I have always covered my families bikes through adding to the house insurance although you do have to check what cover you are actually getting to ensure you are buying adequate cover. Buying standalone insurance has always seemed extortionately expensive in comparison to adding a bike to the house policy, especially when covering multiple bikes. Independent insurers also seem particularly draconian with the T&Cs and are much more likely to impose conditions on what type or standard of lock is used etc.
I think the main points to consider are;
- Is/are the bike/s insured against theft from inside your own home and do the bikes themselves have to be locked even when indoors?
- Similarly to the above, what about locked outbuildings at your home/property if the bikes cannot be stored in the main residence?
- Is cover provided in case of theft when the bike/s are locked in a public place and are there any conditions on what type of lock used or times of day etc?
- Will you be covered if the bike is stolen from you forcibly during a mugging? If you are confronted by a person who demands your bike and you hand it over rather than risk being assaulted will your insurer pay out for the bike?
I have never had to call on the insurance to claim for a stolen bike but have always managed to use competitively priced mainstream house insurers that will cover my fleet without imposing restrictive conditions. I have never had to lock bikes while in the home or outbuildings and never had to use an approved or rated lock while out and about, it is simply sufficient to make sure the bike/s are locked when unattended. It has all been very user friendly, but then maybe I am a good risk as I do look after my bikes and consider how and where I lock them. I am sure if I made a couple of claims then premiums and conditions would change to reflect this.
The main thing is when buying the insurance, don't just count on getting sufficient cover. Use comparison sites by all means but before completing the purchase actually ring the insurer and ask a real person about the points above to confirm you are getting the cover you require.