Commuter bike insurance

Protecting UK cyclists for over 20 years

Specialist commuter bike insurance from cycleGuard

Protect your commuter bike and accessories

Cycling is a great way to not only avoid the traffic, but it keeps you fit as well! At cycleGuard, we can help keep your commuter bike, accessories and you protected, should you ever experience a nasty scrape or damage.

Over 20 years of insurance to UK photographers

Over 20 years of Guardcover, supporting your passion

Why protect your commuter bike with cycleGuard?

See how cycleGuard can protect you, your commuter bike and accessories

20 Years of Experience

We know what it takes to protect the things that matter to you.

Quick and Simple

We make it easy for you to find the right policy for your bike and kit.

0% Monthly Payment

Spread your payments across the year at no extra cost.

UK Customer Service

Our customer service team is ready to help you with all your questions.

Online Account

Your online account is an easy way to access and manage your policies 24/7.

Multi-bike Discount

Cover multiple bikes on one policy, saving you time and money.

What's included in my commuter bike insurance?

What am I covered for?

If you rely on your commuter bike getting you around, then you'll want to make sure your bike and accessories are covered, so you can stay in the saddle.

  • Theft and Accidental Damage

    Had a bump or a scrape on your commuter bike?

    If your commuter bike is stolen from your home or damaged in a crash or accident whilst you are out and about, cycleGuard is there to help get you back on your ride. Cover available for bikes up to £20,000. Security and lock requirements apply.

  • Cycle Rescue

    What happens if your commuter bike breaks down?

    If your commuter bike ‘breaks down’ or you suffer an injury and can’t finish your ride, our UK Cycle Rescue cover is there 24/7 to help you get home or to an alternative safe place. Cover applies when you’re more than a quarter of a mile away from your home.

  • Cover Abroad

    Heading overseas with your bike?

    If your ride takes you outside of the UK, our cover for your bike and accessories will automatically include 30 days cover in the EU. Worldwide cover option also available.

  • New for Old Cover

    Why should you lose out when making a claim?

    We understand what your bike means to you, which is why we offer genuine new for old replacement, and we don’t depreciate the value of your bike when you make a claim. Proof of purchase needed when making a claim.

  • In-Vehicle cover

    Is your commuter bike covered in the car?

    You can rest easy when you’re away from home and your commuter bike is being securely stored in your car or secured to your bike rack, as we automatically include theft cover for bikes left in or on unattended vehicles. Security requirements apply.

Commuter bike

Optional extras for your bike

Global Travel - For those rides that are further away, extend your cover to include 12 months worldwide. With up to £300 bike box cover and up to £150 emergency bike-hire if your bike is stolen or damaged. Max. 60 days per trip.

£5m Public Liability - If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while out cycling, we can provide up to £5m to protect against the costs of liability claims made against you. Cover only applies in the UK.

Commuter bike

Personal Injury - Up to £25,000 cover for treatments and incidental costs following a cycling-related injury, aimed at helping you to recover and get back on the road. Excludes pre-existing conditions.

Race and Compete - Extends your policy to amateur race events and covers the cost of up to £750 in race fees and £500 in associated travel and accommodation if you are injured and can’t make the start-line.

Which types of bikes do we cover at cycleGuard?

Cycle insurance to meet your needs

Frequently asked questions about commuter bikes

Want to find out more about our commuter bike cover? 

If you’re wondering what our commuter bike insurance includes, then we’ve answered a few questions here!

  • Cover
  • Travel
  • Security
  • What is a commuter bike?

    A commuter bike is not necessarily a particular type of bike, but simply whatever bike you choose to cycle on, when commuting to work, or for just getting around.

    Folding bikes in particular, are a popular commuter bike, due to their ability to collapse into an easy to carry, smaller bundle. This makes them great for storing in tight spaces, such as the office, at home or in the car.

    When buying a bike for commuting purposes, it’s important to consider the following:

    • How long will you be sitting in the saddle for?
    • What type of terrain will you be cycling on?
    • Do you want a bike that is more versatile?
    • How many gears do you think you will need on your bike?

    All of the above questions should help you decide on the type of bike, that will best suit your cycling needs.

  • Is my commuter bike covered while I’m at work?

    Yes, your commuter bike can be covered against theft, vandalism, accidental damage, flood and fire damage while you’re at work providing that your bike is locked in accordance with our simplified lock requirements.

  • What is the Cyclescheme?

    The Cyclescheme is a government initiative to get more people commuting to work by bike.

    Eligible employees get to choose commuter bikes and cycling accessories via their employer, the cost of which is spread out over 12 months through a series of tax-saving initiatives where you effectively ‘hire’ your bike. At the end of your 12 month period you can buy your bike from your employer for its HMRC Fair Market Value, or your workplace can keep the bike for future use!

