Bicycle insurance

Isn't my bicycle covered under my homeowner's insurance?
While your bicycle may have some coverage under your homeowners policy, there are usually restrictions on the value of the bike and the types of losses that would be covered. With a bicycle insurance policy from Markel, your policy is built specifically for you and your bike. Plus, having a bicycle policy means your homeowners insurance rates won't increase if you file a claim involving your bicycle.

What happens when I buy a new bike?
Whether you're replacing your current bicycle or adding to your collection, we'll automatically extend your current coverage to the new bike for up to 30 days from the time of purchase. Just let us know before the 30 days are up for coverage to extend beyond that time.

What about my apparel? Spare parts? Do you cover these too?
If you purchase bicycle physical damage coverage and your bicycle is involved in a covered loss, apparel and spare parts may be covered. We automatically include coverage for spare parts (replacements for items that are normally part of the insured bike but were not on the bicycle when the loss occurred) and apparel (clothing or gear worn exclusively when riding the insured bicycle). Both coverages have a separate limit of $500 per loss and a $1,000 limit for the policy period.

Do you insure electric bikes?
We can insure bicycles with an auxiliary electric power assist that does not exceed 750 watts and 28 mph. For more information, please visit our e-bike page.

How much coverage do I need?
“It depends” isn't what you want to hear, but it's the best way to answer the question. Every cyclist, bike and situation is unique. Your insurance coverage should reflect that. It's important for you to evaluate your individual needs and your personal level of comfort when it comes to risk. From there, you can start to look at coverage options and policy limits. If you need help, feel free to contact one of our specialists at +1.800.236.2453. Remember, we are all about specializing and never generalizing. As such, we'd never give you a “general” recommendation. That wouldn't be right.

Do you offer coverage for my car rack?
Sorry, there is no coverage for your car rack on our bicycle insurance policies. However, check with your car insurance company, as coverage is usually provided there.

How much would it cost, on average, to insure my bicycle for a year?
Every cyclist and bicycle is unique. The coverages you select, the type of bike you purchase and how you ride are just a few of the many factors that determine the cost of insurance. However, in just a few minutes you can find out exactly how much it would cost to insure your bicycle for a year. All you have to do is complete a bicycle quote online or call one of our insurance specialists at +1.800.236.2453.

Am I covered while riding in a race?
Typically, there is no racing exclusion, so any coverages (i.e., bicycle physical damage coverage, bicycle liability coverage, medical payment coverage and vehicle contact protection) purchased on your Markel bicycle insurance policy are in full force while you're competing in a covered event.

What happens if I am hit by a car while riding my bike?
We offer several coverage options to help protect you and your bike, such as medical payments, vehicle contact protection and bicycle physical damage protection.

Where am I covered? Are cross-country bicycle trips allowed or is it only in my state?
Taking your bike across the country is one of the most alluring parts of riding. That's why our policies automatically allow you to ride in all 50 states (Alaska and Hawaii included). We even throw in Canada. You also have coverage for your bicycle while it's in transit (by land or air) to and from a location within the United States and Canada. You also have the option to extend your bicycle physical damage coverage worldwide by purchasing our optional worldwide physical damage coverage extension.

Is the bicycle I rent covered by my insurance?
With our bicycle physical damage coverage, we can provide reimbursement for your bike rental if your insured bicycle is sidelined due to a covered loss or breakdown while you are participating in an organized or competitive event more than 50 miles away from home. Should that happen, we'll provide the same coverage to your rental/substitute bike that you have on the insured bicycle. (The temporary/substitute may not be owned by you and must be used with the permission of the owner.) Sorry, we don’t provide coverage for renting a bicycle on vacations.

Can I pay online?
Absolutely, just visit our "pay my bill" page. From there, you can decide if you want to make a payment with a credit card, debit card or checking account. You can decide if you want to make a one-time payment or set up automatic recurring payments, so you never miss a payment.

Is Markel a financially sound company?
To view Markel's financial rating, click here.