Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance for a Bike Crash
Bike Crashes
Whether you’re an avid biker or just like to take a leisurely ride around town once in a while, you may wonder what type of insurance you need in case of an accident. Though some individuals’ situations call for specialty insurance, many people don’t need anything more than homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. The following are some situations regarding your bike and what type of coverage you could have.
Physical Damages
There are various situations in which your bicycle could sustain physical damages. You could get in a car accident while your bike is on the rack, you could crash your bike into a tree or you could get hit by a car while riding. Insurance is different for each of these situations. For example, if your bike becomes physically damaged while on a rack on your car, it’s likely you’re covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
If you crashed your bike into a tree while riding through Central Park, you may not be able to receive compensation through your policy unless you have specifically added it to your policy. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies generally allow you to add individual items, which are things not typically covered. Contact your provider to see if you can schedule your bike.
Finally, if you are in an accident involving a car while riding your bike, the at-fault party’s auto insurance will pay for the physical damage done to your bike. Was the at-fault driver uninsured? In that case you can file the claim with your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.
Vandalism or Theft
Whether your bike was stolen from or vandalized at your office or your home, it’s typically protected under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. You’ll more than likely have a deductible, but it’s nice to know you won’t have to foot the entire bill on your own.
Injuries
If you sustain injuries in a bike crash, your health insurance coverage should compensate you for medical bills, lost wages and suffering. Depending on your auto insurance coverage, you might be able to get compensated through that as well. If you are in an accident with a car and the driver was at-fault, his or her insurance coverage should pay for the injuries.
If your bicycle crash was your own fault and someone else was injured as a result, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance should cover those injuries.
Contacting an Attorney
There are some legalities you should know about no matter how often you ride your bike. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ to learn more or for help dealing with the insurance company following a bike accident.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and insurance coverage for bike accidents.