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Bike stolen? How to get your loss reimbursed

Your bike or expensive e-bike is gone, stolen? Annoying, but often replaceable: many household contents policies cover bicycle theft. The key is the right proof and a quick report.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Assert your claim

Your chances of getting your money back

Bicycle theft is often covered by household contents insurance, either as standard up to a certain amount or through an add-on clause (external-items cover or bicycle clause). Check your policy.
What matters: a timely report to the police, proof of ownership (purchase receipt, frame number) and, depending on the policy, that the bike was locked or that the theft happened within certain hours.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. File a police report

    Report the theft to the police immediately and provide the frame number. The report is usually a precondition for reimbursement.

  2. 2

    2. Check your policy

    Look at whether and to what extent bicycle theft is covered (amount, conditions, any night-time clause).

  3. 3

    3. Report the loss

    Report the theft to the insurer with the police report, purchase receipt and frame number, and state the current or replacement value.

  4. 4

    4. Follow up if refused

    If the insurer refuses, demand the exact reasons and check whether they apply. If necessary, turn to the insurance ombudsman or take legal steps.

Frequently asked questions

Does my household contents insurance pay for bicycle theft?

Often yes, either bicycle theft is covered as standard up to a certain percentage of the sum insured, or through an add-on clause. Check your policy for maximum amounts and conditions (for example, a lock requirement or night-time clause).

What do I have to prove?

As a rule: the police report, ownership of the bike (purchase receipt, frame number) and, depending on the policy, that the bike was properly locked. The better your proof, the smoother the reimbursement.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.