Cycling and bike insurance: A guide to riding safely

What to do in the event of a cycling accident?

Personal injuries while cycling: Am I covered?

In Quebec, the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) covers your injuries only if a motor vehicle is involved in the accident. You will receive compensation regardless of whether you are at fault.

If you are in a condition to do so:

• Ask police officers to file a road accident report, or complete a joint accident statement with the driver involved.
• Note the driver’s contact information: name, phone number, address, email, driver’s licence number, and licence plate of the vehicle involved.
• Also collect the contact information of any witnesses.
• See a doctor within the hours following the accident: a medical report will be required when filing your SAAQ claim.

However, if you collide with a parked vehicle (unless it involves a dooring incident), a bicycle, an electric scooter, or if you fall on your own, the SAAQ will not cover your injuries. In that case, you will need to turn to:

• A personal accident insurance policy (if you have one)
• Your travel insurance if the accident occurs outside Quebec or abroad

Damage to your bike: What insurance covers

Damage resulting from the normal use of your bicycle is not covered by your home insurance. You will need to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Exceptions:

• A collision with a vehicle
• Damage that occurs during transport by car or on a bike rack

This type of damage is generally covered by your all-risk home insurance policy. A deductible applies.

Good to know: Bike coverage is often capped at around $3000, which may not be enough to repair or replace an electric bike or a high-end bicycle. Check with your insurance company to adjust your coverage or add a bike-specific insurance policy.

Can a pedestrian I injure while cycling make a claim against me?

Yes. A pedestrian or cyclist who sustains injuries could seek compensation, but only if they can prove you were at fault. In that case, the civil liability portion of your home insurance policy protects you. The same applies if you damage a parked car during a bike ride.

Cycling without home insurance means having no civil liability coverage. Unfortunately, this is the case for 37% of renters, according to data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada. It’s worth considering: a few dollars a month in coverage could save you from serious financial consequences.

Theft or fire: How to protect your bike

Bicycle theft is fairly common. It is covered by home insurance, as are accessories such as child seats and cargo racks. This protection applies anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind: The coverage limit may vary depending on your insurer and may fall short for a high-end bike or an electric bicycle. In that case, speak with your insurer to update your policy or take out bike-specific insurance.

Good to know: Before filing an insurance claim for bike damage, compare the bike’s value against the deductible you would pay, and factor in the potential impact on your insurance premium.

Good habits for stress-free cycling

Before getting in the saddle, keep these simple habits in mind:

• Follow the Highway Safety Code, obey road signs, and yield when required. Use cycling paths or designated lanes for your safety and the safety of others.
• Use the right cycling accessory if your baby or child is riding with you.
• Review your home, accident, and travel insurance plans.
• Adjust your home insurance coverage if you own an electric bike or a high-end bicycle.
• Protect your civil liability coverage: it could save you from costly claims.
• Consider the CAA-Quebec Bike Assist service. If a mechanical issue prevents you from continuing your ride on a roadway accessible to tow trucks, a tow truck operator will come to assist you and transport you and your bike.