance to an ebike friendly one or use cycleguard instead as I want to move to an area where the recovery service would be useful.

 

[Barnowl]

When I asked my Home contents insurer they said it was covered already along with jewellry, money and other stuff while away from home - up to a value of £1000 (the cost of my bike as it happens). I keep meaning to check the details out to see if there's some catch I've missed - like powered bikes.

 

[The Maestro]

Isn't that fraud? I mean you'll need to quote a crime ref. And that will quote exactly what bike you had stolen?

As for cycleguard being dear, I can't see how a £6 policy extension is going to offer the same level of cover? I mean surely they wouldn't be the leading cycle insurance specialists for no reason?

I don't think so. For a start in my case its an ordinary bike which is sometimes used with an electric kit. The most expensive part of the kit (battery) isn't even stored on the bike and the bike is not capable of using the motor without it, so its just an ordinary bike not a motor vehicle. The battery is just a battery not a motor vehicle and the other components hardly cost anything anyway.