Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

Do you know if your car insurance will cover you if you are in an accident while riding your bicycle? Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a serious commuter, you need to know what your car insurance covers when it comes to bicycle accidents. The good news is that car insurance can often provide some coverage in the event of a bicycle accident. With the right policy, you can have peace of mind knowing you are covered when you hit the road, but let’s go ahead take a look at some of the most common accidents and whether or not they are covered in general:

What if You’re Hit By a Car While Riding Your Bike?

Being struck by a car while on your bike is a frightening experience, and the aftermath of such an accident can be physically and financially draining. Fortunately, if you have car insurance, it may be able to help with the costs associated with such an incident. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim for damages to your bike, medical expenses, and any other costs incurred as a result of the accident.

When a car strikes you while riding your bike, the car’s liability insurance typically covers the cost of the damage caused. Your medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and other associated costs are covered by the car’s medical payments coverage. Depending on your policy and the state in which you live, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide additional coverage for medical expenses and property damage.

What if Your Bike Is Damaged in a Hit-and-Run?

If you carry comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, then you are likely covered for any damage caused by a hit-and-run driver. Your comprehensive car insurance policy should cover both physical damage and theft caused by a hit-and-run driver. However, it is important to note that there may be limits on how much money the insurance company will pay out for bicycle damage. Some policies may also require a deductible before they will cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing your bike. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure that you understand what you are covered for in this situation.

What if Your Bike Is Stolen?

In many cases, your car insurance policy will include coverage for the theft of items from your car, and this coverage may extend to your bike if it is stored in your vehicle when the theft occurs. It’s important to check the specific terms of your policy before assuming that this coverage applies, though. In addition, many policies limit the amount that can be claimed for stolen items, so make sure you know the maximum amount available to you in case of a theft. Finally, bear in mind that if you have an existing home or renters insurance policy, this may provide better protection against theft than your car insurance policy. As always, read the fine print and make sure you understand exactly what kind of protection you have.

What if You Have a Collision with Another Cyclist?

The answer depends on the specifics of your policy, but in general, car insurance does not provide coverage for bicycle accidents involving another cyclist. Your policy might provide coverage for personal liability and property damage, both of which could apply in this situation. In some cases, your policy may provide coverage for medical bills incurred by you or the other cyclist as a result of the accident. It’s important to check with your insurer to see what type of coverage your policy provides in this situation.  Ultimately, if you are involved in a bicycle collision with another cyclist, it’s important to consult your car insurance policy to determine what type of coverage applies.

When Should You Contact Someone for Help?

If you have been involved in a bike accident, contact a personal injury lawyer Toms River, NJ residents trust at DeNoia, Tambasco & Germann immediately to determine if your car insurance covers your accident, and if not, what you can do to get compensation.