Which type of bike insurance is best for me?

1. How can I insure my bike?

Your bike can be insured against theft and damage. The following types of insurance are involved:

Contents insurance

Simple bike theft is covered by contents insurance. Basic contents insurance only covers thefts at home, however. This includes: Basement, garage, attic, garden or balcony. Often, however, thieves operate away from people's homes. You therefore also need supplemental coverage for "simple theft away from home".

In principle, contents insurance covers damage to your bike caused by fire, theft or natural hazards such as floods. If you are willing to spend a little more money, you can add accidental damage to your contents insurance. This also covers self-inflicted damage to your own bike.

Bike insurance

Special bike insurance policies have sprung up like mushrooms for a few years now. Most providers insure not only theft but also accidental damage. 

Some insurance companies also offer roadside assistance for bikes. Assistance protection usually applies throughout Europe. Examples are the TCS bike insurance or the Mobiliar bike casco. 

Personal liability insurance

Imagine you hit a parked car with your bike and leave a scratch. Or you accidentally bump into a pedestrian while making a turn. Personal liability insurance covers the consequential costs for damage to third parties — including any damage you cause riding your bike. 

2. How much is the sum insured?

Depending on the severity, a bike accident can be expensive. The amount covered by the insurance depends on the type of insurance:

• The contents insurance replaces the bike at the value when new: in the event of damage, you will receive a credit note in the amount of the replacement price minus deductible.

• Simple theft away from home: the sum insured is often 2,000 francs with a deductible of 200 francs.

• Separate bicycle insurance: the maximum sum insured is usually freely selectable. The height of the deductible also depends on the provider.

• Personal liability insurance: the maximum sum insured is usually around one million. If you have a bike accident due to gross negligence on your part, your insurance benefits will likely be reduced. We therefore recommend that you also take out gross negligence cover.

Good to know: if your bike is particularly valuable, you can also take out additional valuables insurance.

4. How can I protect myself against bike theft?

No one can avoid bicycle theft by 100 percent. However, some precautions minimize the risk enormously in certain cases:

5. Bike stolen — what to do?

Always report a bicycle theft to the police and immediately inform your insurer. Without a police report, most insurers will refuse to pay any compensation. You may also need to submit a receipt for the bike purchase. 

Important for the search: note down your bike's frame number immediately after the purchase and remember the brand. Take photos of your bike. This will allow you to search for your bike on social media in the event of theft.

6. Conclusion: is it worth taking out bicycle insurance?

Should I cover my bike with contents insurance? Do I need supplemental sports equipment coverage for my bike? Is special bike insurance any good? With so many possibilities, you run the risk of double-insuring your bike — and ultimately paying more. 

Comparis tip: for everyday bikes under 2,000 francs, the "simple theft away from home" coverage is sufficient. This supplemental coverage is integrated into most contents insurance policies. Do you have an expensive bike? Have a look at separate bike insurance with breakdown service.