The importance of an insurance for your e-bike

e-bike verzekeren

The e-bike is extremely popular these days. Whether you use it for commuting, recreation or shopping, an electric bike offers comfort and speed. But did you know that an e-bike is also vulnerable to theft and damage? That is why insuring your e-bike is not only sensible, but in many cases even necessary.

In this blog you will discover everything you need to know about bicycle insurance, from types of coverage to smart security tips.

Why insure your e-bike?

An e-bike is a considerable investment. The average price varies between €1,500 and €5,000, with some models even costing more than €10,000. Unfortunately, e-bikes are also an attractive target for thieves. Thousands of e-bikes are stolen every year in the Netherlands, especially in urban areas.

In addition to theft, there is also the risk of damage. Think of a fall, a collision or vandalism. Repairs to an e-bike can be quite expensive, especially because parts such as the battery and engine are often expensive. With insurance you prevent unexpected costs and you can continue to enjoy your electric bike.

Types of e-bike insurance

E-bike insurance comes in different forms. The coverage you need depends on your situation. Here are the main options:

  1. Theft insurance
    This is the most basic insurance and only covers theft of your e-bike. The insurer often requires that you use an ART-approved lock and secure your bike properly.
  2. Damage insurance
    Damage due to a fall, collision or vandalism? Then a damage insurance offers a solution. This insurance is a good option for those who are often on the road.
  3. Comprehensive insurance
    A comprehensive insurance combines theft and damage insurance in one policy. This is the most comprehensive option, ideal for expensive e-bikes or intensive use.
  4. Additional coverage
    Some insurers offer additional options, such as roadside assistance, coverage of accessories (such as bicycle bags or child seats) or legal assistance in the event of conflicts following an accident.

What should you pay attention to when taking out e-bike insurance?

Choosing the right insurance can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider to help you get started:

  1. Premium
    The premium depends on the value of your e-bike, your place of residence and the coverage. In areas with a higher risk of theft, you often pay more.
  2. Coverage
    Check what exactly the insurance covers. Is the new value reimbursed in case of theft? And what about damage to the battery or engine?
  3. Own risk
    Some insurances have a deductible. This means that you pay part of the damage yourself. A higher premium can sometimes exclude this deductible.
  4. Conditions surrounding theft
    Pay attention to requirements such as using an ART-approved lock and properly securing your bike. Without these measures, the insurer may refuse to pay out. With an e-bike, you must always use a second lock to meet the conditions of theft insurance.
  5. Duration of the insurance
    Some insurances offer a fixed term, for example three or five years. Others work with a monthly cancellation option.
  6. Additional benefits
    Check whether accessories, such as a child seat, are included in the insurance. Some insurance companies even offer roadside assistance or a discount when using a GPS tracker. The Levante E4 e-bike has a free GPS tracker worth €199, which means that some insurers will give you a discount on the monthly premium.

How do you choose the right e-bike insurance?

Choosing the right insurance starts with comparison. Use online comparison websites to compare policies on premium, coverage and terms. Here are some tips:

  1. Determine your needs
    Do you use your e-bike daily for commuting? Then choose comprehensive coverage. For recreational use, a simple theft insurance may be sufficient.
  2. Read the terms and conditions
    Pay attention to small print, such as exclusions or specific requirements. Check whether the new value of your bike is fully reimbursed.
  3. Ask for advice
    Are you in doubt? Get advice from an independent expert or insurance advisor.

Tips to protect your e-bike against theft and damage

In addition to good insurance, you can do a lot to protect your e-bike. Here are some practical tips:

  1. Use an ART approved lock
    Invest in a good quality lock and always use it. Combine a ring lock with a chain lock for extra security.
  2. Park in a safe place
    Park your bike in a well-lit and busy location. Avoid dark alleys or deserted areas.
  3. Use a GPS tracker
    A GPS tracker helps you find your e-bike in case of theft. Some insurers give a discount if you install a tracker. In any case, you can often find the stolen bike back quite easily.
  4. Secure your bike to a fixed object
    Secure your bike to a bike rack, pole or other fixed object. This makes it harder for thieves to take your bike.
  5. Note the frame number
    Save the frame number and take pictures of your bike. This will help you find it or file a claim. The frame number is already displayed in the Levante app.

How do bicycle thieves operate these days?

The lock on the rear wheel only counts half for a thief: the bike is locked, but not attached to anything. The thief can easily pick up the bike and take it with him. Elsewhere, the bike thief will be able to remove the lock in peace. It is precisely a lock that secures the bike to something that determines whether the bike is taken or not.

Theft prevention of e-bikes is an important topic, because electric bikes are often expensive investments and therefore an attractive target for thieves. If the e-bike is only locked with the ring lock, they are a very easy target for thieves.

When e-bikes are stolen, they are quickly taken to another location or hidden, where they are then “put in cold storage”. This means that the bike is put there for a few days, usually secured with a different lock, or hidden. Then the thieves wait a few days to see if the bike is “found again”. If not, the thieves know that there is no GPS tracker in it and then pick up the e-bike to then resell it.

E-bike insurance and sustainability

Insuring your e-bike also contributes to sustainability. You protect your investment and prevent a broken bike from being scrapped. With insurance, you can have repairs carried out instead of replacing the bike. This reduces waste and contributes to a sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions about insuring your e-bike

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about insuring an e-bike. Whether you want to know what coverage you need or how to file a claim, this FAQ offers you a complete overview.

