Insurance issue with stolen e bikes

[passionate off roader]

Just been reading this article which is all about somebody who has two bikes half inched from his garage. One is an e bike.

The insurers are paying for the non e bike and the damage to the garage door, but not the e bike, because it is motorised and therefore not covered.

Apologies if I'm teaching my granny how to suck eggs, but I certainly wasn't aware of this and thought it might be worth raising awareness. On the other hand, if it's just me, ignore.

 

[davell]

You normally have to specify on the policy that it is an ebike or at least check with the insurer when taking up the policy. I always get it in writing from them so they can’t squirm out of it if needed later.

 

[kangooroo]

Sadly many don't cover eBikes. I always check the policy smallprint on the bike section to ensure it states eBikes are covered.

 

[flecc]

Technically they should cover e-bikes as well if they are legal pedelecs, since in law they are still bicycles and not motor vehicles.

Sadly though insurance companies are usually more concerned with avoiding their liabilities than honouring them.
.

 

[slowcoach]

On my insurance policy I have specified the bikes with the manufacturer spec. They would probably still try to wriggle out of it, though.

 

[passionate off roader]

Gotta be honest and say that I keep mine indoors in my spare bedroom. Far safer than in the garage.

 

[slowcoach]

I would struggle to carry mine upstairs and I have a vague suspicion my wife may raise an objection.

 

[passionate off roader]

I would struggle to carry mine upstairs and I have a vague suspicion my wife may raise an objection.

I'm in a bungalow, so much easier.

 

[Amoto65]

My Specialized Creo and the wifes Haibike live inside, Analog bikes live outside.

 

[passionate off roader]

Out of interest I decided to check my own insurance policy, which under home contents says the following:-

Specified Personal Possessions:

The following exclusions have been added to the 'what is not covered' section:

(j) theft of any pedal cycle unless:

(i) it is in your immediate view and reach; or
(ii) locked to a fixed point; or
(iii) is in a locked building

So I'm taking that to mean that e bikes are covered, as it states "any" pedal cycle.

 

[shed]

Tesco Home Insurance appears to exclude bicycles with any form of motorised assistance from the third party liability section but doesn't seem to exclude those from the optional bicycle cover (and given most e-bikes are over the value that needs to be identified and declared separately then I guess they couldn't wheedle out if so declared).

I've been working on the assumption that specialist bike insurance would be a better option anyway as it would have better coverage incl third party and any claim wouldn't incur the home insurance excess and potential reduction in NCDs for several years. What's the views on home insurance vs separate bicycle insurance policy?

 

[sjpt]

You get third party insurance with membership of Cycling UK (and some others? British Cycling?)

 

[GSV3MiaC]

Yep, join cycling UK, and put the bike(s) on your house contents policy would be my vote.

 

[GBCyclist]

Direct line checked today and they do cover e-bikes.....which remember must comply with UK law (pedal assisted only, 250W power motor, 25kmph etc) otherwise they are no longer bicycles and hence not covered.