Riding a bicycle is a great way to stay healthy, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. But even with proper safety measures, accidents can still happen. According to the CDC, around 130,000 cyclists suffer injuries each year in roadway incidents, and nearly 1,000 tragically lose their lives.
Beyond the physical trauma, a bicycle accident can also result in significant financial strain. Knowing how insurance factors into a bike-related crash is essential to protecting yourself, both medically and financially.
Just like in vehicle-to-vehicle accidents, your first move after a bicycle collision should be to get to safety and contact the authorities. After that, it’s important for all involved to exchange insurance details. But which policy is responsible? Does car insurance apply in a bike crash? Should you submit a claim?
Whether you’re the cyclist or the driver in a collision, understanding your insurance options can help ease the aftermath. Let’s take a closer look at how auto and other insurance types may apply when a bicycle accident occurs.
Will Car Insurance Cover an Accident Involving a Bicyclist?
Cycling is growing in popularity, but unfortunately, so are the number of crashes. One of the most common types of bicycle accidents occurs when a cyclist is struck by a car.
In situations where the motorist is at fault, the driver’s liability insurance generally pays for the cyclist’s injuries and property damage. This coverage could include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Compensation for lost income
- Payment for bicycle repair or replacement
This process is similar to how claims are handled in standard car-on-car accidents. Liability coverage is designed to pay out when you injure someone else or damage their property while driving. If you’re the driver in such an incident, your auto policy’s collision coverage would be needed to handle your own vehicle’s repair costs.
It’s also worth noting that your insurance rates may rise following an accident, especially if you are deemed at fault. Even not-at-fault claims can sometimes lead to higher premiums.
Insurance Coverage Scenarios Involving Bicycles
Here’s a breakdown of common accident scenarios and how insurance coverage generally applies:
| Incident | Responsible Party | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Car hits a cyclist | Driver of the car | Driver’s auto liability insurance |
| Cyclist hits a pedestrian | The cyclist | Cyclist’s personal liability (under homeowner’s or renter’s policy) |
| Cyclist collides with a car | The cyclist | Cyclist’s personal liability (under homeowner’s or renter’s policy) |
| Hit-and-run crash | Unknown driver | Injured party’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage |
Is There Such a Thing as Bicycle Insurance?
While you can purchase a standalone bicycle insurance policy, many cyclists are already covered through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies can cover personal liability in accidents and may even reimburse you if your bike is stolen from your garage or home.
If your bicycle is stolen from a car rack, however, auto insurance typically won’t cover the loss. This type of claim would generally need to go through your property insurance. To make sure your bike is covered, consider requesting a specific endorsement on your homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
For high-value bicycles or if you’re a competitive cyclist, discussing a tailored insurance solution with your agent might be worthwhile.
What If You’re Hit While Riding Your Bike?
If you’re hit by a vehicle while obeying traffic laws, the driver’s liability insurance should cover your injuries and damages. This includes hospital care, ambulance transportation, and potential lost wages due to recovery time.
If you were at fault in the accident, the situation changes. The driver’s damages could be claimed against your personal liability coverage under a homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Meanwhile, your own medical expenses would fall under your health insurance plan – not any auto insurance policy.
In rare cases where two cyclists collide, the at-fault cyclist’s homeowner’s insurance might come into play. In one notable case, a jury awarded $1.6 million to an injured cyclist after a collision, with the compensation coming from the other cyclist’s homeowner’s policy.
What About Hit-and-Run Incidents?
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run while cycling, you may still have recourse through your own auto policy – specifically if it includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage, found in many standard auto policies, is designed to step in when the other driver is either unknown or lacks sufficient insurance.
Additionally, if your auto insurance includes medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), it could help cover your medical costs, regardless of who was at fault.
Filing a Claim After a Bicycle Accident
If a car hits you while you’re cycling, you generally don’t need to contact your own auto insurer unless it’s a hit-and-run. Always report the incident to police, seek necessary medical care, and exchange insurance and contact information with the other party.
If you’re the cyclist and the one who caused the accident, contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider to explore liability coverage.
To support your claim, take clear photos of the scene, the damage to your bike and/or vehicle, and any visible injuries. Also, note the date, time, road and weather conditions, and any other details that could be relevant. Capturing these facts while they’re still fresh can make a big difference later. If you face difficulties with the claim or liability is disputed, it may be helpful to speak with a legal professional to understand your rights.
Protect Yourself With the Right Coverage
At JAB Insurance Brokers, Inc., we don’t just protect your car, home, or business, we’re here to help ensure you’re covered in every area of life, including when you’re out riding your bike. Our experienced team can review your current policies, identify any gaps in coverage, and recommend affordable, reliable options that fit your lifestyle. Reach out to JAB Insurance Brokers, Inc. today to learn more or request a free insurance quote.