Comparing cycle insurance in the UK can be confusing — different providers include different features as standard, apply different limits and exclusions, and structure cover in different ways. This guide is designed to make comparison easier, with a practical checklist, a side-by-side comparison table, and simple pricing examples you can validate with live quotes.
We compare well-known UK cycle insurance brands — Laka, Bikmo, Sundays, and Yellow Jersey — and explain where Pedal Cover is structurally different: home insurance designed for cyclists, with bikes insured within the same policy framework.
Important: This is a high-level guide to help you compare options. Always check the policy wording, eligibility criteria, and what’s included/excluded before buying. If you add pricing examples, date-stamp them and keep assumptions consistent across providers.
Why compare cycle insurance?
Most riders compare cycle insurance for three reasons: (1) they want confidence their bike is covered where they actually ride and park it, (2) they want clarity on racing/travel options, and (3) they want a fair view of what they’ll pay for cover at their bike value.
What to check when you compare
- Theft away from home – Does cover apply at cafés, work, events, and while out riding?
- Accidental damage – Included as standard, or optional?
- Racing and event cover – Included, add-on, or excluded? How is “racing” defined?
- Worldwide cover – Trip-limited or broader annual cover? Any time caps per trip?
- Replacement basis – New-for-old vs market value settlement.
- Security requirements – Lock standards, unattended rules, and storage conditions (shed/garage/home).
- Excess – Fixed or variable? Does it change by claim type?
- Claims process – Evidence required, timeframes, and whether the process is clear and predictable.
Cycle insurance comparison table (UK)
This table provides a simple overview to help you compare policy structure and typical features. Confirm details with each provider’s policy documents.
| Feature | Laka | Bikmo | Sundays | Yellow Jersey | Pedal Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Policy structure | Bike-only (collective model) | Bike-only | Bike-only | Bike-only | Home insurance designed for cyclists + bikes insured within the same policy |
| Theft (away from home) | ✔ (check conditions) | ✔ (check conditions) | ✔ (check conditions) | ✔ (check conditions) | ✔ (check conditions) |
| Accidental damage | ✔ (policy dependent) | ✔ (policy dependent) | ✔ (policy dependent) | ✔ (policy dependent) | ✔ (policy dependent) |
| Racing / events | Often add-on | Often included / options | Often add-on | Often included / strong focus | Included within cycle-focused home + bike approach (check definitions) |
| Worldwide cover | Optional | Often included / options | Optional | Often included / strong focus | Optional (policy dependent) |
| Accessories / cycling kit | ✔ (limits vary) | ✔ (limits vary) | ✔ (limits vary) | ✔ (limits vary) | ✔ (limits vary; can extend across home contents + cycling kit) |
| Multi-bike household fit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ Strong fit (home + multiple bikes under one policy) |
| Unique differentiator | Collective/community pricing model | Specialist bike insurance with broad options | Flexible cover levels and add-ons | Strong racing + travel positioning | Home insurance built for cyclists + bikes insured within the same policy structure |
Which provider is best for which cyclist?
- Laka: Best for riders who like a flexible monthly, community-style model (check add-ons for travel/racing).
- Bikmo: Best for riders wanting a traditional specialist bike-only policy with broad options.
- Sundays: Best for riders who want flexible cover levels and to select add-ons to match their riding.
- Yellow Jersey: Best for racers/triathletes and riders prioritising event and travel features.
- Pedal Cover: Best for cyclists who also want their home insurance built around cycling — especially multi-bike households and riders with valuable kit at home.
Transparent pricing examples (placeholders for live checks)
Pricing varies by bike value, location, security, claims history, and optional cover. The tables below are designed for like-for-like comparisons using the same assumptions across providers.
Replace placeholders with live quote checks. Add: “Prices last checked: [DATE]”. If assumptions change, refresh the table.
Pricing example A: 1 bike, everyday riding
| Scenario | Pedal Cover | Bikmo |
|---|---|---|
| Bike value | £[VALUE] | £[VALUE] |
| Use | Commuting + leisure | Commuting + leisure |
| Optional add-ons compared | [e.g., liability / personal accident / worldwide] | [e.g., liability / personal accident / worldwide] |
| Price (monthly) | £[XX.XX] (last checked: [DATE]) | £[XX.XX] (last checked: [DATE]) |
| Notes | Home insurance built for cyclists + bikes insured within the same policy structure | Specialist bike-only policy structure |
Pricing example B: 1 higher-value bike + events
| Scenario | Pedal Cover | Laka |
|---|---|---|
| Bike value | £[VALUE] | £[VALUE] |
| Use | Leisure + events | Leisure + events |
| Optional add-ons compared | [e.g., racing/events / worldwide] | [e.g., racing/events / worldwide] |
| Price (monthly) | £[XX.XX] (last checked: [DATE]) | £[XX.XX] (last checked: [DATE]) |
| Notes | Home insurance designed for cyclists + insured bikes within one policy structure | Collective/community pricing model (bike-only cover structure) |
Compare cycle insurance vs home insurance
Many cyclists start by checking their existing home insurance, but generic home policies often have low single-item limits and exclusions that matter for bikes.
- Generic home insurance may only cover bikes at home and may impose low value limits per bike.
- Many policies exclude theft away from home, accidental damage, or event/racing use.
- A bike claim can affect your wider home policy record, excess, and renewal premium.
- Specialist cycle insurance is typically designed around bikes in transit and out riding, with cycling-specific terms and add-ons.
When a combined home + bike policy is the better fit
For many cyclists, the question isn’t just “which bike insurer is best?” — it’s whether it’s better to manage home and bikes together. Pedal Cover’s differentiator is offering home insurance built for cyclists, with insured bikes covered within the same overall policy structure. That can make sense if cycling is central to the household.
Quick navigation
Explore bicycle insurance, home insurance for cyclists, and cycle travel insurance.
(Travel insurance is focused on the rider: medical, cancellation, disruption.)
Always check the policy wording and what’s included/excluded before you buy.
FAQs: Cycle insurance comparison
What does “cycle insurance compare” usually mean?
It usually means comparing providers side-by-side across theft and accidental damage cover, racing/event options, worldwide protection, excess, security requirements, and how claims are handled.
Is specialist cycle insurance worth it if I already have home insurance?
It can be. Many generic home policies have low bike limits and exclusions for theft away from home, accidental damage, or event use. Specialist cycle insurance is typically designed around real cycling use.
What is the difference between Pedal Cover and bike-only insurance?
Most providers sell a bike-only policy. Pedal Cover’s differentiator is offering home insurance designed for cyclists, with insured bikes covered within the same policy structure. This can suit multi-bike households and riders with valuable kit at home who want one policy, one renewal, and one claims journey.
Does cycle insurance cover racing and sportives?
Some policies include racing/event cover as standard, while others treat it as an add-on or exclude certain event types. Always check definitions of “racing”, “events”, and “competition”.
Does cycle insurance cover travel abroad?
Some cycle insurance policies include worldwide cover for the bike (theft/damage during trips), but travel insurance is usually a separate product covering the rider (medical treatment, cancellation, and disruption). Check both if you’re travelling.
What should I check in the small print?
Key items include lock requirements, unattended bike rules, storage conditions, claims settlement basis (new-for-old vs market value), exclusions for events, and the excess that applies to different claim types.
Disclaimers
- This page is a general comparison guide and does not contain personal advice.
- Cover availability, limits, eligibility, and exclusions vary by provider, bike value, location, and selected options.
- If pricing examples are shown, they should be treated as worked examples on the date checked using consistent assumptions.
- Always read the policy wording and ensure the cover meets your needs before buying.
“`
