Bike insurance

[siuys]

Hi, we are from Australia and planning to tour the USA in 2009. Does
anyone know if we can get bike/gear insurance plus liability insurance
just for the duration of our trip? (approx 6 months). Thanks.

[staehpj1]

Does such a thing exist?  It never occured to me to insure bike or gear for a trip.  I didn't really think that bike or gear were at much risk other than when in the airlines hands.

I guess that I am somewhat covered by home owners insurance, but maybe not when abroad?  It might be worth asking your agent at home.

You might also look into travelers insurance through your travel agent or whoever you buy your plane tickets from.

I will be watching to see what others have to add.

[ironspoke]

Thats an interesting question. I have no clue of an answer which is probably not what you wanted someone to comment with.

I know a couple of years back there was a guy competing in the Great Divide Bike Race and a few days in to his trip from Canada to Mexico his bike was stolen. He obviously had to abandon. It would have made it a little easier to swallow had there been some kind of insurance on his stuff, but then again it kind of sounds like such an animal if it did exist would be pretty pricey.

[siuys]

There doesn't seem to be an insurance product (at least I haven't been
able to find one in Australia) that would cover theft while touring, or
while the bike is parked in a public place, and even if there was, it will
probably be very expensive as you pointed out. It looks like the safest
option is to keep it locked indoors in a motel or something if we go for
a hike or something....

[ptaylor]

Hi Siuys.

I'm no expert, but have some familiarity with U.S. insurance.

In the states, you can get homeowners/renters insurance, which will cover stolen goods, including bicycles and other personal property. Since you are neither a U.S. homeowner nor renter, I doubt that you could buy this kind of coverage. Same thing with liability coverage: it is usually included with a homeowners/renters policy, with the option of adding more coverage under what is called an 'umbrella'.

I will echo staehpj1, that you should shop at home, starting with whomever is your local insurance agent.

Hopefully, a fellow Aussie will chime in with some good suggestions.

As a side note, I have never had a loss while touring, in either the U.S. or Europe, and doubt that you would need this kind of coverage.

On the other hand, medical coverage is a MUST. Make sure your medical costs are, at least, partly insured.
Hopefully, another world traveler will chime in on this important topic.


Paul

[siuys]

Thanks, Paul. At this stage I honestly don't think we will bother with
the bike insurance and just go for comprehensive medical and travel
insurance.