Jargon buster

Please note: the explanation of terms below is intended for guidance only; for contractual definitions, refer to the policy wordings.

Accessories Cover - an option that provides cover for the following cycling specific accessories against theft and accidental damage: helmets, hats or caps, shoes, overshoes, jerseys or vests, base layers, gilets, gloves, glasses & goggles, jackets, shorts, bib shorts, bibs, biblongs, tights, trousers, socks, wetsuits used exclusively for Triathlons, warmers, compression clothing, backpacks, water bottles and cages, hydration packs, cameras specifically designed for cycling and securely mounted to a helmet, frame or handlebars; cycling computer; cycling GPS unit, lights, cycle luggage, panniers, saddle bag, cycling tools, cycling armour & guards.

Active - an option that provides cover for cyclists that participate in road racing, timed trials and other bicycle related competitive activities. Sorry, professional cyclists are not eligible for this option.

Annual payment - a one-off payment in advance to cover a year’s insurance. This is the cheapest way of obtaining cover.

Annual policy - all Cycleguard policies, even when paid by direct debit, are annual policies and cover you for a full 12 months unless cancelled by either party under our standard cancellation terms.

Approved lock - a lock from the appropriate category of the approved locklist supplied by us. Any other lock which is not on the list would need our written approval.

Approved locklist - a list of locks tested by Sold Secure (a division of the Master Locksmiths Association), which form the basis of our bicycle security requirements. You must use a lock from the relevant category that applies to your bicycle – you can use a lock from a higher category but not lower.

Click to go to our approved locklist.

Area - you can choose to be insured for locations outside of the UK. If you require worldwide cover, you will automatically receive the EU cover also. The area of cover also extends to your family and public liability extensions if taken.

Bicycle - any bicycle, tricycle, tandem, trailer cycle or push scooter that is powered by human pedalling and/or battery. The bicycle must not be subject to the requirements of the Road Traffic Act.

Bicycle roadside recovery (Cycleguard Rescue) - this is an option that you can take out to provide you with support should you be unable to continue a bicycle journey. This could be due to cycle theft, damage or vandalism or the breakdown of your bicycle through mechanical or electrical failure.

The cover will ensure that you are transported to a suitable cycle repair shop, railway station, car rental agency or your home or overnight accommodation.

This option will provide support anywhere within the UK for 12 months.

Business use - this allows you to use your bike for business purposes BUT excludes hire, reward, courier services or using your bike for the carriage of paying passengers.

Certificate of insurance - the document that contains the terms and conditions under which your bicycle is insured. See also policy wordingpolicy wording.

Commencement date - the date that the policy starts.

Electric bike - a bicycle which is powered both by human pedalling and/or a battery, any electric bike you wish to insure must not be subject to the requirements of the Road Traffic Act.

Evidence of ownership - to pay out for an insurance claim, we need to be certain that you were/are the owner of the insured items. Evidence can be shown by, for example, an original receipt clearly showing the item and date of purchase. Alternative evidence can include a bank or credit card statement, photographs, a copy receipt from the retailer, packaging or literature.

Excess - this is the amount of money that you contribute towards the cost of a claim. With Cycleguard there is no excess as standard on your bicycle insurance except in the following instances:

• For claims made for damage to a third persons property there is a £500 excess
• If you keep your bicycle overnight in a communal hallway, communal outbuilding or a privately accessed wooden shed there is a 20% excess on the bicycle value (subject to a minimum claim of £100).

See also minimum claimminimum claim.

Family - parents, spouse, partner, siblings or children over 16 years of age and living at your insured locationinsured location.

Family liability - an option that covers specified members of your family for public liability and personal accident provided they are aged 16 years and over.

Family members - an option available with Cycleguard that allows other members of your familyfamily to have occasional use of your bicycle. The cover is for theft and accidental damage only.

Forcible and violent entry - entry to a property that clearly shows damage to the lock, building, room or vehicle, caused as a direct result of theft.

Immovable object - this can be:

• A solid object that is not capable of being undone, removed with or lifted under or over the bicycle
• A properly fixed roof rack or bike rack
• At train stations a bike rack supplied by the train station specifically for the purpose of securing bikes and within the jurisdiction of the transport police.

Insured location - this is a single, specified place where you keep your bicycle overnight, typically your home or student accommodation.

Loyalty bonus - this is a system by which we reward you for continuing your insurance with us. This is how it works:

• After year one = 5% discount (minimum of £5)
• After year two = 7.5% discount (minimum of £5)
• Between year three and four = 10% discount (minimum of £10)
• Between year five and seven = 15% discount (minimum of £10)
• Between year seven and ten = 20% discount (minimum of £15)

Minimum claim - we don’t handle claims for less than £100 – any claim over this amount is for the full amount and no excess is deducted.

Period of insurance - the length of time for which you are covered, all Cycleguard policies run for a period of 12 months even when being paid by monthly direct debit.

Personal accident - if you have an accident whilst using your bicycle, this provides cover up to £10,000 for death & permanent total disablement and £5,000 for loss of limb or eye.

Policy summary - this is a brief outline of the terms and conditions including any significant exclusions or conditions of an insurance policy. The summary is not a substitute for reading the full policy wording.

Policy wording - this sets out in full the terms and conditions of your insurance cover. It is essential that you read the wording and comply with any terms and conditions it sets out. We have made it as straightforward as possible to read and understand.

Much of the information provided on this site is for guidance – only the relevant policy wording can be taken as a binding contract.

Premium - the amount you pay (either a single amount in advance or by credit agreement with PIN Finance Ltd) to provide annual insurance cover for your bicycle.

Property - when we refer to property we don’t only mean buildings but also personal items, such as a laptop, a table or car… basically anything!

Public liability - this Cycleguard option for cyclists aged over 16 protects you against third party claims for injury or damage to other persons propertyproperty - so, for example, in the event that you accidentally ride into a person and cause injury or damage – that person could claim against you for compensation. You can choose from 3 levels of cover available - £1, £2 or £5 million. The area of public liability cover is the same as the level of bicycle cover you choose.

The public liability option also includes personal accident cover, which pays you an amount of money should you suffer an injury whilst using your bicycle.

Public liability is also known as third party liability.

Replacement value - this is the price an item would normally cost new in a store including VAT rather than a specially discounted or sale price or ebay bargain!

Serial number - the unique code that identifies your bicycle, also referred to as a frame number.

It is essential that we have the serial number for all bicycles, if your bicycle does not have a serial number you must use an identification system with a unique number or a transponder/tag installation with a registration number.

The serial or frame number is usually located on the underside of the bottom bracket (the large circular section that your crankset sits in).

Sum insured - this is the total value of your bicycle and any fixed accessories.

Terms of business - the basis on which you do business with us. Click for more information.

Third-party liability - this is the same as public liabilitypublic liability.

Urban and Leisure - this is the standard Cycleguard policy which provides cover for general cycling - including commuting and business use. You are also able to participate in road based time trials but not mass starts (select the activeActive option if you need cover for mass starts or other competitive bicycle related activities).