Bike Insurance in Germany – Compare the Best 4 in 2024

In this article, we will talk about how bike insurance works in Germany. This includes the price, the conditions, the lock requirement, the compensation, and so on. I also share tips on avoiding bike theft and things you should pay attention to when choosing your bike insurance in Germany. Let’s get started and look at the 4 best bike insurance providers in Germany.

The 4 best bike insurance providers in Germany

There are two ways to take out a bike insurance policy in Germany:

1. Via your home contents insurance
2. Get an independent bike insurance policy
   
   So, which one should you choose? We will talk in detail about these 2 ways later in our article.

In this guide, we will focus on independent bike insurance policies. If you want to take out a home contents insurance policy with bike coverage instead, check out this article: Best Home Contents Insurance in Germany – Compare the Top 5

Now, let’s look at the 4 best bike insurance providers in Germany!

Hepster – Very customized bike insurance policy. Old bikes, second-hand bikes, and carbon bikes are accepted. No requirement on the lock you use. 0 deductible amount. 

Feather – English website and services. Bikes within 6 months are accepted. 0 deductible amount. 

Helden – An all-in-one comprehensive protection. Bikes within 3 years old, carbon bikes, and second-hand bikes are accepted. No requirement on the lock you use. Breakdown and pick-up service included. Daily cancellable. 0 deductible amount. 

MVK – Bikes within 3 years old including second-hand bikes are accepted. You can use any lock except number lock. Optional breakdown and pick-up services. 0 deductible amount.

A comparison of the 4 best bike insurance providers in Germany

We picked the best bike insurance in Germany based on our personal experience, online review, and in-depth research. We do not provide a complete market overview. Note that the data in this article is accurate as of the date when this article is written and is subject to change any time in the future. Please check the websites of the bike insurance providers directly for the latest information.

Now, let’s take a detailed look at the 4 best bike insurance providers in Germany!

Hepster – Cover old bikes and offer very customized protection

Hepster was founded in 2016. Its vision is to create the best insurance experience for its customers through modern technology, efficiency, and excellent service. Unlike other traditional insurance companies in Germany, you can sign up quickly with Hepster. And everything can be managed online.

Hepster offers 2 different types of bike insurance: bikes and E-bikes. For each insurance type, you can choose

• only theft protection, or
• only damages and tear, or
• both of the aboveThis helps you to save money if you are only looking for a specific type of protection.

Some highlights:

• No waiting period if your bike is within 3 years old. Otherwise, 6 weeks waiting period applies.
• Second-hand bikes can be covered with an official invoice.
• 24/7 coverage
• Worldwide coverage
• Customized coverage: you can choose to cover theft. Or damages and wear. Or both.
• Cover damages caused by accidents, vandalism, wear and tear (including tires, brake, gear, etc.)
• Coverage also for bike parts, accessories, and luggage.
• Coverage for battery protection
• Compensation with the replacement value of your bike 
• No special requirement for the lock. 
• You can buy breakdown service insurance in a separate policy if needed.
• Payout within 14 days after approval
• Carbon bikes are also covered.
• You can also sign a contract for days (7, 14, or 30 days). 
• Cover both private and professional use of your bike
• You are covered even if your bike is rented or borrowed.

Summary

Hepster is a good choice if you are looking for specific protection. Besides, you can also choose to have a contract for only a few days or a month. This is good for people who only want the protection for a specific time, e.g., in summer or during a bike tour.

Check out the bike insurance from Hepster now!

Feather – An economical insurance option for new bikes only

Feather is a digital insurance provider that offers English services. It is easy to use without paperwork. You can sign up quickly within a few minutes.

