Ebike Insurance - Be Careful

[sunny-dave]

Despite the protestations of some of the more petrol-headed denizens of AB, many cyclists *do* care about insurance and have proper cover (under either a specialist policy or their home/contents insurance) for third-party liability.

One crucial thing however - if you have an Ebike (pedal assist via a battery), then you need to check your policy *very* carefully, before relying on your home/contents insurance for this cover.

I dumped Tesco as they specifically exclude ebikes and went via Swinton - who assured me over the 'phone that ebikes were covered for loss/damage and third party liability.

When I actually got the full documentation I decided to have a good look at the cover - and found that (on about page 594 of the small print) it specifically excludes any 'motorised or battery-assisted bicycle' - cue a very long and grumpy phone call and (eventually) a free-of-penalty cancellation.

It's not easy to find companies who definitively *do* cover ebikes - some at least say 'no way Jose' up front, but some say nothing (which worries me) and I just haven't got the appetite for a series of long CS conversations which may well give duff information anyway (if Swinton is anything to go by).

Eventually I've got a very competitive price from Nationwide - whose policy booklet is admirably clear and specifically includes ebikes in all relevant cover - with a decent discount as a Nationwide Bank customer too.

Sorry for the long post - which is probably irrelevant to 99% of you - but I've had a near miss with being (potentially disastrously) uninsured and wouldn't want anyone else to be in the same boat.

Dave xx

[albaqwerty]

all information is good to have.
Thanks Dave x

No, I do not have an ebike, I have no intention of getting one, but I do like Nationwide

[sunny-dave]

Thanks alba - ebikes are wonderful - especially if you live at the top of a hill like I do ...