Why We Need Cycling Insurance

While all areas of the United States have laws enforcing automobile and motorcycle insurance coverage, cyclists do not have insurance options for their bicycles. The number of Americans using bicycles as their primary means of transportation has grown, and the need for bicycle insurance has increased as well.

Automobile Accidents

When an automobile hits a bicycle rider, and the car's driver is at fault, the driver's auto insurance should cover the cyclist's medical bills and bike replacement costs. However, some drivers do not have insurance. Others may have auto insurance, but not enough to entirely cover the cost of damages. In these cases, the cyclist's only option is to sue the driver, which may result in problems if the driver has insufficient assets. A bike rider's automobile insurance protects the cyclist from uninsured or underinsured vehicle operators, but some bike riders do not own a car.

Bicycle Accidents

When a cyclist is involved in an accident with another cyclist, the current protocol is for each rider to cover his or her own expenses. Unfortunately, a cyclist without medical insurance who is hurt in a bike accident must pay for his or her own expenses. Cyclists are also left with the cost of repairing or replacing the bicycle.

Considerations

Some insurance companies do offer bicycle insurance in areas outside of the United States, such as the United Kingdom. In addition, home insurance policies will usually cover part or all of the cost for bicycle replacement if the item is stolen from your property.