Some highlights:

• English website and services
• 24/7 coverage
• Worldwide coverage
• Protection against theft, including bike parts and battery
• The premium tariff includes damages due to accidents, vandalism, and wear (including battery).
• Only new bikes bought from a retailer within the last 6 months are eligible.
• Compensation with the replacement value of your bike
• Only cover bikes that you use privately
• Your total purchase price, including the bike, the lock, luggage, and accessories, cannot exceed 10,000 EUR.
• Your lock needs to be 29 EUR minimum if your bike is under 1,000 EUR. Otherwise, you need a lock that is at least 49 EUR. Alternatively, you can use any lock that is ADFC or VDS certified.

Check out the bike insurance from Feather now!

Helden: Offer an all-in-one comprehensive protection.

Helden was founded in 2016 and is based in Hamburg. The insurance provider is fully digital without any paperwork. You can sign up within a few minutes. Even though the website is only in German, their customer support can speak English.

Some highlights:

• You can cancel any time.
• 24/7 coverage
• Up to 15,000 EUR insured sum
• Your bike needs to be within 3 years old when you buy the insurance.
• Second-hand bikes (even from a private person) can be covered if you show the original receipt and a purchase contract.
• Worldwide coverage
• Protection against theft, including bike parts, battery, accessories, and luggage
• Cover damages caused by accidents, vandalism, wear and tear (including battery)
• Free choice of repair shop
• Cover bikes that are used for business (side-job only with maximum revenue of 20k EUR and 6k EUR profit per year)
• Coverage also includes sports events (non-business purposes)
• Breakdown and accident help in EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and UK: spare bike, pick up services, overnight accommodation, etc.
• You are covered as well if you let other people use your bike.
• No special requirement for the lock. 
• As long as you lock your bike, you are covered even if you don’t connect your bike to a permanent object.
• Carbon bikes are also covered.
• Compensation with the replacement value of your bike if your bike is within 3 years old. Otherwise, the compensation will be reduced by a percentage depending on the age of your bike.

Summary

Helden offers a very comprehensive bike insurance policy at a low price. It is perfect if your bike is precious and if you like going on bike tours. With the breakdown and pick-up service, you don’t have to worry and can enjoy your bike tour to the maximum.

Check out the bike insurance from Helden now!

MVK – Cover older bikes or second-hand bikes

MVK was founded in 1899. So, it has a history of more than 120 years. MVK offers 2 different types of bike insurance. One is for bike. And the other one is for E-bike (pedelec). There are two plans for each type: Classic or Top.

Some highlights:

• Worldwide coverage up to 6 months
• 24/7 coverage
• Your bike needs to be within 3 years old when you buy the insurance
• Second-hand bikes can be covered if you can show the original receipt and it is not older than 3 years
• The value of your bike cannot be over 10,000 EUR
• Compensation with replacement value of your bike
• You can use any lock except number locks
• Only cover bikes that you use privately
• Protection against theft, including bike parts, accessories and luggage
• For E-Bikes: coverage also include wear of battery, tire, brake, and gear
• Cover damages caused by accidents and vandalism
• Breakdown and accident help with Top tariff: spare bike, transportation cost, overnight accommodation, etc.

MVK offers comprehensive protection for your bike at a low cost. The main difference between the two plans is the breakdown service. For people who do not go travelling with their bike, they can save money by choosing just the Classic plan without breakdown service.

Check out the bike insurance from MVK now!

Why do you need a bike insurance policy in Germany?

Cycling is super popular in Germany

Why I love biking in Germany

When I first moved to Germany, I lived in Berlin for the first year. I didn’t have a bike back then because the public transportation was excellent. I could pretty much go everywhere with the metro.

Then, I moved to a small town near Munich. This city had only around 40,000 inhabitants. Buses were the only public transportation in the city, and they ran every half an hour. Besides, there were no buses in the evening and on Sunday.

That was why I got a bike. And it was the best decision ever. I was able to go anywhere I wanted at any time. I didn’t have to pay for the bus, and biking was environmentally friendly. Almost everyone who lives in this town has a bike.

Bike theft was common even in this small town.

The theft happens particularly a lot during festival time. Too many drunk people just stole bikes to ride home after a festival. Or sometimes they just did it for fun.

