Hey all,
Can anyone recommend bike insurance?
My girlfriend is terrified that I'm gonna get mugged as my new route to work takes me up to E125th on my 5 grand beauty... I figure she might have a point so it's probably wise to get it covered :-/
I've lived in London, South Africa, Brazil blah blah but this is the first time I've worried about this... Is it really that dangerous round Manhatten or is she just a little hysterical??
thanks,
Mark.
Bike Insurance
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 7:57am
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 8:31am
#1
renter's insurance <nm> (nm)
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 9:23am
#2
I ride from the UES to E125th (Metro North) and back on a daily basis for almost 4 years and I (or my Brompton) never felt even remotely unsafe in Harlem, even late at night or early morning.
Of course, that assumes that you take your bike inside (e.g., on the train as i do). Locking it outside is a different story. However, I doubt that Harlem is any worse than most other places in the city ....
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 2:21pm
#3
Add the bike to your homeowners policy...
for its replacement value. We did.
Is there something wrong with 125?
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 6:04pm
#4
"Talk to your insurance agent. I have a renter's policy with a ""rider"" for my custom bike, yep...call me paranoid, but I was new to NYC when I bought the bike and was nervous! Compare the premiums for various deductibles, and your financial tollerance. Look at the price for the higher deductible and the risk of getting your bike stolen. Where do you store your bike and what are you willing to call a loss vs payment for an insurance premium payment.
After 5 years of riding in NY and vicinity, I only park my bike outside on club diner rides, I should rethink my insurance coverage...
First thing tomorrow I will check with my agent to see what they ""cover"" and make sure that I was not making assumptions about my coverage.
Good luck!"
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 8:41am
#5
"""My girlfriend is terrified that I'm gonna get mugged as my new route to work takes me up to E125th on my 5 grand beauty...""
Smart girlfriend. *Strongly* suggest you acquire a ""beater"" for commutes. Something cheap with downtube shifters, armadillo-class tires and fenders, etc. Also, locks are meaningless. If you can't bring it inside, into a secure area, don't bring it.
""I figure she might have a point so it's probably wise to get it covered :-/""
renters insurance link:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22renters+insurance%22&btnG=Se...
""I've lived in London, South Africa, Brazil blah blah but this is the first time I've worried about this... Is it really that dangerous round Manhatten or is she just a little hysterical?""
Nope. (and it's spelt ""Manhattan"", greenhorn).
Happy commuting!
PS> Lose that funny accent, or people will asume you're FOB and charge you extra.
"
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 3:14pm
#6
Hmm, I have friends who live in South Africa with electrified fences, keeps the bikes safe or the people, I forget.
Brazil? Better use steel lined pants so they don't cut your wallet from out of your pocket.
Neile, hit it right. Save the good bike for the weekend rides and use the beater for the commute.
I commute through Harlem late at nite and the truth is, enjoy the ride the architecture is historic.
In any case, you will be less stressed with a beater bike, 28- 35 tires and more than likely fewer repairs due to the streets.
As noted, keep it inside or home. Nothing is safe when left outside, seats, wheels, cranks, brakes.
Good Luck
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 5:15pm
#7
Nothing is safe when left outside
Yes, I agree, this is the main point. It's not likely you will be mugged, but it is highly likely that an expensive bike will be stolen if left outside, even if locked. After all, this is Manhattan!
I think it's great that you're commuting to work. But do get a beater for commuting, unless you can lock the bike up in a very secure place inside, and even then, be real cautious. After all, this is Manhattan!
And: welcome to New York!
Mon, 09/18/2006 - 7:37pm
#8
Bike Locks
"If you don't want to loose it, don't put it on the street.
Search the message board, Christy Guzzetta has a ""system"" for securing ""beater"" bikes on the street."
Tue, 09/19/2006 - 7:17am
#9
insurance
I just purchased a new expensive bike and called up my renter's insurance and they said my bike would be covered under my policy. I would also suggest getting a commuter bike to get around the city on. I ride a fixed gear back and forth as my commuter bike. Even this I don't lock outside, but I figure most people know how to ride a freewheel and stumble a bit on a fixed. Hopefully, they won't be able to get to far to fast! Good luck and welcome to NYC
Tue, 09/19/2006 - 6:01pm
#10
Hey guys,
Thanks for the thoughts.
Obviously you're all spot on. I NEVER leave my bike out, even locked. Thought about a basic bike for commute but I'm working in Westchester and do an hour sprint for exercise every lunch. Would be sad not to do it on my nice bike through fear of what might happen.
My girlfriend conviced me that I'd get shoved off my bike and mugged for it but that's not what I've experienced on the street. I'm slowly working these things out for myself and chatting to you guys has helped.
Will get that insurance asap anyway.
Regards to all,
Mark.
Wed, 09/20/2006 - 1:43pm
#11
