Updated Bicycle Insurance policy wording – what has changed?

Updated Bicycle Insurance policy wording – what has changed?

From Thursday the 28th of December 2017, there will be a few changes to our bicycle insurance policy regarding how our breakdown cover works, and how we handle bicycle insurance claims.

We’re determined to stay ahead of the competition and we’re constantly updating our products to make sure we keep providing you the best cover and service we possibly can.

Breakdown recovery

Our breakdown recovery service used to rely on a national network of recovery vans. Your feedback was that they were a little slow and it was an extra hassle to find the breakdown number on our website when stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

You told us it would be much easier if we just refunded the cost of a taxi when you get stuck, so that is what we will be doing from now on. The same caveats apply as before; you can’t jump in a taxi just because you’ve been dropped by your club mates, but we’ll cover the cost if you get stuck due to a mechanical breakdown or accident.

Bicycle claims

For continuity sake, our first response for bicycle claims will now be handled by the same team that handle our travel claims, Direct Group. After a good few years of searching, we have now found an claims service that matches our own high standards and who we are confident will do a really great job of looking after you.

From now on when you submit a claims form on-line, as well as coming to us, a copy will also go to Direct Group. They will take care of collecting the missing data -keeping us in the loop at all times- and if a resolution is simple, they’ll complete your claim there and then. They have authority to transfer funds, therefore having removed one step of the process they will be able to pay claims quicker than before. If things get complicated, they’ll refer back to us. Of course, we still have the final say on claims and we’re here to sort out any problems.

The majority of you won’t even notice the differences, but if you have any questions or concerns at all, please get in touch with us.

A copy of the full policy wording can be found HERE but for ease of reference we have summarised the changes below.

Updated sections in the Bicycle Insurance policy wording:

  1. Section 5 roadside recovery – we’ve made the policy item simpler for you to get back to civilisation. There is no longer a recovery phone line, however there is coverage for reimbursement of a taxi.

If whilst cycling in the UK you should be unfortunate enough to suffer a mechanical breakdown or be involved in an incident which damages your bike and therefore prevents you from completing the journey you will be able to call a taxi to take you to one of the following destinations:

  1. The nearest suitable cycle repair shop or
  2. The nearest appropriate railway station or
  3. The nearest car rental agency or
  4. The nearest overnight accommodation or
  5. The Insured Location, if closer

You will then be able to submit a claim for the taxi cost, up to 150 GBP per event, and no more than 3 claims per period of insurance.

  1. Important information section:
  • CLAIMS: the wording on submitting a claim has been updated – the process for submitting a claim has not been altered, however who handles your claims has changed slightly. There is no change to the Yellow Jersey values and claims promise.  The change in handler is for all new claims effective today.  Any claims that are already in process will continue to be handled to conclusion by your current claims handler.
  • Information on legal advice – your policy does not cover legal costs, but we wanted to provide you with information on a company you could contact in the event you need to seek advice, so their information has been added.
  • Complaints procedure – these details have been updated to reflect the company handling the claims

BICYCLE INSURANCE KEY FEATURES AND SUMMARY:

  1. Roadside Assistance & Recovery – standard benefits amount has been changed from £1500 to £450
  2. Complaints Procedure – these details have been updated to reflect the company handling the claims