Imagine if you just had fun in the beer tent, now you come outside. You are tired and just want to go home. It would be super annoying to find that your bike is gone! 

Firstly, your bike can be expensive. Secondly, it will take you much longer to get home on foot. Thirdly, you will be immobile for the coming days until you buy a replacement bike!

How often is bike theft in Germany?

Unfortunately, bike theft is very common in Germany. According to GDV, 140,000 bikes have disappeared in 2022 alone. This resulted in total damage of 140 million EUR. Each theft has an average damage of 970 EUR.

Bike theft is most common in big cities. It is not surprising that Berlin is on top of the list. In fact, Berlin had the highest number of bike theft in Germany in 2022, with more than 28,801 reported cases. This is followed by Hamburg, Köln, Frankfurt, and Leipzig. 

My personal story

Don’t be happy too soon if you don’t live in a big city. As I said, bike theft was very common even in my small town. Luckily, my bike was never stolen. But my basket on the bike got stolen twice! 

I bought a new basket after the first one was stolen. And the new one was stolen a few days after I fixed it on my bike. It was super annoying, and I never parked my bike on an open street at night afterward.

Long story short, bike theft happens anywhere.

No matter if you live in a big city or not. That’s why it makes sense to have an insurance policy that protects your bike and accessories, especially if you have an expensive bike.

Who needs bike insurance in Germany?

Not every bike owner needs a bike insurance policy in Germany. It depends on different factors.

Do you have a new bike?

Bike insurance mostly makes sense for new bikes. So, if your bike is old or second-hand, you may not need to get a bike insurance policy in Germany.

How expensive is your bike?

If your bike is expensive, you probably want to take out a bike insurance policy in Germany. For example, if you have an E-Bike or your bike is over 500 EUR. If you have a cheap bike, a home contents insurance policy may be sufficient.

How are you using your bike?

If you don’t use your bike often or if you usually don’t park your bike outside, it may be enough to just get a home contents insurance policy. 

However, suppose you use your bike every day and need to park it outside often. In that case, you should consider protecting your bike with a bike insurance policy.

Where do you live?

Bike theft is very popular in big cities. If you live in an area where bike theft always happens, it probably makes sense to take out a bike insurance policy. Note that bike theft happens everywhere in Germany, though. Even in smaller cities and towns. So, nowhere is entirely safe without proper insurance protection.

What damage is covered by bike insurance in Germany?

Different bike insurance policies offer different coverage. That is why it is essential to read the details before signing any insurance policy. Below are some risks that your bike insurance policy in Germany may cover:

Loss of your bike or part of your bike

If someone steals your bike or any parts that are permanently attached to your bike (e.g., the light), your bike insurance will cover your loss. Your insurance may also pay you if you lose your bike through robbery or burglary. 

Damage to your bike

If your bike is damaged by accident, your insurance may cover the repair costs. Damage due to vandalism is covered as well in some policies. For example, if someone cuts your tire just for fun.

Wear and tear

Some insurance policies cover the wear and tear of your bike. This may include the batteries, tires, and brakes of your bike. 

Breakdown and pick-up service

This is useful if you like going on bike tours. In case of a breakdown, your bike insurance provider may provide the below services:

• providing you a spare bike or a public transportation ticket, 
• transporting your broken bike, 
• picking you up on the spot, 
• overnight accommodation costs if applicable.

What is not covered by bike insurance in Germany?

Every bike insurance provider can have different rules. Before signing up for a bike insurance policy, make sure you understand the coverage and know what is not covered.

Below are some examples of risks that are generally not covered by bike insurance.

Intentional damage

If you destroy your bike by yourself intentionally, your bike insurance will not pay you.

Damages that are responsible by other third parties

For example, if the bike manufacturer recalls the product because of a defect. Or if the damage is covered by the bike shop’s warranty.

Certain kinds of damage

For example, scratches or damage to the painting on your bike. Besides, rust or oxidation is usually not covered.

