Do Cyclists Need Insurance?

You might be surprised to know that in some states, cyclists are actually required by law to have insurance.

Whether or not your state requires it, though, you might still be wondering if getting insurance for cycling is worth your while.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to insure your rides.

Pros of Getting Insured

There are a few compelling reasons you should consider getting insured as a cyclist.

First and foremost, if you’re injured in an accident, having good insurance will help you cover those mounting medical bills. In addition, if you cause an accident, insurance can help protect you from being sued by the injured party.

And finally, if your bike is stolen, damaged, or destroyed in an accident, most policies will reimburse you for the cost of a replacement—up to a certain limit, of course. So, if safety and peace of mind are important to you, getting insured might be a good idea.

Cons of Getting Insured

Of course, there are also a few drawbacks to getting insured as a cyclist. For one thing, it’s going to add another monthly bill to your budget.

And depending on the policy you choose and the coverages you add on, it could be a pretty pricey bill at that.

In addition, filing a claim with your insurer can be time-consuming and frustrating—especially if they don’t approve your claim or only approve it for partial reimbursement.

Finally, there’s always the chance that your rates could go up after filing a claim—even if it wasn’t your fault. So, if saving money is your top priority, buying insurance might not be the best idea.

Conclusion

There’s no easy answer when it comes to whether or not cyclists need insurance. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide what makes the most sense for you financially and personally. If safety is your top concern, then buying a policy might be worth the investment.

But if saving money is your number one priority, then forego the coverage and hope for the best. No matter what you decide, just remember to always ride safe!