Cycling and insurance: to keep everything rolling!

Cycling and insurance: to keep everything rolling!

A growing number of cyclists travel the roads of Quebec, whether for trips in town or for hikes in the countryside. In either case, a basic knowledge is required to ensure that you are well protected in the event of a bicycle accident. Here is what you need to know.

Like pedestrians and motorists, cyclists have an obligation to respect the Highway Safety Code when they travel on Quebec roads. Driving in the places indicated, obeying signs and giving way when necessary are behaviors that can make all the difference. When riding a bike, make sure you have the best possible odds by keeping your attention on the road and wearing a helmet.

Does your baby accompany you on your bike rides? Do whatever is necessary to ensure its safety.
Bicycle accident: am I protected if I am injured?
[Cycling accident]

Whether you are the victim of a bicycle accident (regular or electric) in Montreal, Quebec, Gaspé or elsewhere in Quebec, the regulations are the same: bodily injury will be covered by the Société l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) only. insofar as a motorist is involved. You will usually receive compensation from the SAAQ, whether or not you were responsible for the accident.

If you are able to do so, ask the police to write an accident report or fill out an official report with the driver involved. Write down their name, driver's license number and vehicle license plate number, as well as contact details for any witnesses. You must have all the information you need to identify the other party in your future claims.

Make sure you get a medical exam quickly, ideally within hours. You will have to provide proof of the accident when you file a claim with the SAAQ.

However, if you hit a parked vehicle (and without a driver), you are not entitled to compensation from the SAAQ. The latter does not consider this to be a traffic accident. The same goes if you hit another rider or an electric scooter, or if you lose control of your bicycle (regular or electric) due to debris on the roadway. In these cases, it is your personal accident insurance that will compensate you for your injuries, if you have one, in addition to defraying the costs of your ambulance transport, for example.
Do you cycle on vacation?

Travel insurance for emergency medical care is the best choice to cover bodily injuries sustained in a bicycle accident outside Quebec or outside Canada.
My bike is damaged in an accident: is it covered?

You are in a bicycle accident. You are not injured, but your mount is damaged. Who pays for the repairs? In most cases, you have to do this, because the breakage of a bicycle as a result of its use is excluded from the coverage of the home insurance contract. However, a collision with another vehicle is covered by an “all risks” type home insurance. You will likely have to pay a deductible. Insurers can also limit the amount claimed for your bicycle. Ask about this limit, often close to $ 2000, which can be clearly insufficient to repair or replace an electric bike.

Is your bicycle damaged in an accident while you are transporting it in your vehicle or on a bicycle rack? Damage to your bicycle in such an accident, such as a collision with a car or another bicycle, is usually covered by your home insurance.
The other person is injured in the accident: can they ask me for money?

Are you involved in a bicycle accident with a pedestrian or another cyclist? He could demand bodily or property damage, but only if he can prove that you were responsible for the accident. If applicable, you will be covered by the civil liability of your home insurance contract. Same thing if you damage a parked car while cycling.

Do you ride an electric bike and don't have home insurance, so no liability insurance? It’s very risky and unfortunately 37% of tenants do.
Bike theft or fire: which insurance covers me?
Quebec bike insurance

Bike thefts are quite common, so adequate insurance is a must! If your bicycle is the prey of a thief, the theft will be covered by the home insurance that you have purchased.

This protection includes items used while riding a bicycle, including child seats and luggage racks, and is valid worldwide