Damage caused by sports events

Damages are usually not covered if you use your bike to participate in sports events or cycling competitions.

Tips: Helden also covers sports events for non-business purposes.

Not using an approved lock

Always use an approved lock and connect your bike to a permanent object. Otherwise, you may not receive compensation if your bike is stolen. 

Tips: Hepster and Helden let you use any lock you like. 

Theft that is not reported

Even if your bike is stolen and you meet all the other requirements to make a claim, you must go to the police. This is the only way to ensure you can receive compensation.

Costs of maintenance and inspection

The regular maintenance and inspection expenses for your bike are usually not covered.

Damage that is over the insured sum

Suppose you lose your bike and the replacement value exceeds the insured sum. In that case, you will only receive the total insured sum as a maximum compensation.

Damage that you cause to other third parties

Suppose you accidentally cause damage to other people or objects while biking. In that case, your bike insurance will not cover these damages. For example, you crush into a parking car, causing a dent. Or even worse, if you run into another person while biking. You will be responsible for the medical cost and loss of income for that person.

This kind of damage is covered by liability insurance instead. If you don’t have liability insurance yet, get one now! It is one of the most important types of insurance in Germany. With as low as 2 EUR per month, you can have coverage of millions of Euros.

For more details, check this out: Liability Insurance in Germany – Compare the Top 5

What types of bikes are not covered by bike insurance in Germany?

Not all bikes are covered by bike insurance in Germany. It depends on the bike insurance provider. Below are some examples of bikes that may not be covered.

Old bike

Many insurance providers only cover bikes that are new or almost new. For example, finding a bike insurance provider may be difficult if your bike is older than 3 years.

Tips: Hepster lets you insure older bikes with a waiting period.

Bikes that are too expensive

Many insurance providers offer maximum coverage of 10,000 EUR. So, you may not find an insurance offer if the value of your bike and other accessories is higher than this amount. 

Tips: Helden has a maximum insured sum of 15,000 EUR.

Bikes that are not purchased from an official retailer

Insurance providers usually only accept bikes bought from official shops but not from private people. You will need to show the original purchase invoice to get your bike insured.

Tips: Helden lets you insure second-hand bikes bought from private people.

Bikes that are used for business purposes

Most insurance providers do not cover business bikes. You need to use your bike for private purposes.

Tips: Hepster and Helden cover both private and professional use of your bike under certain conditions.

Self-made bikes

If you make the bike yourself or if you modify a bike heavily, your bike may not be able to get insurance coverage.

Damaged bikes

If your bike is damaged and cannot function properly, you may not be able to get insurance coverage.

Someone else’s bikes

You can usually only insure a bike that you own. 

Bikes without a frame number or coding

The frame number and coding are necessary if you want a bike insurance policy. This is how you can prove that you are the bike owner.

Special types of bikes

Some insurance providers do not cover particular types of bikes, such as carbon-framed bikes, dirt bikes, or velomobiles.

Tips: Hepster and Helden cover carbon bikes in their policies.

Vehicles that are subject to a driving license or other insurance

Even E-bikes can be covered by a bike insurance policy in Germany. However, there are 2 kinds of E-bikes: pedelecs and S-pedelecs.

Pedelecs have a speed of up to 25 km per hour. This type of E-bikes can be covered by bike insurance.

On the other hand, S-pedelecs are much faster (up to 45 km per hour). S-pedelecs are like small motorcycles. By law, you must have a license and car liability insurance if you want to drive it. And you cannot insure it with bike insurance.

Bike insurance vs. home contents insurance in Germany

Home contents insurance can protect your household belongings against risks such as fires, storms, flooding, theft, burglary, etc. Many home contents insurance policies in Germany also cover your bike outside of your home for an additional price. 

So, if you want to find an insurance policy to protect your bike, you have the below 3 choices.

• 1. Get a home contents insurance policy.
  2. Get a home contents insurance policy with additional bike coverage.
  3. Get a separate bike insurance policy.

