Riding bicycles is a great way to get in some physical activity. No matter your age, it’s an accessible way to have some fun and enjoy the outdoors. A bicycle is an important item of personal property for many because they use it to commute to work. It’s reported that around 870,000 Americans use their bicycle as their transportation to work every day. This is more common in urban areas where the home is closer to the workplace. When you use your bike for your commute as well as for activity and leisure, you’ll want to take your time picking out one that’s best for you. With this being said, many people want their insurance to cover their bicycles from theft and other damages. Keep reading to explore five steps to buy and protect the right bicycle for you.
1. Get it insured.
You might be surprised to find out that your bicycle can be covered by your insurance policy. For example, if you have renter’s insurance like Lemonade, your usual insurance, you’re covered for a variety of personal property, and, as long as it’s under your total personal property coverage, you can make an insurance claim for your bike. For this case, you’ll get the replacement value of your item subtracted by your deductible on it. You can also get extra coverage on your renter’s policy if you want even more coverage for your bicycle.
However, if you’re a homeowner, you most likely have home insurance, not renter’s insurance. If you’re in the market for new homeowner’s insurance or you simply want to explore a home insurance compare, use iSelect’s tools. Their services help you understand exactly what your home insurance policy entails. This means understanding what kind of coverage you have and looking into content insurance so that you make sure that your bicycle is covered. Some home insurance policies can vary, so as a rule of thumb, give your insurance company a call to be even more certain on what your home insurance or renter’s insurance coverage entails. Home and contents insurance is as much coverage so you will need it. This is the additional coverage that you’ll want as a homeowner because it covers all of your personal belongings, including your bicycle. iSelect’s tools can help you to understand the best rates available, coverage options and premiums. This way, you get the right homeowners insurance company for your needs.
2. Understand the different types of bikes.
If you’re looking to get a new bicycle, there are some things you should know. First up is that there are different kinds of bikes. There are mountain bikes, cruiser bikes, road bikes and hybrids. A mountain bike is the right choice if you plan on going on rough terrain or off-road settings. Cruiser bikes are used for high speeds and for light terrain areas. These are commonly used for leisure. Next up is a road bike. These are used for streets, sidewalks and pavement. These bicycles are perfect if you’re using your car as transportation. Last up is hybrid bikes. Hybrid bikes have a combination of these bicycle types. Commonly, they’re a good choice because they’re capable of handling more scenarios. Once you’ve determined where you’ll be riding most often, you can move on to finding the right fit for your bike. The type of bike you own may impact your homeowner’s insurance you choose, so make sure you have these details nailed down before you get a home insurance quote.
3. Find the correct fit.
Fit is super important for your bicycle. There’s an equation that you can use to help pick out the right bike for you. This equation allows you to compare specs about yourself. These include your gender, bike type and your height. All of these factors work together to get you a more proper fitted bike that’s easy to ride.
4. Wear the right gear.
An important part of riding bicycles is wearing the correct style of clothing. If you’re riding your bike to work, you need functional clothing that also works for the ride. Women’s clothing stores like Chico’s have a wide variety of merchandise that you can wear for casual days and workdays. Keep in mind that dresses might not always be the best option if you plan to commute on your bike, but you can find other women’s clothing in select styles for this fall season that you’ll be sure to love. You can also try jumpsuits, athletic apparel, and other affordable clothing options. If you cover your personal property, in the case of any theft or event, your clothing canalso be considered a covered loss.
5. Pick something you love.
All in all, when it comes to choosing the right bicycle for you, find one that you love. This might mean picking out a color that suits you. It might also mean finding one with a basket for things or adding personal touches after you’ve chosen one. Once you’ve covered your bike and chosen the right type of bike, fit of the bike, and the correct clothing for comfortable riding, this last step is the one to look forward to the most. By taking these steps, you can make your purchase with the peace of mind that it’s covered and that you’ll enjoy your new bicycle for years to come.
