Top 5 Reasons Cycle Insurance Claims Are Denied – And How To Avoid Them

1. The bicycle was secured with an inadequate lock – NOT just a security cable.
   Most bicycle insurers, including the ETA, require you to use a Sold Secure approved lock, of a rating correctly correlated to the value of your bicycle. You must provide proof of ownership of a suitable lock when making your claim. Please see our ‘Lock Requirements’ page, or your policy document for more information.

2. The bicycle was left unattended in a public place for longer than permitted.

Please be mindful of how long your bicycle has been left unattended. If the time between when your bicycle was left and the incident exceeds the time permitted in the your policy, we will be unable to pay out.

3.   The bicycle was not secured through the frame to an immovable object.

When locking your bike, secure it with an approved lock to an immovable object, being sure to pass the lock through the frame of your bicycle. Failing to meet these requirements when locking your bike makes it an easy target for thieves. Check out our cycle locking dos and don’ts.

4.  The bicycle was not secured to an immovable object.

Be sure to secure your bike to a sturdy and immovable object, whether in a public place or communal areas. Use common sense. We have had the odd claim for bikes ‘secured’ to ladders, hedges and even lawnmowers.

5. The bicycle was stored for an extended period of time in a communal area, and was not kept out of sight.

If the private dwelling named on your policy has communal areas such as hallways or outbuildings where you store your bike, it must be secured to an immovable object and, crucially, kept out of sight. If your bike can be easily seen through a window/opening, etc., you run the risk of compromising your cover.

We of course advise all our customers to familiarise themselves with the full policy wording to reduce the risk of misunderstanding. Please see our Cycle Insurance FAQs if you have any other questions relating to your bicycle insurance policy.

Bonus Reason

6. The bicycle was locked with a security cable only, instead of a proper Sold Secure bicycle lock

We are seeing this more, as an increasing number of bike locks come with an additional security cable. They should never be used as the primary locking method as they are not Sold Secure rated; doing so could invalidate your cover.

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