In short, no.2 and no.3 above make sense if you have a new, expensive bike. These policies are designed to provide comprehensive protection for your bikes.

Even though a simple home contents insurance (no.1 above) can protect your bike, the coverage is minimal. It may be fine if you have a cheap or second-hand bike.

So, should you just get a home contents insurance or a separate bike insurance policy? What are their differences? Let’s have a look below.

What factors should you consider?

Where is your bike covered?

Parking your bike in a public place

When you have home contents insurance, your bike is only covered if stored in a locked room. For example, inside your apartment, in a locked garage or basement. 

So, unless you add the additional bike coverage, your home contents insurance cannot protect your bike if you park it in a public place. For example,  if you park your bike on the street outside a restaurant or a supermarket.

Even when you store your bike indoors in a public bike storage room, your home contents insurance may not cover your loss if this room can be accessed by other people. It is because this room can be considered a “public place”.

On the other hand, bike insurance covers your bike even when parked outside as long as you meet the security measures. For example, using an approved lock, connecting your bike to a permanent object, etc.

Similarly, a home contents insurance policy with additional bike coverage can protect your bike on the go.

When a designated bike parking room is available

Many insurance providers require that you park your bike with an approved lock in a designated bike parking room if there is one.

Suppose you park your bike outside the street instead of using the bike parking room. In that case, your insurance may refuse to pay you because you didn’t take the necessary security measures.

When is your bike covered?

Nowadays, most home contents insurance policies can cover your bike all the time. However, in some old home contents insurance policies, there is something called a nighttime clause. If your bike is stolen during the night, your insurance provider will not pay you. Your bike is only protected from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On the other hand, bike insurance protects your bike 24 hours a day. You can go to a bar for a drink at night without worrying about your bike when you park it outside.

What is the compensation amount?

A bike insurance policy generally pays you the replacement value if your bike is stolen. This is the money you need to buy a new bike to replace your stolen bike. Of course, your compensation is subject to your total insured sum. At the maximum, you can only receive the amount of your total insured sum even if the replacement value is higher.

How much you can get from home contents insurance depends on the policy. Some policies will pay you the replacement value as well. But others may only pay you a certain percentage of your insured sum. 

For example, suppose the total insured sum of your home contents insurance is 40,000 EUR. In that case, your home contents insurance provider may only pay you 1% of the sum when your bike is stolen. So, you may receive 400 EUR. Depending on the price of your bike, you may not be able to replace your stolen bike with the 400 EUR compensation.

What kind of damage is insured?

A bike insurance policy offers more comprehensive protection. Besides bike theft, other damages due to accidents, vandalism, wear and tear, under-performing batteries, etc., can be covered. You can also receive compensation if only part of your bike is stolen. For example, your light or bike seat (as long as they are permanently attached to your bike).

On the other hand, the coverage of a home contents insurance policy is not as comprehensive, and it mainly covers bike theft.

In which countries are you covered?

Many bike insurance policies cover you when you are abroad. Your bike can be protected in Germany, other European countries, and even worldwide, depending on your policy. That is important if you want to bring your bike during travel.

On the other hand, home contents insurance mainly protects your belongings at home. Some home contents insurance policies do offer external coverage. For example, your belongings may be covered if they are stolen from a hotel room when you are on vacation.

What items are covered?

A bike insurance policy only protects your bike. And you usually need one policy per bike.

However, home contents insurance protects all your household belongings (not just the bike). And if you have more than one bike, all your bikes can be covered with the same home contents insurance policy.

What lock do you need to use?

Many bike insurance providers have a high requirement regarding the lock. You need to use an approved lock. Otherwise, you will not get paid in case of loss or damages.

Home contents insurance providers may not have as strict requirements regarding the lock. Make sure you read the contract carefully to understand all the requirements. 

Which insurance policy should you choose?

