TL;DR:
Velosurance covers bikes in many real-world scenarios—whether it's in transit, racing, or with added parts—though some conditions (like international travel or lending gear) require clarity or added coverage
- Your bike is protected—even if it’s damaged while mounted on a car rack during a collision—after you meet the policy deductible
- The basic policy covers a full year and includes the U.S. and Canada. Travel outside those regions (like Europe) requires a simple, affordable upgrade
- If your bike is damaged past the deductible, your helmet and other riding kit—like shoes or gear—can also be claimed if damaged in the same incident
Q: Is my bike covered if it is on the car bike rack and I am rear ended?
A: Yes, the bike is covered subject to the policy deductible.
Q: If I buy a new wheelset can I add value to the policy?
A: Yes, just send us the purchase receipt and tell us how much value to want to add. If you keep your old wheelset as training wheels they remain covered when they are on the bike and as spare parts when they are not installed on the bike.
Q: Is my bike covered if I race?
A: Yes, if you race in more than one race a year please tell us so we can be sure to adjust your account.
Q: Do you offer trip insurance?
A: No. The Velosurance is a 12 month policy that covers your bike in the USA & Canada.
Q: Do you offer Velosurance for bikes kept in Canada?
A: Velosurance is only available to insure bicycles stored at a USA address.
Q: Will Velosurance cover me for a trip to Europe?
A: The policy can be extended Worldwide at your request and at a reasonable additional premium.
Q: Does a Velosurance policy cover me for a visit to Hawaii?
A: Yes, Hawaii is part of the US.
Q: Does a Velosurance policy cover me for a visit to Puerto Rico?
A: No, Puerto Rico is not yet a US state. You will need to add worldwide coverage.
Q: Do I need to tell you if I visit Canada with my bike?
A: No. The Velosurance policy covers the insured bicycle anywhere in the USA & Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Your bike is covered if it's damaged while mounted on a rack—even if you're rear-ended
- Bought new parts like wheelsets? You can update your policy value by submitting the receipt
- Your helmet and other gear are claimable if bike damage exceeds the deductible during a crash
- Your policy covers the bike during transit within the U.S. and Canada—no extra shipping insurance needed
- Coverage can be expanded worldwide for trips beyond the U.S. and Canada (like Puerto Rico or Europe), with additional premium
Q: Is my helmet covered?
A: If you crash and there is damage to the bicycle that exceeds the policy deductible then you can claim your helmet and other damaged kit also.
Q: Can you recommend a specific lock for my bicycle?
A: While we do not recommend any specific lock manufacturer we suggest at the very minimum a quality U lock in combination with a heavy cable. Spending up to 10% of the bike’s value on a lock is not unreasonable. ABUS locks are very popular in the bicycle commuting community.
Q: How does the policy deductible apply? Per accident or per year?
A: The policy deductible is applied per accident. If you have three accidents in a year then you have three deductibles.
Q: Are my racing wheels covered if I loan them to a friend?
A: No. Once your wheels are on another bike they are no longer part of your insured bike and no longer covered by your bike’s insurance.
Q: If I choose monthly payments will you mail me an invoice every month.
A: No. Monthly payments are only available with auto pay.
Q: Do I need to buy extra insurance when I ship my bike?
A: Your bike is covered at all times while in transit within the policy territory. Additional insurance is not necessary.
Q: When can I make a claim?
A: Anytime accidental damage to your bicycle exceeds the policy deductible you have a potential claim. Call Velosurance to discuss the loss.
Q: What is an accident?
A: An accident is an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
Q: What is not an accident?
A: Any expected damage to the bike is not accidental, such as a chain stretching or tire wearing out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a bike covered if it is damaged while mounted on a car rack?
- Yes, the bike is covered for damage sustained while on a car rack, such as in a rear-end collision, subject to the policy deductible. Coverage applies to the bike itself; the car's own collision coverage handles damage to the vehicle.
- What geographic territory does a bicycle insurance policy cover?
- The standard 12-month policy covers the bike anywhere in the USA and Canada, including Hawaii. Visits to Canada require no notification and no additional premium. Puerto Rico falls outside the standard territory and requires a worldwide extension. A trip to Europe or anywhere else outside the USA and Canada can also be covered by requesting a worldwide extension at a reasonable additional premium.
- Is the bike covered for racing?
- Yes, the bike is covered during races. Riders who participate in more than one race per year should inform Velosurance so the account can be adjusted accordingly. Racing coverage is included in the policy rather than treated as an excluded activity.
- How is the policy deductible applied, and is helmet damage claimable after a crash?
- The deductible is applied per accident, not per year. Three accidents in a year means three separate deductibles. As for the helmet: if you crash and the damage to the bicycle exceeds the deductible, you can also claim your helmet and other damaged riding kit, such as shoes or apparel, from the same incident.
- Does a bicycle insurance policy cover the bike during shipping?
- Yes, the bike is covered at all times while in transit within the policy territory. Additional shipping insurance is not necessary when shipping within the USA and Canada.