Best Bicycle Insurance In Spain [2022 English Guide]

Spain is a country known for its beautiful climate and landscape. The weather is such that you can get around on a cycle any time of the year while enjoying the sun, and there are plenty of scenic routes that will add to your experience. Almost one-fifth of the population reports using a bicycle as a mode of transportation, but this gets much higher in more remote areas.

Once you have a bike, you might also want to consider some sort of insurance on it especially covering public liability and medical expenses. Regardless of the type of bike you ride, you can get a plan that suits your needs. Read on to know more about the companies offering bicycle insurance, the coverage offered and why insurance might be a good idea for you.

Which Is The Best Bicycle Insurance In Spain?

You will be able to find multiple companies who offer insurance on bicycles in Spain. Here are the best options:

Helvetia

The Helvetia Group is a well-established company in the industry, founded in 1858. With its headquarters in Switzerland, it is now a global insurance company providing its services in Europe, Latin America and Asia. 

Features:

  • Bicycles are covered at their reinstatement value under the household contents insurance
  • Any claims made by third parties including damage to vehicle, financial loss and medical expenses are covered under private liability insurance
  • Supplementary household contents insurance provides cover for damage and theft

Gocleer

Gocleer is a very recent Spanish startup offering mobility insurance. With the help of a small team, they aim to encourage sustainable and more conscious urban mobility. The company rewards environmentally friendly, safe driving trips by offering flexible insurance plans and supporting efforts to control climate change.

Features:

  • Includes legal defense cover, civil liability and road assistance all over Europe, among other services
  • Offers three kinds of plans: basic, standard and premium. Each plan provides a different level of coverage. The basic package starts at only 24 euros per year
  • Insurance quotes also differ according to the type of bike e.g. road bike or mountain bike etc.
  • Insurance is valid for bikes under personal use only, and not those used by professionals in competitive cycling
  • Mobile app for all your needs and customer support

Luko

Luko too, is a recent French setup founded in 2016. It is an insurance technology company and the first to offer digital home insurance in Spain. Their primary focus is on providing a home insurance solution integrating sustainability, which they do by providing home security and reducing electricity bills. Therefore, their services involve maintenance and repair too. They offer a variety of products that extend beyond home insurance too, including bike insurance.

Features:

  • Reimbursement for up to 100% of the bike’s purchase price if the bike, lock or any other part that is permanently attached to the bike is stolen – worldwide
  • This maximum limit applies to bicycles less than 3 years old. For older bikes, a smaller maximum percentage will be reimbursed
  • The Vollkasko add-on offers cover for accident, wear and tear, vandalism, cyclist error, material and much more 
  • Self-built bikes, those for which insurance is compulsory, have a value exceeding 10,000 euros will not be covered

Velosurance

Velosurance was founded by two cyclists to cater to the insurance needs of other cyclists over the country. They claim to offer coverage that is much more comprehensive than their competitors. Everyone who is employed at the company is a rider themselves, so rest assured your concerns will be addressed in a valid manner.

Features:

  • They offer a wide variety of coverage levels, including specialized policies
  • Discounts are available for people belonging to one of its membership organizations
  • The company has a repair shop network across the country
  • Your bike is not depreciated so in case you lose it, you can get another of the same value!

Laka

Laka is a start-up which is aiming to change the typical insurance setup. It works on a collective, community-based model where members pay premiums based on the claims of all members in a month. Because of this, they regularly manage to charge their members lesser than other insurance companies in the market.

Features:

  • The company offers cover for theft, damage, third-party loss and legal assistance
  • Apart from the usual packages offered, it also has options for coverage in races and triathlons, emergency cash after an accident or theft (for renting a bike or taxi if needed), and gear protected during travel for 120 consecutive days
  • A fixed premium is not charged, but estimated at the end of each month depending on the claims of the collective
  • Option to leave the contract at any time without being penalized for it
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When Do I Need Spanish Bike Insurance?

While bike insurance rates in Spain do not happen to be very high, you should aim to get insurance as soon as you get a bike. This will ensure that you are protected from the very first day that you own a bike. The coverage might be different depending on your requirements and what you can afford. A basic plan will include non-contractual civil liability and pay for damages to the vehicle, hospitalization expenses and protection against theft. One step further will include damages to your own bicycle. An all-inclusive plan will include all the damages incurred by both parties in case of any accidents etc., protection against theft and fire and legal defense protection.

Why Do I Need Bicycle Insurance In Spain?

While it is not a legal requirement yet (as with cars), there are a number of reasons why getting bike insurance might be a good idea. If you get into an accident, insurance will keep you protected from various damages. The first of these is civil liability whereby if you get into an accident where you damage another vehicle or person, you will be covered by insurance. Any injuries you get will also be covered and the company will usually pay your medical bills until you heal completely. In Barcelona alone, bike incidents in the last 10 years increased by a massive 77%, which is a strong indicator of why you should get insurance.

Another common reason to get insurance is theft. Estimates suggest that currently around 85,000 to 100,000 bikes are stolen in a year in Spain. This is a huge number, explained in part by the recent popularity of bikes in the country as an affordable way to get around. Insurance covers you against theft and vandalism as well. Apart from the damages caused by accidents, you may also find an insurance company offering assistance when you are travelling on unfamiliar routes.

If you own a new or particularly valuable bicycle, you could even consider taking out a policy that offers additional cover. This will help you remain carefree while enjoying your ride, knowing you are well protected.

Does Bicycle Insurance Cover Damages You Cause While Biking?

While the exact nature of coverage depends on the company and plan that you opt for, some companies will cover damages caused to third parties during an accident. These can include damages to the bike as well as medical expenses for the third party.

Does Bicycle Insurance Cover Damages On My Bike?

Again, while this varies between companies, you will be able to find plans which cover the damages caused to your own bike even if you were at fault in the accident.

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Is Biking Popular In Spain?

Cycling is extremely popular in Spain not just as a professional sport but also as recreational activity. It is an excellent way to get around and also keep fit in the process. Most Spanish cities also offer an extensive cycling infrastructure for both the new and seasoned cyclist. 

Cycling routes along the coast are more scenic whereas those in-land are less busy, making them a preferable choice. You should plan beforehand where you plan to go. In the hot summer months, you should consider the mountains or one of the cooler coastlines. March to May usually have milder climates across the country so you can go anywhere.

Conclusion

Spain really does seem to have it all for a cyclist. You have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your cycling experience, either as a tourist or someone living in the country. If cycling in Spain is on your bucket list, make sure you have the necessary protection in place too. Having insurance can help protect you from a variety of damages. This guide explains the reasons why insurance is important and what you should expect from each of the companies in Spain offering their plans.