If you already have a home contents insurance policy

You should read your contract to see what is covered and what is not. Suppose you think the coverage is insufficient for your bike. In that case, you should ask your insurance provider to see if you can buy additional bike coverage. If yes, compare that option to a separate bike insurance policy to see which one suits you better.

If you don’t have a home contents insurance policy yet

You should consider if you should get one. It makes sense to have one if you want to protect your personal belongings at home. This insurance doesn’t only protect your belongings against theft but also other damages such as fire and water. 

For more details and the best home contents insurance providers in Germany, check out this article: Best Home Contents Insurance in Germany – Compare the Top 5

All the offers mentioned in the above article also let you add optional bike coverage.

If you don’t need home contents insurance

In that case, you will need to get a separate bike insurance. Check out the details of the 4 best bike insurance offers in this guide.

How much does bike insurance cost in Germany?

Bike insurance is generally quite affordable, starting with only a few EUR a month. The price of bike insurance varies depending on different factors. Below are some examples.

How comprehensive is the coverage?

For example, it costs more to include coverage for damages due to accidents and vandalism. It will also cost more if the bike insurance includes breakdown and pick-up services.

The price of your bike

The more expensive your bike is, the higher the total insured sum needs to be. That also means a higher premium.

Your deductible amount

This is the amount you have to pay in case of a claim. 0 deductible amount means a higher premium.

The type of the bike

Some insurance providers let you insure particular types of bikes if you pay a higher premium, e.g., carbon bikes.

Other factors

Some insurance providers may offer you a cheaper premium if you code your bike. You should code your bike if possible, as this can significantly reduce the risk of bike theft!

What are the security measures required by the bike insurance in Germany?

Having bike insurance in Germany doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take security measures anymore. Suppose your bike is stolen because you didn’t take the necessary security measures. In that case, your claim will not be accepted. And you cannot get your money back.

In general, make sure you are doing the following when you park your bike outside.

Use an approved lock

Many bike insurance providers have requirements regarding the lock you use. You may need to use a specific type of lock that meets the safety standard. Some bike insurance providers require you to use a lock that costs at least a certain value. 

If you use a cheap lock and lose your bike, your bike insurance may not compensate you. That’s why it is essential to read your bike insurance policy and use the correct type of lock. 

Make sure to also keep the receipt of your lock as proof. The best is to take a picture of both your bike and the lock in case you need to show it to the insurance provider in the future.

Tips: Hepster and Helden let you use any lock you like. 

Permanently attach the parts to your bike

If you want to protect also parts of your bike, they need to be permanently attached to your bike. For example, your light must be permanently mounted on your bike to protect against theft.

The way you lock your bike

Always lock your bike to an immovable object. For example, a lamp post. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal it.

Tips: Helden covers your bike even if you don’t lock it to a permanent object.

What compensation can you get from your bike insurance in Germany?

Many bike insurance companies will pay you the replacement value if you lose your bike. You can use that money to buy a new bike that is the same or similar to your insured bike.

Similarly, your bike insurance will pay for the repair costs if your bike is damaged. These include the cost of spare parts and the installation costs. Some bike insurance policies in Germany may even pay you for a spare bike or a public transportation ticket until your bike gets repaired.

Note that your compensation cannot be higher than your insured sum. So, if buying a replacement bike costs 3,000 EUR, but your insured sum is only 2,000 EUR, you can only receive 2,000 EUR maximum as compensation. 

It is essential to keep all your invoices and receipts. You should keep these documents for your bike, your lock, and any other insured accessories on your bike. If you need to pay for repair costs, installation, or spare parts, keep all the paperwork as well.

How to decide on your insured sum?

When deciding on your insured sum, you should not only consider the purchase price of your bike. You will need to include the value of your bike accessories if you also want to insure them. For example, the value of your lock.

You can use the compensation to replace your bike, the lock, and other accessories if your bike is stolen.

Which lock should you use?

How easy is it to crack a lock?

