Secure your cycles as Tour De France begins this weekend
As the world's top cyclists take to the French roads this weekend, Aviva is warning all budding Bradley's to make sure their bikes are covered when they venture out and about this summer.
Crime Survey figures show that 482,000 bikes were stolen last year. 60% of these were stolen from the vicinity of the home and a further 30% away from the home completely - meaning just 10% were stolen from the home itself or connected outbuilding.
Aviva's home contents insurance covers bikes as standard if your cycle is stolen from your home or a locked garage or shed, but if you want each of your family's bikes covered outside the home, and anywhere in the world, you might want to consider adding additional bike cover to your home policy.
The additional cover starts from £9 per year and covers all bikes within the family home up to your chosen limit between £300 and £2,500 for theft, loss or damage per bike. But remember when you are away from home and not riding the bike to lock it securely to an object that can't be moved such as a concrete post or railing to be covered for theft.
"With hundreds of cyclists looking forward to watching the Tour De France over the coming weeks, whether on the TV or in person, there's no doubt bike fans will be taking to the roads across the world to emulate their favourite cycling heroes," says Jonathan Cracknell, household underwriter at Aviva.
"But while their precious racers might be covered when they are back at base in their garage or shed, they are not necessarily protected when they are venturing further afield.
"So whether you are a keen cyclist, just use your bike for the daily commute, or for family rides at the weekend, it is worth considering additional bike cover to ensure that should the worst happen you won't be without your wheels for very long!"
Top tips to keeping your bike safe:
Remember to remove all accessories when leaving your bike, such as; lights, bells, bike bottles and helmets
Keep your bike locked away in your home, garage or shed overnight
Lock your bike to a fixed object such as a bike rack or a ground anchor, and use a good quality lock such as a D-lock which is strong and difficult for thieves to cut through
Avoid leaving your bike in isolated areas, and lock it near to other bikes so yours is not such an obvious target
Photograph your bike and note down the serial number, make and model. If it does get stolen this will make it easy to identify to the police and insurers
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics' Crime Survey for England and Wales and police recorded crime year ending 2012