Does my car insurance cover bicycle accidents?

Asked by: Prof. Nannie VonRueden  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (75 votes)

Car insurance in the United States will typically cover cyclists who are injured in an accident with someone driving a car through uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection in no-fault states.

Does car insurance cover damage to a bike?

Accident between a bicycle and a motor vehicle

When the driver is at fault: If the cyclist is hit by a car, the at-fault driver's auto liability coverage can pay for the cyclist's medical expenses and the cost to repair or replace the bike.

Can you claim for a bicycle accident?

In California, cyclists have the same legal rights and responsibilities as motorists. When a driver's negligence causes a bicycle accident, the injured cyclist has the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What happens when a car hits a bicyclist?

Even the bicycle rider will file a claim with their car insurance company for their physical injuries and property damage. If the bicycle rider doesn't have personal injury protection (PIP) because they don't have car insurance, they can file a claim through the vehicle driver's insurance policy.

Does insurance cover bike damage?

The insurer will compensate for the repair and replacement expenses of the parts if damaged in any of the said events. Additionally, it's crucial to note that own-damage bike insurance is a comprehensive coverage that provides financial protection for the policyholder's vehicle.

How Your Car Insurance Can Help After a Bike Accident

21 related questions found

How does insurance work with bikes?

A bicycle insurance policy typically applies while you're on the road, though some coverages may apply while your bike is at home too. For example, your bike policy's comprehensive coverage would still apply if your bike was stolen from your front porch rather than a public bike rack.

Do you need insurance for a bicycle?

If you use your bike regularly either as a form of transport or as a hobby, your cycle is more expensive, or you like to take part in events, you should probably consider taking out specialist cycle insurance.

What to do if someone hits you on your bike?

What to Do After a Bike Accident
  1. Move to Safety. Although you're probably very upset, shaken, and disoriented, move as quickly as you can to a safe place. ...
  2. Assess your injuries. Emergency personnel will ask if and how you're injured. ...
  3. Call 911. ...
  4. Document. ...
  5. Identify Witnesses. ...
  6. Stay in place. ...
  7. Call a friend/family member.

What is the most common motorist caused car bicycle collision?

What are the three most common motorist caused car-bicycle crashes? 1) Motorists turning left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic. 2) Motorists turning right across path of bicycle traffic. 3) Motorists pulling away from a stop sign or failing to yield to bicycle cross traffic.

What happens if I crash my bike?

Check for injuries

Don't just get back on your bike and ride away. You could be disorientated, concussed, or more badly hurt than you realise. Check yourself and others involved for injuries and, if able, move out of the way of traffic. If anyone has suffered injuries, even walking wounded, call 999.

How do I claim my bike accident on my insurance?

If your bike has met with an accident and needs repair work, you have to contact your insurance company. An authorised representative will be sent to evaluate the amount of damage caused to the bike. He will later have your insurance claim registered. You will then be given a claim registration number.

How much compensation will I get for bike accident?

The amount of compensation you could claim for a cycling accident depends on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, how long it may take for you to recover, and the financial impact it may have on your life.

How do you get money from a bike accident?

If you met with an accident and hit the other vehicle, inform the police and the insurer about that. If you are the damaged party, get the details of the other party and process a third party claim. After the claim is registered, it will be forwarded to the Motor Insurance Claim Tribunal court.

Does bike insurance cost more than car insurance?

Cost Comparisons

Average cost of car insurance vs motorcycle insurance: On average, motorcycle insurance is generally cheaper than car insurance. The difference in cost is due to the differences in coverage requirements, risk factors, and the lower cost of most motorcycles compared to cars.

What is the most common bike accident?

The left cross

A motorist fails to see a cyclist when turning left and drives head on into an oncoming cyclist - this is the most common, and because of the closing speed, often the most devastating type of car vs bicycle accident.

What is the most common location for a collision between a bike and a car?

Final answer: The most common locations for a collision between a bike and a car are right turns and left turns.

What percent of bicycle accidents involve an automobile?

Approximately 96 percent of fatal bicycle accidents involve an automobile. Here, our bicycle accident attorneys in San Diego discuss why automobiles collide with cyclists, and who is held responsible for these incidents.

Does auto insurance cover you on a bike?

If the driver is at fault, his car insurance should cover his liability for the injuries and costs associated with the accident. If the cyclist is at fault, the driver's liability insurance may not pay for the cyclist's injuries or damages.

What happens if a cyclist gets hit by a car?

In the case of a car-on-bike collision, you will be negotiating with the driver's insurance company to compensate you for all of your injuries and losses. Negotiations with the driver's insurance company will always focus on who was negligent (you or the driver), and to what degree.

What to do after a bike accident?

Here's Your Guide for What to Do in a Bike Crash
  1. Assess the Situation from the Ground. First and foremost, check and make sure you don't have any major injuries before you even get off the ground. ...
  2. Slow Down. ...
  3. Practice Basic First Aid. ...
  4. Consider a Concussion. ...
  5. Wheels. ...
  6. Components. ...
  7. Frame. ...
  8. Call the Police and File a Report.

Is bicycle insurance a thing?

Bicycle insurance is a good idea if you want financial protection against theft, damage, or liability while riding. It may cover expenses your home or renter's insurance may not, especially if you frequently ride in high-risk areas.

Why is bicycle insurance so expensive?

The cost of bicycle insurance is dependant on a variety of things, such as your age, where you live, the make of your bike and how much it's worth. Although some may find it hard to believe, in many cases you may end up forking out more to insure your bike than you would for your car.

Do you pay insurance on a bike?

You might need bicycle insurance if you have an expensive bike or ride competitively. For everyday use, the coverage from your home or renters insurance is probably enough. But a bike insurance policy can give you more coverage and coverage for more scenarios, like racing and bike-related events.

How do I claim insurance for a bike accident?

Fill out your claims form and upload the required documents, like copies of your bike insurance policy, FIR, driver's licence and bike RC. Submit your claims form and documents for verification. Once the claim has been submitted, we may assign an official surveyor/inspector to asses your bike's damage.