October 13, 2020, 8:47 am | Read time: 3 minutes
When a bicycle goes missing from the basement of an apartment building, it’s a frustrating situation for the owner. Especially if the designated bike storage area was left unlocked, it can quickly lead to discontent among tenants. Who is responsible for covering the loss?
A theft in a communal basement is unfortunately not uncommon. Bicycles are high on the list of stolen items. It’s particularly frustrating when the bike storage room wasn’t locked at the time–whether accidentally or intentionally. In most cases, the affected person quickly looks for someone to blame, but usually without success. Julia Alice Böhne from the Bund der Versicherten e.V. explains who is liable for theft in the bike storage room upon request from myHOMEBOOK.
Theft in the Bike Storage Room–Who Is Liable for the Damage?
“Bicycles are among the insured items in household insurance,” Böhne explains. This also includes clothing, furniture, kitchen utensils, or electronic devices. Household insurance covers the following risks:
- Fire
- Water damage
- Storm
- Hail
- Burglary
“If a bicycle is stolen from a bike storage room, the damage can be covered by household insurance. However, this is only the case if it is a so-called burglary theft,” says the expert. This occurs when the thief first breaks into the bike storage room and then steals the bicycle. “If there was no break-in, it is considered simple theft, which is generally not covered by household insurance.”
Related: The 5 Most Important Insurances for Home and Apartment Owners
What Other Options Are There to Insure Your Bicycle?
Even a “simple theft” from the bike storage room can be covered under household insurance. This usually involves an additional premium. “Many household insurers offer theft protection for bicycles up to a certain percentage of the insurance sum or up to specified amounts for an additional premium,” Böhne explains. “Some providers also offer free co-insurance up to certain percentages of the coverage sum or specific upper limits. Here, there is the option to increase these compensation limits for an additional premium.”
Note: The insurer only pays for theft outdoors or in a communal basement if the bicycle was locked with a standard lock.
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Is a Separate Bicycle or E-Bike Insurance Worth It?
Owners of bicycles–usually especially expensive models like e-bikes–might consider taking out separate insurance. This can be independent of household insurance. “Depending on the provider, the insurance coverage extends not only to theft and burglary theft but also includes robbery, vandalism, coverage for accident and fall damage, as well as electronic and moisture damage,” the expert says. The bikes can be insured up to a certain purchase price.
In individual cases, a special bicycle insurance can be an alternative to household insurance. “Since these offers vary, they should be compared carefully–also with the offer of the respective household insurance,” she further recommends.