Contents insurance bicycle stolen: what is insured?
A stolen bicycle or e-bike is always annoying. Whether you will be compensated for the damage depends on where the bicycle was, whether it was locked and which insurance policy you have taken out. In some cases, the theft of your bicycle is covered by home contents insurance, but that varies from situation to situation.
What contents insurance covers
Contents insurance covers damage or theft of your belongings in the home, such as furniture, electronics and clothing. Items attached to the home, such as a kitchen or solid floor, are not covered.
With bicycle theft, you are usually only insured if the bicycle was locked in a locked space, such as in your home or shed. If your expensive bicycle is stolen in the street, this is often not covered by the contents insurance. How exactly this is assessed differs per situation and insurer.
When your bicycle is covered by contents insurance
So most contents insurance policies also cover a stolen bicycle from your home or shed. A bicycle, e-bike or electric bicycle is covered by contents insurance if it is in a locked room. Most insurers set these conditions in this regard:
- The shed or garage should be properly locked.
- There must be obvious marks or signs of breaking and entering, such as a broken lock or damaged door.
- The bicycle had to be locked when the theft occurred.
- All keys belonging to the bicycle must be present.
- With e-bikes and electric bicycles, in some cases you must be able to prove that they were equipped with a KIWA SCM-approved track lock or other certified lock.
Do you meet these requirements? Then the theft is covered and you can apply for compensation through your insurance company. It is wise to check your policy conditions in advance, so there are no surprises.
Do you also want to insure your bike outside your home? Then you need a separate bicycle insurance. With bicycle insurance you can also be well insured outside the door.
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Different situations when a bicycle is stolen
Bike stolen from home
When a bicycle is stolen from a locked home and there is burglary, it is covered by contents insurance. The insurer will reimburse the daily value in most cases, provided there is visible break-in damage.
Bike stolen from shed or garage
A bicycle stolen from a shed or other locked storage area is usually covered by contents insurance as well. The space must have been properly locked and there must be visible signs of break-in. Some insurers also require proof that the bicycle itself was locked.
Bike stolen from a common area
In an apartment complex or condominium, a bicycle may be in a shared storage area. Theft from such a space in a building is sometimes covered by contents insurance, but only if there are signs of forced entry on the outside of the storage space. Again, the bicycle must often have been locked.
Bike stolen from yard or driveway
If a bicycle is stolen from the garden or driveway, it is not insured through home contents insurance. These places are not covered. If you want to insure this as well, you need to purchase bicycle insurance.
Bike stolen on the street, at the gym or at work
Theft on the street, at the train station or at work is not covered under the contents insurance. You need a separate bicycle insurance for that.
Bike stolen from another house or vacation home
If the bicycle is stolen from another home, such as a vacation home, it is usually not insured through contents insurance. If stolen from a rented vacation home in the Netherlands, travel insurance can sometimes provide coverage.
Is your bicycle stolen from your own vacation home? If so, you are not insured for this through home contents insurance or travel insurance. Contents insurance only applies to items in or near your main home.
Claiming compensation for theft
If your bicycle has been stolen and this is covered by the contents insurance, you can apply for compensation.
maximum compensation paid based on the current market value. Preventing the theft of your bicycle
You can do a lot yourself to prevent theft of your bicycle. Of course, you can insure your bike but with a few simple and sensible measures you can reduce the chances of your bike being taken:
Always lock your bike, even if it is in an indoor area.
Use at least one ART-2 certified lock. Electric bikes often require 2 locks.
Make sure the area is securely locked. Lock doors and windows when putting your bike inside or in the shed.
Keep your bike's frame number in a safe place. You will need this when you report it.
Secure your bike to something when you temporarily park it outside. For example, in a bike rack at the train station or supermarket.
Frequently asked questions about contents insurance and bicycle theft
Do I need separate coverage for theft of my bicycle?
If your bike is stolen indoors, in many cases it is covered by standard contents insurance, provided there are signs of forced entry and the policy conditions are met.
However, if your bike is stolen away from home, there is usually no coverage without additional away-from-home coverage or separate bike insurance. Therefore, check carefully what your policy covers.
How do I prove that my bike was stolen for insurance purposes?
Insurers usually ask for a police report documenting the theft. They may also ask for proof of purchase of the bicycle, photos or information about the lock used. The more proof you have, the smoother the settlement often goes.
Can I claim a stolen bike without reporting it to the police?
No, in most cases reporting to the police is mandatory to file a claim. Insurers usually accept a claim only if an official police report is presented. Without a report, chances are you will not receive compensation.
How much will I be reimbursed if my bicycle is stolen through home contents insurance?
Compensation depends on your policy and depreciation policy. With an approved claim, you will often be reimbursed the daily value of the bike, not the new-for-old value. With additional coverage or separate bike insurance, more may be reimbursed, depending on the terms.
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