Bicycles are becoming an increasingly common sight on California’s roads, as these convenient methods of transportation are healthier and more eco-friendly than driving. Additionally, bikes often enable commuters to bypass traffic and get to work faster. If you’re a cyclist, you may wonder whether bike accident insurance exists and if it will cover your damages in the event of a crash. While you can obtain bicycle accident insurance, other
forms of insurance may cover your property damage and injuries after an accident.
In this blog, we discuss what types of insurance may reimburse you after a collision and the benefits of bike accident insurance.
Does Car Insurance Cover Bike Accidents?
Whether or not car insurance will cover your damages after a bicycle accident will depend on the nature of the accident and who is at fault. If you suffer a collision with a driver and it was their fault, the driver’s auto insurance will be responsible for your damages.
In cases where the driver is at fault but doesn’t have enough insurance coverage for your expenses, you can file a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Many car accident insurance policies include this form of coverage, but it’s not required in California. As a cyclist, you should consider obtaining the most UM/UIM insurance possible unless you obtain separate bicycle accident insurance.
If you caused the accident, you will be liable for your own damages, and you may need to pay for the driver’s vehicle damages and injuries. That said, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy might cover some or all of the driver’s expenses, which we discuss in greater detail below.
What Insurance Covers Bicycle Accidents?
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover another party’s damages if you cause an accident, but you’ll need personal liability coverage within your policy. Your personal liability coverage will reimburse a party for any property damage or personal injuries that you caused.
For example, if you crash into another cyclist, damaging their bike and injuring them, your personal liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills, bike repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. The exact amount that your personal liability insurance will cover will depend on your policy limit.
While personal liability coverage offers tremendous benefits for cyclists, every policy is different, and you need to check your policy’s details to ensure your insurance will cover others’ out-of-pocket expenses.
If a pedestrian or another cyclist causes you to suffer from a bicycle accident, their personal liability insurance may cover some or all of your property damage and injuries.
In addition to often including great personal liability coverage, homeowners and renters insurance may offer further protection for your bike. Your insurance policy typically extends coverage to personal belongings, including bicycles. The policy may protect your bike in the event it’s stolen or damaged by a fire or natural disaster.
Unfortunately, these policies typically only protect your bike while it resides in your home, but you can schedule your bike as a separate item on your insurance policy to protect it while you’re out on the road.
Should I Obtain Separate Bike Insurance?
On top of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, you can obtain separate bicycle accident insurance. This insurance is often a great investment for those who ride frequently on the road, such as commuters. Additionally, cyclists who have invested in expensive or specialized bicycles will benefit from this added protection if it’s not already included in another insurance policy.
Bicycle accident insurance will vary depending on your insurance company, but some common benefits include:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Bicycle damage
- Liability coverage
- Total loss theft coverage
- Bike damage or loss during transit
While not always necessary, bike insurance does provide exceptional perks that can compensate you in the event of a crash. That said, these policies can sometimes be confusing, and you should read the details of your policy closely to ensure it includes invaluable benefits like medical bills and liability coverage.
Injured? Contact a California Bicycle Attorney
If you were injured in a bike accident caused by another party, you need to contact a bicycle accident attorney. An attorney can help you file a claim against an at-fault driver, or they can assist you with bicycle accident claims if you file against another rider.
Enlisting the help of a bike accident attorney is critical because the negligent party’s insurance company will likely try to avoid paying out your full claim to save money. A seasoned lawyer will assist you by helping you gather evidence and will negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your claim.
For expert bicycle accident attorneys in San Francisco, contact Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. You can schedule a free case evaluation online or by calling 877-380-8852.
