Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
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The answer comes down to one question: does the uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your auto policy extend to you when you are on your bike? If you have an auto insurance policy with UIM coverage, it may cover you if you are hit by a car while riding, usually for medical bills and property damage when the driver is uninsured, underinsured, or a hit-and-run. The specifics depend on the policy, so check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and to what extent.
If you live in a state where UIM coverage does not apply to bicycles but find yourself sharing the road with cars, you should consider purchasing the maximum $25,000 Uninsured Motorist Coverage.
How do I find out if my auto UIM coverage extends to my bike?
Ask your auto insurer directly whether the UIM coverage on your policy follows you as a bicyclist, and to what limit. There are states where UIM coverage does not extend to bicycles, and state laws change, so a local insurance agent or legal professional in your state is the best source of accurate, up-to-date information. Our trusted partner attorney directory can connect you with a bicycle attorney in your area.
What does Uninsured Motorist Coverage cover?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage pays medical and related expenses when you are hit by a hit-and-run, uninsured, or underinsured motorist while riding, working much like the UIM coverage on an auto policy. It can be added to a Velosurance policy with a $10,000 or $25,000 limit.
Which limit should I choose?
The $25,000 maximum is the sensible pick if you ride in traffic regularly or your UIM coverage does not follow you onto the bike. It costs little relative to the medical bills a car-bicycle collision can generate, and it works alongside the optional medical gap coverage that handles your health plan's deductibles and co-pays.
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