When you own a home, you’re typically responsible for protecting it from damage caused by others, whether that means driving over your flowerbed or damaging your fence by driving your car over it. In some cases, though, damage done to a bicycle can fall under the protection of renters’ insurance. Here’s a closer look at when bicycle damage might be covered by renters’ insurance and automobile insurance.
Bicycle Damage
Bicycles are commonly ridden for transportation, recreation and exercise. However, bicycles also can be used for everyday errands and can be a source of transportation if the bike is properly insured.
Damage to a bicycle caused by someone else may not be covered under renters’ or automobile insurance policies. Renters should check their policies for coverage for damage caused by others, and automobile insurance companies typically offer coverage for damage to bicycles.
If the bicycle is not covered under your renters’ or automobile insurance policy, you may be able to get coverage through a personal injury protection (PIP) policy. PIP policies typically cover medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured while riding your bike.
Automobile Damage
If you are a renter, your bicycle damage insurance may not cover your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision with a bicycle. Your automobile insurance may cover the damage to your car.
If you are an automobile owner, your bicycle damage insurance may not cover any damage to your car if it is damaged in a collision with a bicycle. Your automobile insurance may only cover the damage to your car if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle.
Punitive Damages
Bicycling has come to be seen as a viable transportation option for many people. However, bicycles are not always treated with the respect they deserve and can be knocked over by cars or pedestrians. If you’re the victim of an accident with a bicycle, you may be entitled to seek damages from the party responsible.
Whether you are renting or owning a car, your automobile insurance policy may cover damage done to your vehicle by someone else. However, bicycle damage is typically not covered under automobile insurance policies. This is because bicycles are not considered vehicles under most policies. If you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to seek damages for the injuries you sustained as well as any property damage caused to your bicycle.
It is important to determine whether bicycle damage would fall under your renters or automobile insurance policy before filing a claim. If it does not fall under your policy, you may still be able to file a claim if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact your automobile insurer to find out more about whether bicycle damage would fall within the coverage of your policy.
Conclusion
If you’re considering renter’s insurance or automobile insurance, it’s important to consider whether bicycle damage would be covered. Generally speaking, bicycle damage is generally considered a personal liability issue, which means that it would likely fall under the coverage of either renters’ insurance or automobile insurance. If you have any questions about whether your specific situation would fall within the coverage of your policy, feel free to reach out to your insurer for clarification.