  • What are the benefits of commuting by bike?

    Commuting by bike can help improve your health, bank balance and the environment.

    You can save on the costs of running your car with a reduced outlay on petrol, maintenance, and parking. The health benefits are numerous and include increased heart health and muscle strength, as well as weight loss. Being fitter helps you to stay healthier for longer and can reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other longer-term illnesses. Cycling can also benefit your mental health and could lower your risk, or help to treat illnesses like depression.

    The wider benefit is the impact on the environment that commuting by bike can have as you reduce your air pollutants, noise pollution and congestion and overall carbon footprint.

  • Is commuting by bike dangerous?

    Commuting by bike poses its own set of risks, like any form of travel. Bike commuters face dangers posed by cars and other road users in traffic, potential collisions with pedestrians and even a vulnerability to air pollution.

    However, ensuring you are visible with the right reflective clothing and lights; following the rules of the road; and being patient as well as confident in the way you ride, can all help to keep you safe on your commute.

  • Do you cover more than one bike on a policy?

    Yes, we can cover yours and your family’s bikes on one policy, which will automatically include your Multi-bike Discount, with a maximum combined value of £20,000. If you're looking for insurance for commuter bikes over this amount, then please contact us by either:

  • How does Cycle Rescue work?

    If your policy start date is from the 1st March 2022 onwards:

    We will reimburse you or a member of your family for the cost of a single taxi journey, up to a maximum of £200, to your onward destination or insured location with your insured bicycle, if you are unable to complete your cycling journey in the event of:

    • the theft of the insured bicycle, or
    • accidental damage to the insured bicycle, or
    • irreparable breakdown of the insured bicycle, or
    • irreparable puncture to the insured bicycle, or
    • an injury whilst cycling the insured bicycle.

    Cover applies within the United Kingdom only, and for incidents that occur more than 1 mile from our insured location. A valid receipt from a registered taxi company will be required as proof of expenditure, which can be included within your claim.

    If your policy start date is before the 1st March 2022:

    You will receive a contact number for "Call Assist" the recovery breakdown providers. We would recommend that you store this number on your mobile phone or in an accessible place when you are out cycling. Call Assist have over 1,500 recovery agents and will despatch the nearest one to recover you and your bike. They will then travel to your location and transport you to the nearest one of the following:

    • A suitable cycle repair shop
    • An appropriate railway station
    • A car rental agency
    • The nearest overnight accommodation
    • Your home
  • Am I covered if I lend, loan, or hire my commuter bike to another person?

    Your commuter bike will be covered for use by other members of your family. A family member means parents, spouse, partner, siblings, or children / step children, but only when living at the same insured location (where your insured bike(s) is usually kept, which should also be your main place of residence).

    Our Race and Compete cover option will also extend accidental damage cover to riders at the same cycling or triathlon club.

  • What value should I insure my commuter bike for?

    The value should be the current, new undiscounted cost including VAT from a reputable dealer at the time you apply. End of season offers, and bargains do not count as the usual price.

  • What is the maximum value of commuter bikes you insure?

    We are able to offer a quotation up to a maximum value of £20,000 for individual commuter bikes or multiple bicycles. You can insure up to 10 bicycles on one policy providing the total value does not exceed the £20,000 limit.

    If you have a commuter bike or bicycles over that value, we may be able to offer you a quotation. You can either call us for your individual quote on: 0333 004 3444, or alternatively you can email us at: support@guardcover.co.uk

  • Do you only cover UK residents?

    Yes. You must be a UK resident and domiciled in the UK.

  • Is there an excess on this policy?

    Yes, the excess amount will depend on the type and value of the claim.

    • Claim amount is under £1,500 = excess of £50
    • Claim amount £1,500 to £2,999 = excess of £100
    • Claim amount £3,000 to £4,999 = excess of £150
    • Claim amount is over £5,000 = excess of £200

    For Public Liability claims, the first £500 of each claim arising from damage to third party property.

  • Can I add or make changes to the policy at any time?

    Yes, you can make changes to your policy by simply logging in to your online account here, or by calling us on: 0333 004 3444

    You can add or delete insured items and change some aspects of your policy. Note that additions will incur additional costs. Additional premiums are charged on a pro rata basis from the date of change. Any cover options that you choose can only be added or removed when you first buy the policy or at renewal.

  • What is the minimum / maximum age to get cover?

    The minimum age for the main policyholder is 18. Public Liability and Personal Accident cover (if you have chosen to include this on your policy) will only apply to anyone aged 16 or over at the time of any incident, and total permanent disablement cover is only available for anyone aged 65 or under.

  • I have previously had a criminal conviction. Will this affect my cover?

