CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Do I need insurance?

(11 posts)
  • Started 11 years ago by KarenJS
  • Latest reply from Kirst77
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. KarenJS
    Member

    Sorry if there's something about this I just haven't found, maybe someone could point me to a post/discussion.

    Basically up until now I've thought insurance was just in case your bike got stolen. Mine is about twenty years old and doesn't seem worth insuring. However, having been cycling a bit more frequently, reading this forum etc i realise that insurance could also be something you might need if you were in an accident. Is this right? Should cyclists generally get insurance to cover potential legal costs etc or do most just do without?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. wee folding bike
    Member

    There is no legal requirement to carry insurance in the way there is with a car.

    Many of us are insured though being members of organisations like the CTC or I've also heard that some household insurance covers you too.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. Dave
    Member

    Insurance would cover you if you damaged something or someone and had to pay out. Without it, you'd need to cough up from your own pocket.

    Whether you get some or not is up to you. On average you'll save a lot of money being uninsured - that's what insurance is all about - but you might be one of the unlucky few.

    Your home insurance may cover you for liability of this sort (phone up and check?) otherwise the cheapest way may well be to join one or other organisation.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. gembo
    Member

    If you also decline to accept liability and itngoesmdown to a deal between insurance companies there might be an excess tht is close to the damage you may have inflicted and also the driver's no claims bonus loss, thus an alternative outcome may be sought by the motorist

    When I went to alps in may the cycle specific insurance cover did not seem to cover the thing that was likely to happen - damage or loss of bike by easyjet.

    There is also quite bike friendly year round cover for cyclists, they email you info and seek payment in a leisurely manner but as has been repeated above you can get this from joining CTC which also gets you a magazine and access to a cycling club

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. Greenroofer
    Member

    My home insurance policy says this (my bold)

    "We will pay all amounts you, or any member of your family, become legally liable for as a result of living in your home, or for any other reason, as a result of:
    a) accidental death of or bodily injury to any person; or
    b) accidental loss of or damage to property;
    caused during the period of insurance shown in the schedule.

    But not liability for
    i) death of or bodily injury to any member of your family or
    your domestic staff;
    ii) damage to property belonging to or in the custody or control of
    you, your family or domestic staff; or
    iii) claims arising from the following:
    [deletions]
    4) You or any member of your family owning, keeping or using any
    a) motorised vehicles
    b) caravan while being towed;
    c) watercraft, hovercraft or aircraft other than hand-propelled
    craft or models; or
    [and so on]"

    I've taken that to be third party liability cover against basically anything that doesn't involve a vehicle or a power boat. It specifically (to me) doesn't exclude using a bike.

    I've CTC insurance too, which feels pretty similar, but has cycle-specific legal cover.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. KarenJS
    Member

    Hmm, will have to have a closer look at my home insurance.

    Was thinking CTC membership was only for really "serious" cyclists...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. Tulyar
    Member

    House insurance specifically excludes the categories required by law to have defined cover for third party liability. This was recognised from the very first Motor Car Act in 1903, due to the potential for a motor vehicle to cause substantially greater damage and injury than a person or a person on a bicycle. It even recognises that no contact between the car and the other person or property is required - a detail retained to this day - the PRESENCE of a motor vehicle causing injury or damage to property.

    In some ways the 1903 Act already recognises the presumption of liability incumbent on the driver of a motor vehicle, it just fails to deliver the process of securing that liability.

    Strong parallel here with driving on a footway the offence that no driver gets prosecuted for despite clear evidence and even admission that they commit it.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. Charterhall
    Member

    Another CTC member here, unfortunately not involved in any clubruns/social events but from what I've heard of the insurance cover and legal assistance provided I reckon its still well worth being a member.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. Claggy Cog
    Member

    @Karen if you are a member of the CTC you do not have to take part in anything you don't want to, there are many members who are just that. British Cycling also offer membership with insurance cover, BC are thought to be for the racing fraternity/sorority, however they will cover anyone and are inclusive. I have never thought that your household insurance policy would cover you.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. KarenJS
    Member

    Thanks guys, yeah I don't think my home insurance covers it and had a closer look at the ctc website, seems worth joining so I probably will.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. Kirst77
    Member

    KarenJS please do join CTC for the insurance and other benefits. CTC are VERY keen to attract and engage more female members, very keen to have females on the committee too if that would interest you! There's a lot going on in CTC to adapt and work dynamically in today's and the future's climate.

    Posted 11 years ago #

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