Wouldn't you already be insured for your bike? (What if you were already insured?)

Wouldn't you already be insured for your bike? (What if you were already insured?)

… but without really knowing it, of course! Indeed, owner or tenant, you probably have home insurance whose coverage can extend to much more than just your home. Some insurance policies include damage and theft of bicycles outside the home. Before taking out any new mountain bike insurance, check first with your insurer if your bike is covered and under what conditions! If this is not the case, nothing prevents us from trying to negotiate it!

Is your bike new?

Or to be even more precise: have you just (or are you about to) buy a bicycle? And yes, some insurance companies do not insure second-hand bikes and have very restrictive conditions as to the subscription period after purchase: less than 6 days for the shortest, you must not miss the boat! It should also be noted that many insurance companies offer coverage for a maximum of 2 years!
What type of bike do you have?

MTB, road, VAE, VTTAE, VTC, gravel? All types of bikes are not systematically covered: indeed, some insurance policies do not (yet?) insure e-bikes or track bikes, and for downhill mountain bikes, there may be restrictions on the maximum travel of the fork 😊.
Did you assemble your bike yourself?

Some bike insurance companies only cover bikes assembled and sold by a professional, and you will have to prove it by showing an invoice and the certifications of the person who did the assembly (at a minimum).
What is the price of your bike?

Clearly, what is the maximum amount you could receive in the event of a claim on your mountain bike! This question essentially arises if your bike costs more than 4,000/5,000 € because, if you want a new reimbursement of this amount, very few insurance companies will be able to meet this request. So be careful with very high-end mountain bikes or VAEs where the prices are easily of that order.
Are you a professional cyclist? Or do you compete in cycling, even as an amateur?

There are specific insurances for professionals. As for the competition, it can be ensured when it comes to amateur competition, directly or in the form of an additional option. Please note that breakage may not be covered during competitions, only theft.

mountain bike crash
What if you break your bike?

Not all mountain bike insurance protects against breakage!

And for those with breakage coverage, the reimbursement conditions can be very variable: deductible or not, percentage of obsolescence, or even for some a reimbursement only if there is also a declared bodily accident 🙄.

Is your bike marked against theft?

Since January 1, 2021, bike marking is mandatory in France. Some bike insurance policies will cover your mountain bike against theft only if it is marked or engraved, or apply higher deductibles if it is not. For more information, see the bicycode website or the different marking techniques used by recobike.

Be aware that if you have a carbon frame, engraving can invalidate the warranty with several manufacturers. So prefer a safety insert if you are in this case.
In the event of theft: how can I claim my insurance?

    Go immediately to file a complaint with the police 👮 to declare the theft of your bike. A report (PV) will be given to you by the police station or the gendarmerie and will be necessary for you to report the theft of your bike to your insurance. To go faster, you can fill out the pre-complaint form directly online.

    Contact your insurance.

    Following the sending of the necessary documents (declaration of theft, bicycle invoice, brand and model of the bicycle), you will receive compensation according to the conditions of your contract.

Be reactive: Most insurances require that the declaration of the accident be made in the days following the theft. ⏲ ​​Don't delay!
Do you have an approved lock (SRA or FUB) ?

This is compulsory for certain insurances, in order to be insured against theft, with provision of proof of purchase (invoice prior to the purchase of the bike, or photo) as well as proof of correct use of the lock. ! It's not easy to go hiking with a lock that weighs more than a kilo to stop for a drink at the local bistro with peace of mind.