Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bike Accidents? By Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law
Most cyclists will have experienced this moment at least once. As you’re riding down the road, perhaps on your way to the store nearby or for some fresh air, something unexpected happens. A car door opens. A child runs onto the path. You slip on gravel. The damage could be to your bike, body or worse yet, another person’s property. And in the aftermath, one question lingers in your mind: does homeowners insurance cover bike accidents
It’s a reasonable question. If you pay for insurance, it should cover your bicycle, and perhaps even the consequences of riding it.
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Let’s break this down. Be careful and talk about it as if we were having coffee. Don’t flip through a 200 page insurance policy manual.
What is covered by homeowners insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance policies include several types of coverage.
- Dwelling Coverage for Damage to Your Home
- Personal Property Coverage for your items in your home
- Liability protection – in case you cause injury or damage to property to another person.
- Medical Payments Coverage for Minor Injuries to Guests in Your Home
Where does a bicycle accident fit into the picture? It depends on the circumstances of the accident, including where it happened and who was involved.
Personal Property Coverage for the Bike Itself
Personal property coverage will usually cover your bike if it is damaged or stolen (for example, due to a fire in the house or vandalism). It’s pretty simple. You’re better off if you can provide proof of ownership, such as a receipt or a photo of your bike. Some policies may cover your bike if it’s been stolen or damaged while away from home. Off-premises insurance can help.
Accidents are a completely different story. For example, if you crash into a mailbox and someone hits you with their vehicle.
Liability Insurance: What if you hit someone?
Imagine you are riding your bicycle and you run into a pedestrian. The person falls, breaks a wrist and medical bills are piling up. Would your homeowners insurance cover this?
Actually, yes–possibly. Even though this incident did not occur on your premises, homeowners insurance may cover it under its liability section. This is not guaranteed but often covered, especially if there was no motor vehicle involved.
A second example: you accidentally crash into a fence or car. Your liability insurance might pay for the repairs if you are found to be responsible.
Still, policies vary. Certain insurers will exclude certain activities or may claim that the accident occurred due to negligence or is outside of the coverage. It’s best to check your policy or, better yet ask a professional.
Medical Payments Coverage for Small Incidents
What if it’s you who is injured? You trip on your bike in the driveway, and break a rib. This is a scenario in which your homeowners insurance probably won’t cover you. The medical payments coverage is usually only available to guests and visitors, not the policyholders or members of their household.
The medical payments section of your insurance policy may cover minor expenses, even if you were not at fault.
The coverage amounts for a typical accident are modest. If the situation escalates to a serious injury and lawsuits, then you may also need liability insurance and legal defense costs.
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What about Bike Accidents Involving Automobiles?
This is where it gets murky. In the event that you are riding a bike when a car strikes you, your homeowners insurance is unlikely to cover you in most states, your auto insurance or that of the driver would be the main source of coverage.
In the event that a driver is at fault for an accident, their liability insurance should cover your injuries and property damage. What if the driver doesn’t have any insurance or their coverage is not sufficient?
This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes in–if you have it as part of your auto policy. This can happen even when you are riding a bike.
No, your homeowners insurance doesn’t protect you if you are hit by a vehicle while bicycling. This is a matter of auto insurance.
What if the bike is used for racing or business?
Here’s another twist: you’re a cyclist who delivers food or competes in races. The problem is that your homeowners insurance does not cover the use of your bicycle for business or profession. This includes any racing, commercial activities, or delivering of goods.
Your insurer may deny your claim if, for example, you damage your bike during a race or crash while delivering sandwiches. For this type of use, you’d need a special policy like a sports equipment or commercial liability insurance.
Umbrella policies can fill in the gaps
What if you need a broader level of protection? You may be a cyclist who rides every day and is worried about being sued. An umbrella policy can help.
A umbrella policy acts as a safety net when your liability coverage has been exhausted. This umbrella insurance can cover accidents involving bikes, lawsuits and legal costs that are above the limits of auto or homeowners insurance. These policies provide peace of mind and are affordable, especially for activities that pose a high risk.
Common Myths
This is where many people make mistakes. They assume:
- The insurance will not cover the accident if it happened outside of their property.
- Their insurance will cover their medical expenses if they are injured.
- It’s covered if they cause damage to the bike.
All of them are not always true. There are benefits to homeowner’s insurance, but there are also limitations. It’s important to know when the insurance applies.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bike Accidents?
Answer this question as clearly and honestly as you can.
But only occasionally.
Yes, homeowners insurance will cover your bike if it is damaged or stolen due to an insured peril like theft or fire. Your liability coverage may offer protection if you injure or damage someone else’s property when riding.
What if you are hit by a vehicle? It’s unlikely. What happens if you get injured while cycling? Most likely not. You’re not allowed to ride a bike if you are racing, delivering meals, or using it for work. No.
Last Thoughts – Should you rely on Homeowners Insurance to Protect Your Investment?
It’s a good start, but homeowners insurance doesn’t cover all the risks of cycling. The insurance is there to protect you and your possessions, as well as to provide liability coverage in everyday situations. It does not cover all of the risks associated with biking.
Consider reviewing your policy if you ride regularly, or rely on your bike for work or fitness. Your insurer may even offer you extra protection. If you have been involved in an accident or are dealing with a denial of an insurance claim, you should consult an attorney.
At Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law, we help clients navigate the legal and insurance challenges that arise after accidents–bike-related or otherwise. We can help you if you are unsure about your rights, or if you need someone to review the situation.