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A bike can be a major investment, especially if you’re splurging for an eBike or a full-suspension mountain bike, for example. But unlike some other high-ticket items, bikes are subject to wear and tear, and accidental damage. Plus, bike thefts have been on the rise for the last couple of years.
To protect your bike, it’s a good idea to consider a bike warranty from the manufacturer or a bike insurance policy. To help you decide which one is the right choice for you, we compared bike warranties and bike insurance and highlighted some of the pros and cons of both. Here’s what to consider when choosing between a bike warranty and bike insurance.
A bike warranty is a contract between you and your bike’s manufacturer (or sometimes, a third-party warranty company or a retail shop). The contract guarantees that if some part of your bike breaks, you can have that part repaired or replaced at no cost (or little cost) to you.
Some bikes automatically come with a warranty, but it depends on the manufacturer. If your bike does not include a warranty, you usually have the option to purchase one separately from the manufacturer or another warranty provider.
There are several different types of bike warranties available. The most common warranties cover faulty or defective bike parts and will cover the cost of repairing or replacing components like these:
Every warranty is different, so it’s important to review the list of coverages before you buy one.
Another thing to know about bike warranties is that the coverage period varies. For example, there are lifetime bike warranties, which provide coverage during your entire ownership, whereas others are limited-lifetime warranties, which last between five and 10 years.
Every warranty is different, so it’s important to review the list of coverages before you buy one.
Bike insurance is a policy that protects you and your bike against many different perils. In addition to bike damage, bike insurance policies typically cover theft, third-party liability, and medical payments if you get injured in a collision.
If something happens to your bike, you can file a claim with your insurance company, which will reimburse you for the damage. To keep your bike insurance policy in force, you’re required to pay an annual or monthly premium, which can depend on factors like your location, the type of bike you have, the coverage limits you choose, and your deductible (if you have one).
You can purchase a bike insurance policy on nearly any bike you can think of. Whether you have a mountain bike, e-bike, tandem bike, road bike, gravel bike, BMX bike, or something else, you can probably have it insured.
Bike insurance provides comprehensive coverage for you and your bike. While every bike insurance policy is slightly different, most policies provide coverage for the following situations:
Before you purchase a bike insurance policy, it’s a good idea to review the covered losses and read the fine print. Also, keep in mind that some coverages are optional and aren’t included with a standard policy.
Bike warranties and bike insurance policies are both valuable ways to protect your bike. However, warranties and insurance differ in a number of ways, and it’s important to understand the differences before you choose one.
In general, a bike warranty is a great solution if you want coverage for your bike’s components. For example, if you’re concerned about potentially having to replace your bike frame or stem due to a manufacturer defect, having a bike warranty would cover the cost.
On the other hand, a bike insurance policy might be a better choice if you want more complete coverage for accidents. For instance, bike insurance would pay to repair or replace your bike if it got damaged in a serious crash, and it would also pay for a rental replacement bike. Bike insurance also covers theft, which bike warranties do not.
It’s also worth noting that your home insurance or renters insurance policy may not provide enough coverage for an expensive bike. While these policies do cover valuable items, the coverage limits are often low, usually around $500. So, if you want to insure a new mountain bike that cost $5,000, your property insurance would fall short.
However, there’s always the chance that you’ll purchase a bike warranty or bike insurance policy and never use the coverage. Neither one covers normal bike wear and tear or maintenance, so you must experience a covered loss to use the benefits.
Everyone is in a unique situation, so it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons and consider your personal needs before you decide to invest in a warranty or bike insurance policy.
If you’re interested in learning more about bike insurance, click here to check out the coverages.
Join Oyster today to learn how you can be properly protected from the unexpected things in life.
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