This is a moment that most cyclists have experienced at least once. While you’re cycling down the road on your way to a nearby store or for some fresher air, something unexpected occurs. A car door opens. A child runs on the path. You slip on the gravel. Damage could occur to your bike or body, or even worse, damage to another person’s property. In the aftermath of a bike accident, you may wonder if homeowners insurance covers it.
It’s a reasonable question. You should be covered by your insurance if you have it.
Let’s deconstruct this. Talk about it like we’re having coffee. Do not read a 200-page insurance policy manual.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
The standard homeowners insurance policy includes several types of coverage.
- You can get coverage for damage to your home through a dwelling insurance policy
- Protect your personal property in your home
- Protection against liability – in the event that you harm another person or cause damage to their property.
- Medical Payments Coverage For Minor Injuries To Guests At Your Home
What role does a bike accident play in the overall picture? The circumstances of the accident are important, such as where the accident occurred and who was involved.
The Bike Itself is covered by Personal Property Insurance
If your bike is damaged or lost (for instance, because of a house fire or vandalism), personal property insurance will cover it. It’s easy. It’s better if you have proof of ownership such as a bike photo or receipt. Some policies will cover you if your bike is stolen or damaged away from home. Off-premises coverage can be helpful.
Accidents are another story. If you hit a mailbox with your vehicle and someone else hits you, that’s a different story.
Liability insurance: What happens if you accidentally hit someone?
Imagine that you’re riding your bike and you hit a pedestrian. The person falls and breaks their wrist. Medical bills start to pile up. Does your homeowners’ insurance cover this?
Actually, yes–possibly. Although this incident didn’t happen on your property, homeowners insurance could cover it as part of its liability coverage. It is not guaranteed, but it’s often covered if no motor vehicle was involved.
Another example: You accidentally crash into a car or fence. If you are found responsible, your liability insurance may pay for repairs.
Still, policies vary. Some insurers may exclude certain activities, or claim that an accident was caused by negligence or falls outside the policy. You should check your policy, or better yet, ask a professional.
Small Incidents Medical Payments Coverage
What if you are injured? You fall off your bike and break a bone in the driveway. In this scenario, your homeowners insurance is unlikely to cover you. Medical payments coverage is typically only available to visitors and guests, not policyholders or family members.
Even if you are not at fault, the medical payments section in your insurance policy could cover small expenses.
For a typical accident, the coverage amounts are modest. You may need to purchase liability insurance as well as legal defense costs if the situation becomes serious.
What About Bike Accidents involving Automobiles
Here’s where things get murky. If you’re riding a bicycle when you get hit by a car, it is unlikely that your homeowners insurance will cover you. In most states, the primary source of coverage is your auto insurance or the driver’s.
If a driver causes an accident and is at fault, their insurance policy should cover any injuries or property damage. What if a driver does not have insurance, or if their coverage is inadequate?
This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes in–if you have it as part of your auto policy. It can happen when you’re riding a bicycle.
Your homeowners insurance does not cover you if you’re hit by a car while biking. It’s a question of auto insurance.
What happens if a bike is used to race or for business?
You’re a professional cyclist, delivering food to customers or competing in races. Your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover your use of a bicycle in your business or profession. This includes racing, commercial activities or the delivery of goods.
If you, for instance, damage your bike while racing or injure yourself while delivering sandwiches, your insurer could deny your claim. You’d need to have a policy that covers this kind of usage, such as a commercial liability or sports equipment insurance.
The umbrella policy can cover the gaps.
What if you require a higher level of protection than that? If you are a cyclist, who rides daily and is concerned about being sued, an umbrella policy can help. An umbrella policy can help.
When your liability insurance is exhausted, an umbrella policy can act as a safety-net. This umbrella policy can cover lawsuits, legal costs and accidents that involve bikes. It also covers the excess of homeowners or auto insurance. These policies offer peace of mind, and they are affordable for high-risk activities.
Common Myths
Many people make a mistake here. Many people make the following assumptions:
- If the accident occurred outside their property, then insurance won’t cover it.
- If they get injured, their insurance will pay for the medical bills.
- If they damage the bike, it’s covered.
Not all of them are true. Homeowner’s insurance has its benefits, but also some limitations. When does the homeowner’s insurance apply?
Does Homeowners insurance cover bike accidents?
Answer this question honestly and as clearly as possible.
Only occasionally.
Your homeowners insurance may cover your bike in the event that it is stolen or damaged due to a covered peril such as theft or fire. If you damage or injure someone else’s property while riding, your liability coverage could provide protection.
What happens if you’re hit by a car? It’s unlikely. What happens if I get hurt while cycling? Most likely, no. If you’re racing, delivering food, or using your bike for work, then no. No.
Last Thoughts: Should You Rely on Homeowners Insurance To Protect Your Investments?
Cycling is a risky sport, and homeowners insurance does not cover it. It is designed to cover your property and you, but also to provide coverage for liability in daily situations. The insurance does not cover every risk associated with cycling.
If you use your bike regularly for work or exercise, it is worth reviewing your insurance policy. You may be offered extra protection by your insurer. Consult an attorney if you are involved in a car accident or have had your insurance claim denied.
At Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law, we help clients navigate the legal and insurance challenges that arise after accidents–bike-related or otherwise. If you’re unsure of your rights or need someone to review a situation, we can help.
This post was written by a professional at Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law.
For over 20 years, the law office of Jeanette Secor, PA in St. Petersburg, FL, has been the go-to choice for those seeking justice after an injury. Renowned as the slip and fall injury lawyer st. petersburg, Jeanette Secor has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents.
