There are numerous reasons why people choose cycling over using a car or public transport, including health, economic or environmental reasons. Cycling has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic and since the introduction of the cycle to work scheme. Should you decide to trade in your car for a bike for everyday travel, there are certain things you need to consider, the first being cycle insurance.
In the UK, a bicycle theft occurs every 2 minutes and it’s a common misconception that bicycles are covered under home insurance or contents insurance. Also, if your bike was stolen or damaged away from the property, your insurancprovider will not pay out
Furthermore, despite the growing benefit of ‘safety in numbers’, cyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users. In this article, we cover everything you need to know abou bicycle insurance in the UK and whether you need it for your cycling activities. We will also check which ALA insurance policy and which cover option are best for you
Click on the relevant link to visit that section: Cycling insurance in the UK Specialist cycling insurance for road cyclists Cycle touring insurance BMX and mountain bike insurance Who is ALA cycle insurance for?
To choose the right cycle insurance policy, start by considering the type of cycling you do, such as road cycling, touring, BMX, or mountain biking, as each activity may require specific coverage features. Review the available options for bike insurance and compare what each policy covers, including accidental damage, theft, and third-party liability, to ensure your needs are met—especially if you have a high-value mountain bike or travel frequently with your bike. Carefully read the terms and compare premiums, excess, and additional benefits before deciding which cycle insurance best fits your requirements.
While it is not a legal requirement to have bicycle insurance in the UK, there are many reasons why it is recommended, especially on busy or rural roads. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable roadusers, as the risk of serious injury is much higher in the event of a collision. Although the cycle to work scheme has helped many people improve their health, save money and reduce their carbon footprint, commuters are particularly vulnerable on the road, since cyclist casualties occur mostly at rush hourand the third most common reason for serious cyclists’ injuries is being in a rush.
Not to mention, the worst locations for bike theft are in large, wealthy cities, which tend to attract professionals. If you rely on your bicycle for commuting to work and you cannot use it due to accidental damage, vandalism or theft, you will need a replacement bicycle, and the cost of a hire or replacement vehicle could be high.
Bicycle insurance
is especially important for electric bikes, which can be a greater investment, and you may be travelling at a greater speed, increasing the risk of injury.
Also, as a result of the high casualty rate, there may be a circumstance in which you need legal assistance, liability insurance, or a payout in the event of severe injury; this cover can now be offered by ALA Cycle insurance.
An example cycle insurance plan for an average commuter bike worth £700 would look like the following:
● No additional cover: Bike theft and damage cover worth £250 = £56.92 per year
● Basic plan: Bike theft and damage cover of £250 + £500 cycle hire replacement + legal cover = from £67.37 per year
● Advanced plan:Bike theft and damage cover of £250 + £500 Cycle Hire Replacement + Legal Cover + £1m Public Liability cover + £10,000 Personal Accident cover = From £90.16 per year
We also offer additional extras such as cycle rescue and worldwide cover.
You can build your own personalised cycle insurance quote here.</a
City cyclists are vulnerable, but rural roads are scarcely safer. Cyclists are at thegreatest riskof serious or fatal injury, as well as accidental damage to bikes, when cycling on rural roads. There’s also a higher risk of becoming stranded on rural roads, which is especially dangerous in winter months. If you regularly cycle on rural roads, you should make sure you are insured to cover the cost of your bike and your accessories and also to cover yourself as a cyclist.
An example cycle insurance plan for a road bike, used for both leisure and commuting, worth £1,000 would look like the following:
● No additional cover: Bike theft and damage cover worth £250 = £76.77 per year
●Basic cover: Bike theft and damage cover of £250 + £500 replacement cycle hire = £82.06 per year
●Advanced cover: Bike theft and damage cover of £250 + £500 replacement cycle hire + £10,000 personal accident cover from £90.21 per year
When on certain holidays, it may be necessary or beneficial to take along your bike to get some exercise or save on travel costs when you arrive, or you may have travelled for thesole purpose of cycling. If you are cautious, you may have cycling travel insurance, but even this may not be able to cover your bike in any eventuality overseas. Make sure to checkthat your travel insurance covers all your needs when travelling with a bike abroad.
ALA now offers worldwide cover as part of their standard plan, meaning that you can be covered if you travel outside of the UK up to a maximum of 90 days, excluding North America & Canada for public liability
An example cycle insurance plan for a road bike worth £1,000 would look like the following:
●No additional cover: £250 Bike theft and damage cover with worldwide cover = £76.56 per year
●Basic cover: £250 Bike theft and damage cover with worldwide cover and £500 replacement cycle hire = £81.85 per year
●Advanced cover: Bike theft and damage cover + £500 replacement cycle hire + £10,000 Personal Accident cover = £90 per year
Biking along your favourite trail or in your local park may put you at extra risk of accidental damage to your bike or personal injury. It’s advised to protect yourself with adequate insurance. ALA can offer theft and damage cover and worldwide cover, which is useful if you intend to travel with your bike.
An example cycle insurance plan for a non-competitive stunt bike worth £1,000 would look like the following:
● No additional cover: Bike theft and damage cover worth £250 = £73.11 per year
● Basic cover: Bike theft and damage cover + replacement cycle hire worth £500 = £78.40 per year
● Advanced cover: Bike theft and damage cover + replacement cycle hire worth £500 + Personal Accident cover worth £10,000 = £86.55
All cycle insurance policies come with an excess of £75 and can be paid for monthly, paying upfront is cheaper. Cycle insurance typically covers incidents such as bike theft, accidental damage to the cycle, and sometimes third-party liability, depending on the level of coverage. This means cyclists are financially protected if their bike is stolen or damaged, offering peace of mind whether riding for leisure or commuting.
If you’re looking for recommendations for good bicycle insurance providers, you can start by researching specialised cycling insurance companies online, visiting cycling forums, or checking trusted consumer review websites. Many reputable providers offer comprehensive policies that include bike theft, damage, and personal accident options to suit different needs.
Here at ALA we make it our mission to provide flexible cover that fits each cyclist’s needs. Whether you’re a committed cycling commuter, you cycle recreationally or you travel with your bike, we have the ideal bike cover package for you. We don’t just cover pedal bikes; we cover electric bikes and BMXs as well.
We understand that an expensive bike such as an electric bike, a road bike or a BMX can put a financial strain on the owner should the worst happen. Even if you are not a frequent cyclist, our plans start at just £20 per year, and they rarely exceed the cost of popular streaming service subscriptions, even for comprehensive cover. So, whether or not you decide today that you need bicycle insurance, ALA’s competitive prices mean that there will always be bicycle cover that is right for you. Get a cycle insurance quote today.
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