    You must disclose any criminal convictions which have not been spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are in any doubt as to whether this applies to you, you should call us to discuss your individual circumstances.

  • I have previously made a claim. Will this affect my cover?

    You need to tell us about any cycle related losses or claims you have had within the last three years, whether insured or not. It is important that you make an honest disclosure of any previous claims or losses, as this could invalidate your cover.

  • Am I covered to take my bike abroad?

    Yes, your policy will cover you for 30 days in the EU as standard, with the option to extend to annual worldwide cover (maximum 60 days per trip).

    Please note that the Cycle Rescue cover, Claims Bike Hire and Public Liability cover option only applies to the United Kingdom. Public Liability cover is excluded from North America.

  • Does your policy cover bikes whilst on a plane?

    Provided your bike is suitably packed in a bike bag or box and you have a receipt from the airline that your bike was checked onto the aircraft, then your bicycle would be covered against accidental damage. While under the responsibility of your transport provider, we don’t include cover against theft.

    Extend your cover to include our Global Travel option and your bike box will be covered for up to £300 for accidental damage.

  • Is my commuter bike only covered at the address I've given? Or will my commuter bike be covered whilst locked at work?

    Providing you follow the security and lock requirements (you can find these here) your commuter bike is covered whether at home, work or out on the trails anywhere in the UK and for up to 30 days in the EU.

    It's very important that wherever you leave your bike, that it is securely locked through the frame, to an immovable object with an approved lock and is not left unattended, when you are away from your insured location, for more than 24 hours.

  • I live in a flat and have access to a private, communal cycle storage area. Can I be covered? 

    Yes, we can cover commuter bikes stored in a “Communal Cycle Storage Area” providing they are locked through the frame to an immovable object with an approved lock.

    We class a Communal Cycling Storage Area as: a fully enclosed residential cycle parking specific compound that is securely locked (only accessible through a lockable entrance which can only be opened by key or access code) and specifically dedicated to your insured location.

  • Does your policy cover commuter bikes stored outside overnight?

    When your commuter bike is within the direct boundaries of your insured location (where your insured bike(s) is usually kept, which should also be your main place of residence), and if it is not being stored in a fully enclosed and locked building or cycle storage unit, your bike needs to be locked to an immovable object through the frame of the bike, with an approved lock.

    If the bike is stored in a communal hallway it will only be covered if the hallway is on the same floor as your insured location and, again, your bike needs to be locked to an immovable object, through the frame of the bike, with an approved lock. The same lock requirements apply if your bike is stored in a “Communal Cycle Storage Area”.

    When you are away from the home, such as at a campsite, you would be able to lock the bike to an immovable object with an approved lock, through the frame of the bike and leave it unattended for up to 24 hours.

  • I have accessories on my commuter bike that are non-removable, such as mud guards, and bike pedals. If my bike is stolen, would I need to inform you of these additions? Or can I claim the insured value that I've increased to include the value of the accessories?

    You need to include the value of your bike and any fixed accessories or replacement parts when taking out the policy. If you buy accessories later and add them to your bike, you can update the value of your bike through your online account or call on: 0333 004 3444

  • Do I need specific security on my vehicle or where I keep my commuter bike?

    Yes, the requirements are quite specific in terms of types of locks and security devices. For more details, see our policy wording or take at our lock requirements here.

  • What are your approved locks for commuter bikes?

    It is a condition of your insurance that you use an approved lock appropriate with the value of your commuter bike. You can find our approved locklist which details our requirements here. Our approved lock list has been created to make sure that the best level of defence is being provided against cycle theft. When the lock is in use, it must be placed through the frame of your bike and secure the bike to an immovable object

    For your commuter bike to be covered and for any claims to be successful you must make sure that the lock that you are using is in-line with our approved lock list and the security requirements.

Making a claim with cycleGuard

We’ve made making a claim so easy

If you've suffered damage to or theft of your commuter bike, we know how distressing it can be. That's why we'll do everything possible to deal with your claim promptly and get you back out cycling again. Our easy-to-use claims process is listed below with some helpful information regarding what to do if you need to make a claim.

1. Call the police

If you’ve been the victim of theft or malicious damage, your first port of call should be to inform the police.

2. Contact our claims team

Contact our in-house UK team to make your claim.

You can call us on: 0333 004 1999 to get started, or alternatively, you can email us with details of your claim at: claims@guardcover.co.uk

3. Make your claim

We'll provide you with your claim reference and talk you through the next steps. Should we need any further information to help process your claim, we can explain what's needed and support you.

Your policy document explorer

For customers whose policy started before 1st January 2021, you can access your policy documents here.

Existing customers: If you have an existing policy before September 23rd 2019, then you can contact our team for information on your policy.

You can email us at: support@guardcover.co.uk or call us on: 0333 004 3444

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