Sports and competition bike insurance

Protecting UK cyclists for over 20 years

Specialist bike insurance for competitive cyclists

Protect your bike when you compete 

If you like to compete in amateur time-trials, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing or even triathlons, then you'll want your sports and competition bike in tip-top shape. With cycleGuard cover, our insurance can help keep you in the race, should something unexpected happen to you or your bike.

Over 20 years of insurance to UK photographers

Over 20 years of Guardcover, supporting your passion

Why protect your sports and competition bike with cycleGuard?

See how cycleGuard can protect you, your sports and competition 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 sports and competition bike insurance?

What am I covered for?

If competing in amateur cycle races is important to you, then you'll want to make sure your sports and competition bike is protected, so you can stay ahead in the race.

  • Theft and Accidental Damage

    Had a bump or a scrape on your sports and competition bike?

    If your sports and competition 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 sports and competition bike breaks down, whilst you are training?

    If your sports and competition 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 sports and competition bike?

    If your ride takes you outside of the UK, our cover for your sports and competition 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

    Is your sports and competition bike covered in the car?

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

Sports and competition

Optional extras for your sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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.

Sports and competition

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 sports and competition bikes

Want to find out more about our sports bike cover? 

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

  • Cover
  • Travel
  • Security
  • Can I insure my sports and competition clothing?

    Yes! If you’re taking part in an upcoming race, then our Race and Compete option means that you can cover up to £200 of racing clothing that is lost or damaged in a transition area. Include any of your cycle related clothing and equipment in our accessories option and you can cover up to £2,500 worth of kit against theft and accidental damage.

  • What are sports and competition bikes?

    Sports and competition bikes are not limited to one specific type of bike. The type of cycling competition you are involved in, will determine the type of bike you will need. Cycling competitions can range from:

    When considering the type of bike you will need for your competitions, it’s always good to consider:

    • How long will you be in the saddle for?
    • What type of terrain will you be cycling on?
    • How many gears do you think you will need?
    • How thick should your wheels be?
    • How heavy should your bike frame be?
  • What happens if my bike race is cancelled?

    With our Race and Compete cover, we can cover up to £750 in race fee costs if your bike race has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions, or even if you’ve had to drop out unexpectedly because of:

    • Injury or illness
    • Cancellation of leave for national forces or emergency services workers
    • Or if you’ve made a claim with us that is still being processed

    Proof of your entry fee is needed when making a claim and pre-planned leave will not be covered.

  • 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition bike to another person?

    Your sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition bikes you insure?

    We are able to offer a quotation up to a maximum value of £20,000 for individual sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition bikes while on a plane?

    Provided your sports and competition 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 bike 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 sports and competition bike only covered at the address I've given? Or will my bike be covered whilst locked at elsewhere?

    Providing you follow the security and lock requirements (you can find these here) your sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition bikes stored outside overnight?

    When your sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition bikes?

    It is a condition of your insurance that you use an approved lock appropriate with the value of your sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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 sports and competition 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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