Touring and Insurance

[skinikki]

We are doing a 2 week tour of Austria, Italy and Slovenia this summer. Apart from our normal travel insurance is there any other bike specific insurance we should think about?

[MrsHJ]

I used to have insurance through a specialist as I did so many sporting activities (thanks for reminding me to think about what I'll need for 3 months in the USA next year). Specialist was called sports direct? My annual travel insurance has been ok for recent touring but you need to read the small print to make sure it's not excluded and think about how your bike is insured.

Here it is. Loooks quite good (pricey but comprehensive for kit etc) for my trip next year. I remember it always was expensive but with a new bike and USA medical expenses probably worth it.

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sport ... h7EALw_wcB

[mjr]

Check your normal travel insurance for conditions that may limit your cycling. Clothing requirements, altitude limits and even flat-out exclusions of third-party liability are far too common.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=111358 may be the best recent thread on this subject IMO, in case you hadn't seen it.

Other than that, it depends whether you want to insure your touring bike against theft or whether you could afford to replace it if you had to.

[tatanab]

Other than that, it depends whether you want to insure your touring bike against theft or whether you could afford to replace it if you had to.

Beware that cycle cover usually requires the use of an "approved" lock.

[crazydave789]

from some stuff I've read regards policy and claim requirements get it valued by a bike shop if you can;t find the receipt and take a pic every time you lock it up as proof that it was locked.

[Slowroad]

Check your policy really carefully - often 'cycling' is OK but 'cycle touring' not! Or on the case of one I looked at - 'Cycle touring is covered' - but not for medical expenses!
What do they think we are doing?!

[RobinS]

Need to check that your policy covers cycle touring as others have said. For kit, bike etc. it is generally not worth attempting to insure them, as the conditions of taking required security precautions are normally unachievable on tour - bike not locked with a secure enough lock, other kit either in panniers or a tent and unsecured, valuables left in the tent unsecure while you shower etc.