Bikmo/Hiscox refused my theft claim – employer-paid cycle parking not covered

PlatinumYojimbo

Hi all,

Posting this as a warning to fellow cyclists who insure with Bikmo (underwritten by Hiscox).

My bike was stolen from a secure, purpose-built, fob-access cycle store at my office. The facility has racks, is enclosed, and only registered staff can access it.

My claim was refused, not because of the security, but because my employer pays for the storage subscription rather than me personally. Their wording defines “cycle parking” as needing to be “paid for by you on a monthly or yearly subscription.”

This feels like an unfair technicality. The risk is the same whether I or my employer pays, but it means anyone using employer-provided storage may find they’re not covered.

I’ve escalated the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service, but wanted to flag here so others don’t get caught out.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with cycle insurance?

lincroft1710

If the Ts & Cs of your policy clearly state that you would only be covered against theft if you paid for parking yourself, then it is not a technicality, but a condition of your policy. But I cannot see why who pays for cycle parking would be germane to a theft claim.