question for the cyclists: re bike theft

[Herbsman.]

I never know whether to bother with insurance or not. My bike's got very few of the original parts left on it - I only intend to leave the frame - so what would happen if I claimed?

you'd probably be fucked. they'd say 'you didnt tell us of the changes therefore your insurance is invalid'. one of the excuses is that fancy upgrades make bikes more attractive to thieves.

you could just 'forget' to tell them youve changed all the parts. then you would be able to claim up to the original value of the bike when you first bought it.

otherwise, if you insured it now, you could work out how much your bike is actually worth, then insure it up to that value. you might need reciepts for all the stuff you've put on it though.

 

[Radar]

you'd probably be fucked. they'd say 'you didnt tell us of the changes therefore your insurance is invalid'. one of the excuses is that fancy upgrades make bikes more attractive to thieves.

God, that's ironic. I understand where they're coming from but it doesn't match up with my own experience.

All the bikes I had nicked were bog standard apart from minor shit like indicators/grabrails/chain&sprockets, the only one I've ever modded to any degree I managed to hold onto for a couple of years until I traded it in.

Oops, you've just reminded me. I've now got aftermarket brembos on my 600RR after warping the original front discs. I might be in the same boat myself, I'd better notify the brokers just in case. They do so love wriggling out of claims

 

[_angel_]

I never know whether to bother with insurance or not. My bike's got very few of the original parts left on it - I only intend to leave the frame - so what would happen if I claimed?

Have you got specific bicycle cover? would it be worth getting. I don't have atm. Just gonna claim on a house policy.

 

[_angel_]

Always lock up your bike next to a more expensive bike. Problem solved

That might not be a bad idea. The bike was new and locked up to two old bone shakers.

 

[_angel_]

The shop want to charge you £25 for a copy receipt? Tell them to fuck off or you won't be buying the replacement there!

Most companies will give you the choice of either replacing the bike for you or giving you a cash settlement.

You shouldn't need the receipt anyway.

I'm hoping I don't need the receipt and can't see why a chat from the Loss Adjustor to the bike shop wouldn't be enough. It's not like we're trying to scam 'em. If we were it wouldn't be over an £180 bike.

 

[mauvais]

I could insure it now, with all the kit, but I don't have receipts for any of it bar the original bike and a few bits and pieces. I could take photos I guess. It's worth over double what I originally paid.

 

[Geri]

Why ?? Isn't this why we keep the proof of purchase for valuble items that are insured in the first place ?

Any insurer would want to make sure the asset insured actually existed and was owned by you.

Why would you insure a bike that didn't exist?

 

[aurora green]

Havent seen you on here for a while (I dont actually know you). Good to see you posting again though,

Ahh thanks. It's nice of someone to notice.
I still look here regularly, but sadly don't have much time for posting (or aything else at the mo. ) .

Always lock up your bike next to a more expensive bike. Problem solved

...have to admit, this is a strategy I use when possible..

 

[Radar]

Why would you insure a bike that didn't exist?

To file a bogus claim x months later ?

I'm just saying a system without checks is open to abuse. And if it did get heavily abused then all cyclists who insure their bikes would suffer.

 

[Herbsman.]

Why would you insure a bike that didn't exist?

Oh come on.

 

[scifisam]

I had three stolen in one year.

The first was on New Year's Eve, after my ex insisted that I lock my bike up in the bike park at Old St Station, rather than in my usual place on a lamp-post outside her door. D-lock plus chain lock (both extremely expensive locks, recommended as being particularly hard to break), through the wheels and frame, seat removed. It was gone by the morning.

I'd had that bike for eight years and travelled all across Eastern Europe on it, so was quite upset. But I knew that putting it in the bike park was a terrible idea; if someone wants to steal a bike, where else are they going to go to look for one?

It was a very distinctive bike, and I checked Brick Lane market (where some acquaintances of mine had gone to buy their own bikes back after they'd been stolen), but it never turned up.

The second bike I can't remember, oddly. Both those bikes were covered by insurance.

The third time was outside my flat, again with two excellent locks and the seat removed. The fuckers stole it on Christmas Day. I imagined some bastard going home to his family, saying 'Merry Christmas, son!' and presenting the kid with my bike.

Insurance refused to cover that bike because of the previous two thefts.

Now I have a folding bike because I can fit it in my hallway - ordinary bikes don't fit. Of course, it means that I can also fold it up and take it inside quiet pubs and restaurants, into work and into friends' houses. Don't think I'd ever have a non-folding bike again, for that reason.

It's also security-marked, like pretty much everything else I own, just on the off-chance it ever got stolen and recovered.

 

[Geri]

To file a bogus claim x months later ?

I'm just saying a system without checks is open to abuse. And if it did get heavily abused then all cyclists who insure their bikes would suffer.

All insurance is open to abuse - I am telling you that you don't need to produce a receipt.

Whether you believe me or not is up to you, however, I haven't worked in insurance claims for 23 years without learning a few things along the way.

 

[_angel_]

All insurance is open to abuse - I am telling you that you don't need to produce a receipt.

Whether you believe me or not is up to you, however, I haven't worked in insurance claims for 23 years without learning a few things along the way.

I hope my loss adjustor is as understanding as you Geri. We will see.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

How many of you have had bikes stolen? How often does it happen? Have you been able to claim it back on insurance?? And finally, what is the best preventative measure (ie lock etc) to use to prevent it reoccurring?

I didn't make this, the guy who sits next to me did. I haven't watched it all but I've seen interesting bits. Could be helpful. I'm glad I have a shit bike.

http://www.itvlocal.com/london/documentaries/

Go to the London Programme then 'gone in 60 seconds' (Shit title).

