For a couple of years the BTA has been unable to offer a deal on bicycle insurance.  Our previous insurer stopped insuring bicycles last year and at the moment we are unable to find another company that will only insure bicycles.

In a number of cases, however, you can insure your bicycle under your home contents policy, and we are aware that a number of members have done this.

With the help of the O55’s Cycling Club, we have completed a short survey of what insurance is available in Western Australia.   The insurance was to cover loss or damage to a bicycle away from home, i.e. on a day trip, or on tour.

The basis for the quotes was as follows:

The following are the results:

• Western Underwriters (QBE)  Ph: 131 303. $602 per annum. No bicycle premium. Bicycle value up to $1000.
• Statewide Insurance Services Ph: 136 313. $612 per annum. No bicycle premium. Bicycle value up to $1000.
• RSL Insurances  Ph: 1800 816 312.  $670.16 per annum. No bicycle premium. Bicycle value up to $1000.
• APIA Insurances  Ph: 132 555.  $676 per annum.  There is a premium of an extra $41 to cover a bicycle value up to $1000.
• Cyclecover Home and Contents Insurance  Ph. 1300 733 055.  $772.65 per annum.   No bicycle value limit.   This policy not only covers all bicycles, but also will cover bicycles up to any value ($10,000 mentioned). If you run a fleet of expensive bicycles or a family fleet, then they can all be covered. The policy also covers bicycles overseas for up to 90 days. Cyclecover will also insure bicycles within their contents policy only. A minimum contents value of no less than $35,000 for $300 per annum. This may also be possible with the other companies mentioned, but the question was not asked.

There are companies that will only cover your bicycle if it is locked within your premises and others that exclude use away from home. You have to be specific when asking questions.

The survey was not exhaustive, but only an indication of what is available. We suggest you contact your current insurer to determine the best value for your situation.

Personal accident insurance

Stay tuned ... we are exploring options

Third Party Insurance free for BTA members

The free third party insurance covers you against claims for third party personal injury and property damage.

This means that if you are involved in an accident while using your bicycle in which another person is injured or their property damaged and they threaten to sue you, you are covered for claims of up to $2 million. In the event of a claim, the insurance company will pay the other party to compensate them for their injury or property damage, rather than you paying them out of your pocket.

This insurance DOES NOT cover you when participating in competitive events or practice.

There is an excess of $500 for property damage claims. If you take out family membership, family members living at the same address, including children under 18, are also covered provided you include their names on the membership application form.

Note: If you have a house and contents insurance policy, you may already be covered for third party claims. Some house and contents policies allow claims arising through the use of bicycles while other specifically exclude them. If in doubt, check your house and contents policy. The BTA third party cover is in excess of cover held under any other insurance so, if your existing house and contents policy does cover you while using your bike, you should claim on it first.