Does Auto Insurance Cover Bikes & eBikes?

Auto insurance is an essential requirement for car owners, providing financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or any other unexpected incidents. However, bike and e-bike owners may wonder whether their auto insurance policy covers their mode of transportation.

In this article, we will explore whether auto insurance policies provide coverage for bikes and e-bikes and explain why it is recommended that bike and e-bike owners consider separate insurance policies.

What is covered under auto insurance policies?

Auto insurance policies typically cover damages or losses related to vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. They offer liability coverage for bodily injuries, property damages, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Does car insurance cover bikes and e-bikes?

Auto insurance policies do not typically cover bikes and e-bikes, as they are not classified as vehicles. They do not cover the most important risks that a bike rider encounters, such as theft in or away from the home, accidental damage, medical payments or liability insurance.

If the bike or e-bike is stolen from the car, some auto insurance policies may provide limited coverage. In this case, the bike or e-bike would be considered personal property, and coverage would be limited to the comprehensive coverage section of the policy. However, the coverage may be limited, and the bike or e-bike owner may have to pay a deductible to receive any payout.

Why should you get separate bike insurance?

Due to the limited coverage that auto insurance policies provide for bikes and e-bikes, it is usually recommended that owners purchase a separate insurance policy for their mode of transportation. Separate insurance policies for bikes and e-bikes can provide more comprehensive coverage and protection in case of theft, damages or accidents.

Theft protection is a crucial aspect of bike and e-bike insurance, especially for owners of high-value bikes or e-bikes. Bikes and e-bikes are highly sought-after items by thieves, and theft can happen in different ways. Without theft protection, owners will have to bear the cost of replacing the stolen bike.

Accidental damage protection provides coverage in case of damage to the bike or e-bike from a collision with another vehicle, object, or person. This can include incidents where the cyclist is at fault or if the other party is at fault but does not have insurance.

Liability insurance for bike owners protects them from lawsuits in case of an accident. Liability insurance can cover the cost of medical expenses, legal fees, and damages if a cyclist or pedestrian is injured due to the bike or e-bike.

Medical Payments coverage for cycling accidents can help cover the costs of medical expenses if you are injured while riding your bike. This can include surgeries, x-rays, dental work, ambulance rides and hospital stays.

In addition to specialized bike & ebike insurance policies, some homeowner's insurance policies may provide coverage for bikes and e-bikes. However, the coverage may be limited, and dependent on the policy terms and conditions.

Final thoughts

Auto insurance policies typically do not provide coverage for bikes and e-bikes. Due to the limited coverage provided by car insurance policies, it is recommended that bike and e-bike owners consider separate insurance policies that provide coverage in case of damages, accidents, or theft.

Oyster provides specialized coverage options for all types of bikes and e-bikes, including liability insurance, theft insurance, and crash damage protection. To learn more about how Oyster can help you stay protected, check out our bike insurance for details.

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