To protect your bike, you should invest in a good lock. For example, a simple number lock is not very secure. Watch this video to see how you can crack it in less than 2 minutes!

Now, you know you don’t want such a number lock. How about a cable lock? Is it safer? Take a look at this video.

Now you know how easy it is to cut a cable lock. I am sure you don’t want to use such kind of lock on your beloved bike. If you are looking for bike insurance, it means that your bike is pretty valuable. Using a cheap lock doesn’t make sense as it cannot protect your expensive bike.

How much should you invest in your lock?

In fact, it is recommended to invest about 5 to 10% of your bike purchase price on your lock. If your bike is 2,000 EUR, you should buy a lock that costs 100 to 200 EUR. That sounds like a lot to pay for a lock. But it is worth it if it can prevent you from losing your 2,000 EUR bike.

Besides, if you want to get compensation from your bike insurance, you will probably need to use a good lock. Most bike insurance providers accept a lock approved by ADFC or VDS.

How to know how secure is a lock?

Each lock manufacturer has its own classification to determine the security level of its bike locks. For example, well-known lock manufacturer “ABUS” has 15 security levels. An ABUS lock with security level 15 is the most secure.

Another lock manufacturer “Kryptonite” only has 10 security levels. So, the classification of security levels is different among different manufacturers.

Which lock should you buy?

To know which lock you should use, check your bike insurance policy.

If you are looking for a super secure lock, here is an ABUS lock with the highest security level 15. This lock is approved by both ADFC and VDS. It is an expensive lock and suitable for an expensive bike, e.g., E-bike. 

If you do not need such an expensive lock, this padlock from ABUS can be a good choice. It has a security level of 12 (out of 15). It is good if you have a bike worth 1,000 EUR or less. 

Remember, check with your bike insurance provider before buying your lock to ensure compliance!

What is a frame number or bike coding?

When do you need a frame number or bike coding?

When you sign up for bike insurance, you will need to provide your bike’s frame number or coding. If your bike is stolen, you will also need to give the frame number or coding to the police. This number and coding work similarly to a car license plate. It is the only way to identify you as the owner of your bike.

What is a frame number?

You can find a frame number on your bike, stamped by the manufacturer. It is the serial number of your bike and can help people to identify your bike.

The drawback of the frame number is that it is just a serial number without any meaning. The number does not link personally to the owner. That’s why even with the frame number, 90% of the bike found cannot be returned to the owners. It is because the owners cannot describe their bikes correctly. 

What is bike coding?

Bike coding is something different. You can make a personal code on the frame of your bike. The code can consist of numbers and letters showing where you live, your street number, house number, your initials, and so on. 

This code can show that you are the owner of the bike. It makes it more difficult for the thieves to sell your bike because they don’t have proof of ownership. This decreases the reselling price significantly and reduces the chance of bike theft.

That is why it is highly recommended to code your bike. You can do so at a specialized bike dealer, the police, or the Allgemeine Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC).

How to choose your bike insurance in Germany?

When choosing your bike insurance in Germany, you should consider the following factors.

The premium amount

It is attractive if the premium is cheap. However, a cheap premium may mean the insurance policy does not include as much coverage. Do not just look at the price. The cheapest may not be the best. Make sure you read the contract carefully before signing up.

Any deductible amount

Some bike insurance policies include a deductible amount. You must pay part of the damage yourself if you make a claim. 

For example, let’s say you lose your bike and the replacement value is 2,000 EUR. Your insurance will only pay you 1,800 EUR if you have a deductible amount of 200 EUR.

Having a deductible amount is not necessarily a bad thing. It helps to bring your premium down. But you will have a higher cost in case you make a claim.

What kind of lock is required?

Many bike insurance providers require you to use an approved lock with a specific brand or safety standard. Depending on the insurance providers, some required locks are more expensive than others.

So, consider this when choosing your bike insurance provider in Germany.

Where are you covered?

Will the insurance only cover your bike in Germany? Or also in other European countries and worldwide? If so, for how long?

