This page provides a guide to members and cyclists in general on the topic of insurance. Any comments or additions should be directed to
secretary@chippenhamwheelers.org.
What does the club insurance cover?
Through the club’s affiliation with British Cycling (BC), the club is covered by a level of insurance. Official events promoted by the club are approved by the committee are covered by this insurance and are publicised via the calendar on our web site. This insurance covers the club, club officials, ride leaders and marshals in the event of an insurance claim by a member of the public or indeed another rider.
What cover should riders have?
A member taking part in a club event is
not themselves covered against 3rd party claims by the club insurance. It is
highly recommended that riding members obtain their own 3rd party cover. This will then cover you when riding alone or with club mates. If you were to cause a car accident for example, the drivers insurance company might claim against you. Without cover you could quickly become very stuck and poor.
Most 3rd party cover will also include legal support and advice in case you need to claim against a 3rd party e.g. motorist, farmer, council. This has been successfully used by a member involved in an accident in 2014 with BC lawyers pursuing the claim. The easiest way to obtain cover is to join
BC (ride level or race level silver or above) or
CyclingUK. The cost of this is low (BC £43 and CyclingUK £48 per year*) and also provides high street retail discounts as a bonus. See the following links for more information.
Additionally there is a CyclingUK membership called “Affiliate membership” which is available to club members using a special affiliate code which can be obtained from the secretary. This provides 3rd party insurance and discounts but not the legal advise claims service. This is at the reduced price of £26. See the link below for more details.
Affiliate Cycling UK Membership
If you are involved in cycling racing or time trailling then your policy may need to specifically cover you for this. We note that CTC membership also provides 3rd party cover when participating in time trials.
You are reminded that if you are involved in an accident (and assuming you are able to do so), exchange contact details and insurance details with parties involved and take photos that may be useful in the future. Just as you would do in a motoring accident.
But what about my bike?
Insurance against theft of bikes can be covered by home insurances or specialist providers. Check the small print for maximum bike value covered and whether this is home or away, locks required for cover to be valid, etc. Premiums will vary and the decision to cover yourself will depend on your own situation and attitude to risk.
Summary
In summary, if you ride regularly, get yourself covered for 3rd party claims. This is a very easy, low cost and beneficial thing to do.
The club deliberately will not recommend one provider over another. Each policy has its own benefits that may or may not be applicable to different members. Members are recommended to do their own research and listen to the experiences of other club members and make their own choice.
* 2020 pricing