 

[mauvais]

All insurance is open to abuse - I am telling you that you don't need to produce a receipt.

Whether you believe me or not is up to you, however, I haven't worked in insurance claims for 23 years without learning a few things along the way.

I've had to - with some difficulty - produce receipts for things I've claimed accidental damage on, where I still have the item in question.

 

[Herbsman.]

I've had to - with some difficulty - produce receipts for things I've claimed accidental damage on, where I still have the item in question.

Every specific insurance policy I've had has required that I produce the reciept in the event of a claim.

It's pretty obvious though really, why would you spend lots of money on something then throw away the reciept? Especially if it's so valuable that you need to insure it. All yo have to do is buy a box file, write 'reciepts' on the side, and keep all your reciepts of expensive stuff in there.

 

[Geri]

I've dealt with literally thousands of claims where a receipt wasn't provided. Of course it's better if you can, but it isn't vital, especially if the insurers are providing a replacement from their own supplier. I didn't have receipts for most of the things stolen in my burglary. I only keep them in case I need to take them back - most things get thrown out after a year.

Mind you, some people working for insurance companies don't know their arse from their elbow. When I had a claim for storm damage for my bedroom, they said they could only redecorate two of the walls as they formed part of a set, and they weren't responsible for the undamaged items. I had to kick up a fuss before they saw sense, but the builder told me it was common practice to tell people this.

So, it wouldn't surprise me if they told people they needed things which were not needed.

 

[scifisam]

Every specific insurance policy I've had has required that I produce the reciept in the event of a claim.

It's pretty obvious though really, why would you spend lots of money on something then throw away the reciept? Especially if it's so valuable that you need to insure it. All yo have to do is buy a box file, write 'reciepts' on the side, and keep all your reciepts of expensive stuff in there.

What if the item's a gift, or was bought many years ago, and you haven't kept the receipt, or was already in situ when you moved into the flat? I know I don't have the receipts for any of my furniture. Every insurance company must have ways of dealing with those situations. With bikes, taking photos is the big thing.

 

[_angel_]

What if the item's a gift, or was bought many years ago, and you haven't kept the receipt, or was already in situ when you moved into the flat? I know I don't have the receipts for any of my furniture. Every insurance company must have ways of dealing with those situations. With bikes, taking photos is the big thing.

Heh when we get the replacement I'm having it photo'd and keeping the paper work. Do not trust men to do something simple...!

The good news is, we don't need a r eceipt but working out what exact model it was for the replacement is not so easy. I never knew there were so many bikes!!

 

[Geri]

What if the item's a gift, or was bought many years ago, and you haven't kept the receipt, or was already in situ when you moved into the flat? I know I don't have the receipts for any of my furniture. Every insurance company must have ways of dealing with those situations. With bikes, taking photos is the big thing.

Well, exactly. What if you had a fire and all your receipts were burned?

The most important thing with any theft claim is reporting it to the police.

 

[Psychonaut]

I wouldnt leave my main bike outside - its only used for cycle trips (ill have food, water etc on me). I *usually* carry a cheap lock for emergencies, but dont plan to use it.

If i want to go shopping, visiting whatever, i have my battered 10yrs old bike. I wont be devestated if it gets nicked

 

[nino_savatte]

I've had 2 nicked. I'd left one outside the Duke of Edinburgh in Brixton for literally 1 minute and some scrote stole it (apparently bike thefts are notorious around there). The other was stolen from my storage shed this April, along with some very valuable documents and other items.

 

[nino_savatte]

I am surprised no one has mentioned security marking, or smart water.

I've got one on my new bike. A security marking, that is. It's a Met Police warning label that cracks if it's scraped off.

 

[_angel_]

I wouldnt leave my main bike outside - its only used for cycle trips (ill have food, water etc on me). I *usually* carry a cheap lock for emergencies, but dont plan to use it.

If i want to go shopping, visiting whatever, i have my battered 10yrs old bike. I wont be devestated if it gets nicked

Problem is, for a bike to be useful you have to ride it somewhere which usually entails getting off it.

 

[Psychonaut]

Problem is, for a bike to be useful you have to ride it somewhere which usually entails getting off it.

Thats why i keep a seperate bike for 'useful' stuff, it works perfectly well for your A->B chores but is probably worth about £20.

My other bike, that i invest time & money on i only use *for* cycling, in & of itself, so there isnt generally a need to leave it unattended. The only exception i can envisage would be to help someone who is seriously injured or being attacked etc - and im not sure theft in those circumstances would be covered by insurance anyway (as i wouldnt have had time to use the lock) unless the police report could be spun to resemble a mugging, iyswim and im too honest for that.

 

[_angel_]

Thats why i keep a seperate bike for 'useful' stuff, it works perfectly well for your A->B chores but is probably worth about £20.

My other bike, that i invest time & money on i only use *for* cycling, in & of itself, so there isnt generally a need to leave it unattended. The only exception i can envisage would be to help someone who is seriously injured or being attacked etc - im not sure theft in those circumstances could be insured (as i wouldnt have had time to use the lock) unless the police report could be spun to resemble a mugging, iyswim and im too honest for that.

This bike has to a) do decent distances and b) be locked up out of sight for long periods so it has to be a decent quality, unfortunately. The crappy catalogue bike before just wasn't up to the job and also potentially lethal!

 

[Psychonaut]

Have you got specific bicycle cover? would it be worth getting. I don't have atm. Just gonna claim on a house policy.

Ive heard one or two ppl on another forum say the specialist companies have a tendancy to fuck you around, lots of obstructive small print. Whereas the general companies (add-ons to house policies etc) tend to be a lot nicer.