What is Accidental Damage?
Accidental damage cover on a cycle insurance policy would cover the costs to repair or replace a bicycle if it is damaged. For example, if you lost control and your bike hit a tree and bent a wheel.
How Does it work?
If a bike is damaged the insurer will usually look to repair the bike, the insurer will either reimburse the money it has cost you to have it repaired or they may collect it and use their own repairer, this option is down to the insurers terms on the policy wording. If the bike is damaged beyond economical repair, it’ll be replaced. It’s worth considering including replacement bike hire cover if your cycle is damaged and you need a bicycle whilst yours is being fixed.
Is Accidental Damage Always Included in Cycle Insurance?
Whilst we can’t speak for every single insurer in the UK, every insurer on cycleinsurance.co.uk does offer accidental damage as standard on all their cycle policies, making it one less thing you to have to think about.
What About Exclusions?
Depending on the type of cover you take out and your insurer, there will almost certainly be some exclusions to your accidental damage cover.
Generally, wear and tear is usually not included in your cover and it’s more than likely that you won’t be covered for superficial scratches, rust or manufacturing faults. Flat tyres are not always covered if they’ve not occurred along with other damage too.
It’s really important you check through your policy documents when you purchase your insurance so you know exactly what you’re covered for and what to expect when you need to make a claim.
What Do I Do if I Cause Accidental Damage?
Firstly, make sure you’re ok if you’ve had an accident whilst riding, I know you bike is very expensive, but so are you. Always prioritise your safety and the safety of others around you before running after your bike to see if it’s ok.
Once you’re safe, call your insurance provider and tell them what has happened. They’ll then advise what to do next whether it’s getting your bicycle repaired, as you’ll need to let them know before you get your bike repaired so that they can approve it.
Throughout your claim it’s important that you always keep a hold of any invoices, costs and documents related to the repair of your bike as you may need these throughout the process.
How to Find Out More
To find out more about bike insurance check out our FAQs section