What value is covered?

Will the bike insurance pay you the replacement value if your bike is lost? Or will it only pay you a certain percentage of your total insured sum?

What is the total insured sum?

Make sure that the sum is high enough to cover your bike’s replacement cost and any accessories on your bike. However, don’t over-insure your bike. 

Your premium will be higher due to the higher insured sum. Suppose the total insured sum is higher than your bike’s replacement value. In that case, the insurance provider will only pay you the replacement value even when you pay a higher premium.

Any other additional service?

For example, will your insurance provider give you a spare bike or public transportation ticket until you get a replacement bike or until your damaged bike is repaired?

Will your bike be covered all the time?

Is there any exclusion of coverage during a specific time in the day? Or does the insurance protect your bike 24/7?

How fast can the claim be processed?

How fast can you get the money from your insurance if your bike is damaged or lost?

Repair or replacement?

Under what situation will your insurance pay the repair costs? And under what conditions can you receive a new replacement bike?

The use of your bike

Is your bike covered if you use it on your business trip? Many bike insurance providers exclude coverage if you use your bike in a sports event or competition. Your bike may not be covered even if you use it to train for the sports event.

Tips: Hepster and Helden cover both private and professional use of your bike under certain conditions. Helden covers also sports events for non-business purposes.

Is there different coverage for different types of bikes?

Sometimes, your bike insurance contract may exclude certain coverage if you have a specific type of bike. For example, a mountain bike. These exclusions may not be obvious on the websites of the insurance providers. So, you should read your contract in detail if you have a particular type of bike.

Some insurance policies do not cover second-handed bikes. So, make sure you are getting the right insurance policy for your bike.

Accessories and luggage

Sometimes, accessories and luggage are not included in the insurance coverage automatically. So, you should check with your insurance provider if you are unsure.

Any other requirements to make a claim?

Besides the lock requirement, there may be other requirements set by the insurance providers. For example, how you should lock your bike, where you should park, etc. Read the contract carefully to understand those requirements.

What damages are included?

Not all damages to your bike are included in the bike insurance. Make sure you understand what is included or not before you sign up.

What to do if your bike is stolen?

Report to the police and your insurance provider

If your bike is stolen, you should report this to the police and your bike insurance provider. To make a claim, you need to submit a police report. That is why it is essential to report to the police. 

What information do you need to give?

You will need to tell the police and bike insurance provider when and where your bike was stolen. You also need to describe how your bike was locked. Take a photo at the place where you parked your bike. Give the frame number of your bike to the police. This may help them to find your bike.

You should submit any other evidence to the police and your bike insurance provider. For example, let’s say you find your broken lock nearby. You should also take photos and inform the police and the bike insurance provider. 

How about vandalism?

Similarly, if your bike is damaged due to vandalism, you must report it to the police. Vandalism is a criminal act. You will have to take photos of the damages and report them to the police and your bike insurance provider.

Conclusion

Similar to your car, your bike is an important asset. If your bike is damaged or stolen, it can significantly impact your daily life. So, it makes sense to give it some kind of protection. And a good bike insurance policy doesn’t really cost that much.

So, I hope now you know better how bike insurance works in Germany and can choose the best insurance based on your needs!

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Disclaimer

Please be aware that this article is intended to provide you a brief overview of bike insurance in Germany. The information and tips in this article are based on personal experiences and thorough research.

This blog is not an insurance broker platform and this article does not represent professional advice. Before purchasing, you should read the fine print of the insurance policy to make sure you understand the details.

This blog is not qualified to give you any financial advice according to German law and we do not accept any form of liability resulting from reading this article. Our blog makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information in this article.

If you need any more details or the latest information, please refer to the insurance companies’ websites directly. If you need personal insurance advice, please contact an independent financial adviser.

Do you have a bike insurance policy in Germany? Which bike insurance provider do you think is the best in Germany? Leave a comment below and share your experience!