1. Why should I insure my e-bike?
An e-bike is a valuable asset and can be an investment of hundreds to thousands of euros. By insuring your e-bike, you protect yourself against financial risks such as theft, damage from an accident or vandalism. Repairs to an e-bike are often more expensive than for a regular bike due to the complex technology, such as the battery and motor.

2. What does e-bike insurance cover?
Coverage depends on the type of insurance. The most common options are:

  1. Theft insurance: reimburses the value of your e-bike in case of theft. An ART-approved lock is usually mandatory.
  2. Damage insurance: covers damage to your bicycle due to an accident or vandalism.
  3. Comprehensive insurance: combines theft and damage insurance in one package. This offers the most comprehensive coverage.
  4. Legal assistance: helps with legal conflicts, for example if you want to recover damages from someone else.
  5. Breakdown assistance: ensures that you receive assistance in the event of a breakdown on the road, such as a flat battery or a flat tire.

3. Is e-bike insurance mandatory?
No, e-bike insurance is not legally required. However, it is highly recommended, especially if you have an expensive bike or often cycle in areas where the risk of theft is high.

4. How much does e-bike insurance cost?
The premium for e-bike insurance varies depending on:

  1. The value of your e-bike.
  2. Your place of residence (cities often have higher premiums due to a higher risk of theft).
  3. The type of coverage (theft, damage, comprehensive).
  4. Your deductible (the higher the deductible, the lower the premium).

As a rule, you pay between €5 and €20 per month.

5. How does the compensation work in case of theft?
If your e-bike is stolen, you must report this to your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurers ask:

  1. A report to the police.
  2. The original proof of purchase of the bicycle.
  3. Prove that you have both keys to the lock.

Depending on the conditions, the new value or current value of your bicycle will be reimbursed.

6. Do I need to use a specific type of lock?
Yes, most insurers require you to use an ART-approved lock. This is a lock that has been independently assessed as reliable. Make sure you use the lock correctly and always keep both keys.

7. Does insurance cover damage to the battery or engine?
Not all insurances cover damage to the battery or engine. This is usually included in all-risk insurance. Check the policy conditions carefully to see if these expensive parts of your bike are included.

8. What is the difference between new value and current value?
New value: the amount needed to buy a new e-bike of the same type. Some insurances reimburse the new value during the first few years of the policy.

Current value: the current value of your bike, taking into account depreciation. This amount is often lower than the new value.

9. How long is the new value covered?
Most insurers cover the new value for one to three years after purchase. After that, the current value is often reimbursed. Check the policy conditions for the exact period.

10. Can I cancel my insurance prematurely?
This depends on the insurer and the type of policy. With a monthly insurance you can often cancel at short notice. With a policy with a fixed term of, for example, three years, you are usually obliged to serve out this period.

11. What happens if I sell my e-bike?
If you sell your e-bike, you can often cancel the insurance. Contact your insurer to arrange this. In some cases, you can transfer the insurance to the new owner, if this is permitted.

12. Are accessories such as bicycle bags or a child seat also covered?
Not standard. Some insurances offer additional coverage for accessories. You often have to specify this separately when taking out the insurance. Check the conditions or consult with your insurer.

13. How do I take out e-bike insurance?
You can easily take out bicycle insurance online, via an insurer or an intermediary. Make sure you have the following information at hand:

  • The proof of purchase of your e-bike.
  • The frame number.
  • Your lock details.
  • Your personal information.

Compare different insurers to find the best coverage at the best premium.

14. Can I get a discount on my e-bike insurance?
Some insurers offer a discount if you take measures to reduce the risk of theft or damage, such as:

  • Installing a GPS tracker.
  • The use of a second ART-approved lock.
  • Parking in secured or guarded locations.

15. How do I file a claim for damages?
In case of damage, you file a claim with your insurer. You often need the following documents:

  • Photos of the damage.
  • The police report (in case of vandalism).
  • The repair advice from a bicycle mechanic.
  • The completed damage form.

The sooner you file your claim, the sooner the insurance company can process it.

16. What happens if I use my bicycle abroad?
Many bicycle insurance policies offer worldwide coverage, but some have limitations. Check your policy terms if you plan to take your bike abroad. For longer periods abroad, you may need additional insurance.

17. Is my e-bike insured if I rent it out?
Most standard insurances do not cover rental. If you plan to rent out your bike, you must inform your insurer in advance. There are specific policies that do cover this risk.

18. What happens if damage is caused by someone else?
If someone else is responsible for the damage, you can recover this through their liability insurance. Some bicycle insurances offer legal assistance to help you with this.

Do you have any more questions about insuring your e-bike? Contact your insurer or compare different policies online to make the best choice!

Conclusion: insuring your e-bike is a smart choice

Insuring your e-bike is not an unnecessary luxury. Whether you choose theft insurance, damage insurance or comprehensive coverage, it gives you certainty and protection against unexpected costs. By also using preventive measures, such as a good lock or a GPS tracker, you significantly reduce the chance of theft and damage.

Are you not insured yet? Then compare the best bicycle insurances today and choose a coverage that suits your bicycle and use. This way you can continue to enjoy your electric bicycle without worries!

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