Bike hangars are an increasingly popular solution for urban cyclists, but they come with specific security and insurance requirements. If you are a Bikmo policyholder, your bike is covered while stored in a bike hangar, provided you meet certain conditions.
What counts as a bike hangar?
Under your policy, a bike hangar must be a fixed parking unit that meets all of the following criteria:
- Construction: Made from and roofed with metal or concrete.
- Fittings: Internally fitted with a rack or bar designed for securing bikes.
- Access: Protected by a vandal-resistant lock, with access restricted to authorised users via a key, access card or individual PIN.
- Operation: Commercially operated and paid for through a subscription, or provided to you as part of your employment.
Security Requirements for Coverage
To be covered for theft from a bike hangar, you must follow these security requirements.
1. Use an Approved Lock
Your bike must be locked through the frame to the internal rack or bar inside the hangar.
The lock must be Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated at the time of purchase.
If your lock includes a cable accessory, the cable itself is not considered an approved lock.
2. Forcible and Violent Entry
For theft claims, there must normally be evidence of forcible and violent entry or exit. This means visible damage to the hangar or to your approved lock.
What Is Not Covered?
A claim may be declined if:
- You cannot prove ownership of the bike or the approved lock (for example, with receipts or other proof of purchase).
- The hangar was not locked at the time of the theft
- The bike was not locked correctly, or the lock used did not meet the required Sold Secure standard.
Making a Claim
If your bike is stolen from a hanger, you should:
- Report the theft to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number.
- Notify Bikmo as soon as possible through your online account.
- Provide supporting evidence, such as photos of your keys and details of the approved lock used.
For full details of your cover, including limits and excesses, please check your policy documents.