A recent survey conducted by Capita Insurance Services has revealed that 33 per cent of bicycle owners have sustained an injury while cycling with 57 per cent admitting the injury was their own fault.
In recent years, health and environmental triggers have encouraged an uptake in commuters opting for two wheels rather than four and the introduction of cycle to work schemes across the UK has further facilitated this means of transport. The survey indeed shows that 14 per cent of those who own a bike mainly use it to commute. But do cyclists take the same precautions as motorists from an insurance standpoint; if 33 per cent of cyclists questioned sustained injuries, were they adequately covered?
Mark Boulton, a director at Capita Insurance Services, said: “It would be unthinkable for a driver to take to the road in a car that was not adequately insured and cyclists should think the same way. If you run the risk of being injured and off work for a sustained period of time due to an accident on the road you may find that you do not qualify for full pay let alone the cost of replacing your bike.
“This survey has been invaluable for us as a business to understand the extent of potential problems and the issues associated with cycling to work or for pleasure. Of those injured, the fact that 34 per cent said they had to take time away from work due to a cycling injury also shows this could pose a wider issue for employers. From our experience, a high number of cyclists believe that they and their bicycles are adequately covered by their home contents insurance however this isn’t always the case.”
The survey, which questioned 1,000 consumers at random also found that 52 per cent use their bikes for exercise and nearly 30 per cent said they own a bike but that it’s collecting dust somewhere.
Mark added: “Our advice is for cyclists who regularly use their bicycles to treat them as they would a car – whether they commute to work or use their bike for pleasure. They should take a closer look at their contents insurance to ensure they are legally covered in the event of an accident. It may be the case that further cover is required”.
Capita Insurance Services, Supercover Insurance and Total Cycle Assist provide bike cover for theft, accidental damage and warranty cover.
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Capita Insurance Services is the UK's leading provider of business support services to the insurance industry offering professional services, operational solutions and strategic partnerships for insurers, brokers, affinities, corporates, government and the London market. The company is an FSA authorised representative and supports the complete insurance lifecycle from claims reception and policy administration, to specialist services including legal services, medical evidence services, complex loss adjusting, supply chain management and the delivery of fully-managed operational solutions both onshore and offshore. Ranked No.1* for customer service in the Insurance Services market in three consecutive years, Capita Insurance Services administers in excess of £12bn insurers’ liability and employs more than 4,400 staff across an integrated network of UK business centres. www.capitainsuranceservices.co.uk
The Capita Group Plc is the UK’s leading provider of BPO and integrated professional support service solutions. With 36,800 people at more than 250 sites, including 60 business centres across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and India, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits to transform its clients’ services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with revenues for 2009 of £2,687 million. Further information on The Capita Group Plc can be found at: www.capita.co.uk