neilfein

My renter's insurance claims to cover my bikes (we own five), but they also tell me that, in the event they were stolen, they'd essentially determine eligibility for replacement at that time. They also would require me to produce documentation of all upgrades that add value to the bike. (Mostly touring racks, in my case.) This all sounds to me like code for "weasel out of paying".

Can anyone recommend a good insurance company that covers bikes?

Machka 

Try your version of the Canadian Automobile Association. I insured mine with CAA and liked their coverage.

spinnaker

In the U.S. I think you will find that the insurance id too expensive to make it worth it. If you bike is worht less than a few thousand dollars then it is probably going to be worth the risk to just leave them uninsured.

DieselDan

Forget it, at least in South Carolina. No one insures a bicycle. I've tried. As for AAA, they'll just laugh at you. AAA wants bicycles off the roads and only on the trails and pathways.

tsl

Amica Mutual. On my tenant's insurance policy, all my bikes are covered for full replacement value--with no need for extra riders or schedules. Yes, like everything else, I need to maintain documentation that it's a Litespeed (or a Trek) not a Huffy or Wal-Mart POS, but that makes sense.

Plus, my annual premium went DOWN by 40% from my previous insurer, State Farm, who wouldn't insure my bikes at all. And, Amica is always the highest rated in consumer satisfaction by Consumer Reports.

So it's all good.

Nightshade

This is easy and fairly inexpensive if done right. All a person as to do is add each bike ,by serial # and an itemized list of what's on the bike, to their home (or renters) insurance as "named items" for which you will pay extra for the coverage that is 100% of the value of the item. Ask your insurance agent to set you up. This is how I protect my considerable investment in my bikes.

neilfein

I had assumed as much, but my insurance company -- Travelers -- won't do it. Or so said the agent I spoke to today.

009jim

I've been looking for 3rd party liability insurance when I'm cycling, e.g. in case I hurt someone. I was advised to check my home insurance. I did so, and they told me I was covered as long as I was not riding my bike at the time. They went on to tell me that if I had an accident I would probably fall off before I hit anyone and so that would cover the liability. I didn't believe it. Still looking.

wahoonc

Nor will several others I have had over the years, State Farm was one major offender. FWIW I wonder if it has anything to do with the state you reside in?

Aaron

drmweaver2

Having been in a few houses where items were stolen/lost over the years, documenting losses for homeowner's policy claims is fairly straight-forward if you take your time and are meticulous and persistent in your claims-related actions.

1. Get camera.
2. Take picture of item(s). Make sure date of picture is shown on the negative/print/digital picture.
3. Research current price for that specific date IF you don't have the purchase receipt.
4. Stick pictures in box somewhere safe - safety deposit box, someone else's house, hole in back yard.
5. Compile list of items that you specifically want documented on policy itself - expect these to cost you extra "because they can stick it to you", not because it costs them anything more to insure you.
6. Wait.
7. Things may be stolen.
8. Dig up box from hole/retrieve from other safe place.
9a. Take it to the insurance company claims agent/file claim. Be sure to have researched replacement costs/current prices for the EXACT item you are claiming. (If you did not insure for replacement cost, expect depreciation to eat up most of your "value" unless it's been "appraised".) Expect grief.
9b.Say, "But these pictures prove YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE & I am covered". Expect more grief.
9c. Repeat step 9a & 9b 3 times.
10. If you have gotten the agent to honor your claim after 30 days, (45 in some states), escalate the claim past the dweeb you are dealing with. Repeat 10 as necessary.
11. If you still haven't gotten resolution after 6 months, contact the State Insurance Commissioner's office, the BBB. Things generally don't have to be taken this far.

I've only had 2 claims denied in 30 years. (Hurricane Katrina losses were a real bit** as loss and damages were claimed to be "acts of God"-related & not covered.)

A few specific internet links of interest include:
https://bicycleinsuranceblog.com/bicycle-insurance-usa
https://ohiobikelawyer.com/
https://www.examiner.com/insurance-in...ycle-insurance
https://velonews.competitor.com/2008/...our-bike_71286
https://bikeportland.org/2010/01/05/p...hat-isnt-27792
https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2589