by Peter Scott

Created on: February 21, 2010

Bike users are vulnerable while riding on public roads and accidents with other road users are quite common. While the majority of these do not involve serious injury, some can result in broken bones, paralysis and even death. A less common incident is where a bike user injures another person, typically a pedestrian, and other accidents involve unintentional damage to property. In an unfortunate event are you covered for injury and loss to yourself and others?

Household insurance

Most bike riders will have their cycle covered for accidental damage and theft while in their residence. Many insurance policies also provide cover for theft and sometimes damage away from home, providing adequate precautions have been taken to avoid theft. However, few household insurance policies cover personal accidents while cycling and it is usually necessary to take out additional cover if you cycle regularly.

Specialist insurance - cycle clubs and organizations

Depending on the type of cycling, specialist cycle insurance is highly recommended for riders who use their bikes on a regular basis. There can be great benefit in joining a cycle club or cycle organization, where insurance is provided as part of the membership package. Typically, cycle club members carry insurance to protect them against claims by others, such as a road accident where a vehicle driver may believe the cyclist was at fault. Additionally, many club members take part in competitions, some of these taking place in public places (roads, parks and forests), where other members of the public may be at risk. Depending upon the type of event, club membership often covers riders in such events. There are sometimes exclusions to the cover, for example, some clubs allow riders to participate in randonees (long distance endurance rides) which are not actually races, but may not cover riders while in an organized cycle race. It is advisable to check the insurance schedule offered, and see if the conditions pertain to the type of cycling you intend to do.

Specialist insurance - personal insurance

Most serious cyclists will take some type of cycle insurance which covers them for all activities - training, riding in a group, racing and commuting. Such cover is often offered by national cycle organizations, and includes various levels of personal injury. For example, not only might a serious accident result in broken bones and hospitalization, but might also involve loss of earnings. Expert policies will cover this, as well as providing legal assistance, advice and cover for incidents involving law enforcement officers, third parties and other cyclists.

Conclusion
In these days of litigation, correct insurance is essential, as well as providing peace of mind when enjoying a superb hobby. The best way to start is to check the website of national cycle organizations, and see what insurance cover they provide; it is a sad but reassuring fact that their lawyers will have had plenty of experience dealing with cycle claims.

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