Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

Ever wondered does auto insurance cover bicycle accidents? According to CDC, every year more than 130,000 bicyclists are injured, and nearly 1,000 bicyclists are killed in motor vehicle crashes.

As car to bicycle accidents are so common the U.S., it’s crucial to have some sort of financial protection especially for liability compensation, bodily injuries and accidental vehicle and property damage.

Concerning the question whether auto insurance covers bicycle accidents? Well, that depends on how the accident happened, and who is at-fault for the accident. There are circumstances in which you can get auto insurance coverage even if you aren’t at-fault for the accident, or no one is.

When Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

There are a few different ways auto insurance covers bicycle accidents, which includes the following.

You’re at-fault for accidentally crashing into the bicycle with your car

While driving your car if you have accidentally crashed or collided with the bicycle in which you’re at-fault, then you’re legally liable to cover the cyclist’s medical fees, and bicycle repair or replacement expenses from your liability auto insurance also known as PLPD insurance in Michigan.

You’re not at fault for the accidental collision with the bicycle

If you’re not at-fault, in fact if it’s the cyclist who is at-fault for the accident but is unable to provide compensation for any bodily injury or vehicle damage that you’ve sustained, then the cyclist is legally liable to compensate you, even if it’s for scratches and dents on your car.

As it’s not legally required for cyclists to carry insurance, most cyclists are uninsured, so you will have to claim your uninsured motorist coverage to get compensated unless the cyclist can cover your loss out of pocket.

No one is at-fault for the car-bicycle accident

There can be circumstances when no one is at-fault for the car to bicycle accident, in this case, if you’re injured then you will have to claim your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, especially if you’re located in Michigan.

If you’re located in another state where PIP insurance is not available, you can get the Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) to cover your medical costs after the accident. More importantly, if your car gets damaged then you need to claim your collision auto insurance for any repair and replacement cost.

When Does Auto Insurance Not Cover Bicycle Accidents?

If the cyclist is at fault for the accident, and if they get injured, and the cycle gets damaged, in that case your auto insurance will not cover the bicycle accident. This means that the cyclist won’t get any financial compensation from you or your insurer.

In fact, you’re not even legally liable to compensate the cyclist, as the condition only applies when you’re at-fault for the accident.

Types of Auto Insurance that Cover Bicycle Accidents

There are different types of auto insurance that cover car to bicycle accidents depending on the circumstance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the types of auto insurance that cover bicycle accidents as follows.

• Liability auto insurance: The liability auto insurance will cover medical expenses for bodily injuries, and bicycle repair costs to the cyclist when you’re at-fault for the accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: The uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will apply when the cyclist is at-fault for the accident but is unable to pay your medical bills for bodily injuries, and vehicle damages which may require repairing costs.
• Collision auto insurance: The collision auto insurance applies when your car gets damaged in an accidental collision regardless of whoever is at-fault for the accident. So, if your car collides with a cycle and ends up getting damaged, your collision auto insurance will cover any repair expenses to fix your car.

If you’re considering either acquiring or upgrading your auto insurance coverage, you should explore a reliable auto insurance agency. If you prefer office visits, and consultations, consider dropping by our regional offices in Flint, Saginaw, and Mt Pleasant.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident Involving a Car?

After any accident, it is crucial for you to remain calm and act responsibly. If you were involved in a bicycle accident involving your car, here’s what you should do.

• Call the Police: Don’t wait, call the police immediately to report the accident, this will help you gain proper insights into the accident, and to know who is legally at fault.
• Collect Evidence by Taking Pictures/Videos: When it comes to claiming auto insurance, it’s always necessary to have evidence. So, to speed up the investigation process, you can take pictures/videos on spot, especially featuring any vehicle damage, or bodily injuries.
• Exchange Information and Contact Details with the Cyclist: Try to engage in communication with the cyclist. If that’s possible and they are willing to talk, ask for their name and contact details. This will help you claim your auto insurance, or if you need any information, you both can directly contact each other.
• Get the Police Report: Collect the police report and examine it. It will clearly state whether you’re at-fault for the car-bike accident, and how it happened. This is a crucial document which your insurer will go through as a part of their own investigation process. It will also help you determine whether you were at-fault for the accident, and if you need to claim your auto insurance.

Final Remark: Does Auto Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents?

Whether you’re driving a car, or riding a bicycle on the road, accidents are inevitable. While there are many who managed to keep themselves safe, there are also many others who become victims of tragic road accidents.

When it comes to accidents involving a car and a bicycle, your auto insurance still acts as a financial shield to compensate any liability to the cyclist and cover your own injuries and repair costs.

Unlike cars, bicycles are super lightweight without any armored protection, so the odds of cyclists getting brutally injured, or even killed is significantly high, which might require a hefty liability compensation to cover medical expenses, if you’re at-fault for the accident.

On the other hand, you may also suffer from terrible injuries, and horrific car damage. Regardless, it is crucial for you to always stay prepared and financially protected. So, you should ensure having adequate auto insurance coverage.

If you need expert tips, and suggestions concerning the best auto insurance coverage within your budget, please contact us for a free quote and consultation today!

FAQs

Does car insurance cover bicycle damage?

Your liability auto insurance will cover bicycle damage and pay for its repair and replacement cost up to your coverage limit only if you’re at-fault for the accident. 

What happens when a car hits a bicyclist?

When a car hits a bicycle, there’s a high possibility that the car driver is responsible for the accident. And, if that’s the case, then the car driver must compensate the bicyclist from their liability auto insurance coverage. If the car driver is uninsured/underinsured, then they must pay out pocket. Failing to pay the cyclist can lead to legal complications, especially if the cyclist sues the car driver.    

Can you claim for a bicycle accident?

Yes, if you have been involved in a bicycle accident involving a car then either you or the cyclist can claim auto insurance. If you’re at-fault here, then it will be covered by the liability auto insurance. If the cyclist is at-fault here, and if they’re unable to compensate the accidental damages due to being uninsured then you can claim your uninsured/underinsured coverage.  

What happens if your cat is hit by a cyclist?

If a cyclist intentionally or accidentally hits your car, whether it causes minor or severe damage, you can claim collision auto insurance to repair the damages.