23 Aug 2021

Warnings of insurance changes as e-bike thefts "skyrocket"

From Nine To Noon, 9:31 am on 23 August 2021
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Photo: Creative Commons

Skyrocketing numbers of thefts of electric bikes in the last 12 months have prompted warnings that insurance companies may soon require separate insurance policies. 

Currently, e-bikes can be covered under a standard house and contents policy. But the country's only bike insurance assessor says insurance companies are sitting up and taking notice of the high number and value of insurance claims.

Claims through AA Insurance have almost doubled in value over the last 12 months, from $116,000 to $225,000 worth of claims this year. 

Changes could mean owners would need to fork out for specialised e-bike insurance, which could include conditions such as requiring the bike to be adequately secured when not in use.

Kathryn speaks with Adam Smith, the director of Velo Consulting, an insurance assessor specialising in bicycles and e-bike and Maurice Wells from Electric Bike Team.