Folding bike insurance

Protecting UK cyclists for over 20 years

Specialist folding bike insurance from cycleGuard

Protect your folding bike and accessories

Whether you use your folding bike for commuting to work, or just prefer to have a bike that saves you precious storage space, we've got you covered. Take a look at what we can offer you with our folding bike cover.

Over 20 years of insurance to UK photographers

Over 20 years of Guardcover, supporting your passion

Why protect your folding bike with cycleGuard?

See how cycleGuard can protect you, your folding 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 folding bike insurance?

What am I covered for?

Do you use your folding bike to get from A to B, or is it an important part of your daily exercise regime? Either way, we’ve got you covered.

  • Theft and Accidental Damage

    Had a bump or a scrape on your folding bike?

    If your folding 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 folding bike breaks down?

    If your folding 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 folding bike?

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

  • New for Old

    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

    How can we support you?

    You can rest easy when you’re away from home and your folding 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.

Folding bike

Optional extras for your folding 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 folding 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.

Folding 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 folding bikes

Want to find out more about our folding bike cover?

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

  • Cover
  • What types of folding bikes do you cover?

    We can cater for any folding bike that fits in to our definition of a bicycle, so whether it’s a small-wheeled folder, a normal-wheeled folder, Brompton or Hummingbird, we can provide you with the cover that you need. If you are unsure about your bike model, give us a call so we can make sure you have the right cover in place.

  • Are folding bikes heavy?

    Folding bikes are becoming stronger and lighter as the technology develops; however, the weight of your folding bike will most likely depend on what it is made from. Generally, the more high-end folding bikes such as Brompton or Hummingbird are very light as they use materials such as aluminium or have a carbon frame and can weigh anywhere between 6.9kg (Hummingbird Single Speed) to 12.14 kg (Brompton M6L Racing Green - Battery lighting).

    Cheaper folding bikes made from materials such as steel, or have thicker frames or contain more moving parts and can weigh as much as 20kg.

  • How easy is it to collapse a folding bike?

    There are various types of folding bikes, that collapse in different ways, with most modern folding bikes takeing less than a minute to collapse. These are just some of the types of folding bikes we can cover:

    • Half or mid-folding bikes
    • Vertical folding bikes
    • Triangle hinge folding bikes
    • Suspension folding bikes
  • 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
  • Are folding bikes suitable for long rides?

    Folding bikes were essentially designed for commuters or for those needing a compact bike that was easy to store. Because of their compact size and unique design, some might argue that folding bikes can get a little uncomfortable on long rides.

    For cyclists who enjoy the thrill of mountain biking or competitive riding, maybe a mountain bike, road bike or even a triathlon bike is more suited for your needs.

  • Do you cover electric folding bikes?

    Yes, we can cover any type of electric folding bike if it meets the following specification:

    • Any electrically-assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) that must still be powered by human pedalling and is only being assisted by electrically-motored power.
    • Does not require any key or ignition switch
    • Has a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W
    • Has a motor with a cut-off, when unassisted at 3.7mph
    • Has a motor with a cut-off, when assisting whilst being pedalled at 15.5mph

    We are unable to cover any form of speed pedelec, speed eBike, e-scooter, e-moped or e-motorbike. We can only cover an EAPC / electric folding bike if it is being ridden by someone aged 14 or over.

  • What is Public Liability insurance for folding bikes?

    Public Liability is known by a couple of different names, personal liability or Third Party Liability. It provides cover against damage to persons or property caused by your proven negligence. At cycleGuard, we will pay up to £5million to indemnify you or a member of your family against legal liability for accidental bodily injury or death to any person or accidental damage to third party property which arises from use of your folding bike. Cover is available for those aged 16 or older.

  • I don't have receipts for all of my folding bike accessories. How can I prove ownership?

    It's particularly important that you have proof of ownership of any major folding bike parts and locks. Proof of this could be packaging, manuals or photo of all the relevant parts, clearly showing the make (and model if applicable) of that item.

    In addition, bank or credit card statements can be provided and, on some occasions, retailers may be able to provide duplicate receipts for larger purchases.

  • 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 folding bikes over this amount, then please contact us by either:

  • Am I covered if I lend, loan or hire my folding bike to another person?

    Your folding 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 electric mountain bike cover is only available to cyclists aged 14 years or over.

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

  • What value should I insure my folding 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 folding bikes you insure?

    We are able to offer a quotation up to a maximum value of £20,000 for individual folding 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 folding 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.

Making a claim with cycleGuard

We’ve made making a claim so easy

If you've suffered damage to or theft of your folding 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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