Protecting Your Bike From Theft
The National Bike Registry estimates that 2 million bicycles are stolen each year in the U.S., and only a small percentage of them are ever recovered. And the problem has been growing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as more people have turned to bicycles as their main mode of transportation.
The following tips can help lower the risk of having your bike stolen:
- Lock your bike. Unlocked bicycles are an open invitation for thieves. Whenever you are not riding your bike, it should be locked, even when it’s in your garage.
- Don’t skimp when buying a lock. Most cable locks are easy to cut, so purchase the best lock you can afford.
- Lock your bike correctly. Lock both wheels and the frame to a post, pole, or bike rack.
- Register your bike with local police. The police are able to recover bikes quickly if they are registered in advance and have the appropriate information including make, model, color, and serial number. You can also register your bike with the National Bike Registry, a national database which helps recover stolen bikes.
Bicycles are covered under your homeowners or renters insurance. However, there is usually a deductible. Your homeowner or renter policy also provides liability coverage in the event of a collision that results in injury to another person. There are no deductibles for liability claims.
Once you purchase a bicycle, keep the receipt for it and any accessories you add. Also, take photographs of the bike. Store these documents off premises and alert your insurance professional to your new purchase.
