The most common scenario when a rider goes down involves a car.  The information on this page addresses the areas of coverage potentially available under the applicable car policies.  I say “potentially” because not all areas of coverage are mandatory, so you or the driver may not carry some that are discussed below.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Who will pay my medical bills?

PIP is insurance coverage under your car policy for medical and other expenses, such as wage loss.  Coverage limits are defined in the policy.  PIP is no-fault coverage, so it does not matter who caused the collision, your bills will be paid.

PIP coverage kicks in when you’re injured in an event that is within the policy’s definition of covered events.  If it’s a bicycle v. car collision, the coverage applies because the incident involves a car.

If you max out all available PIP coverage, then your health insurance starts covering your bills.

Property Damage Coverage – Who will pay for my bike?

Immediately after your bicycle collision, you will make a property damage claim under the at-fault driver’s policy.  This can be dealt with immediately after the collision and settled separately from your personal injury case.  This way, you can get back on the road when you’re ready.

Property damage covers more than just your bicycle.  If clothing and accessories were damages/destroyed, they will be included in the claim.

I do not charge a fee for handling your property damage claim.

Underinsured/Uninsured (UIM/UM) Motorist Coverage – What if the driver was uninsured?

If you have UIM/UM coverage, then this will cover the amount that your damages exceed the driver’s policy limits or will stand in place of the driver’s insurance altogether.

Liability Coverage – What coverage pays for the settlement/judgment amount?

In Washington State, the law requires every driver to carry liability coverage.  Liability coverage pays the final settlement amount.  If the amount of liability coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your damages, then you will make a claim under your UIM/UM coverage.

Bicycle Insurance – Is there insurance for just bicycles?

I have not heard of bicycle-specific insurance that makes sense.  One company offers coverage, but the coverage is not very good.  From what I saw, you’re better off making sure you have adequate homeowner/renter, health, and auto insurances.

What car insurance coverage is important for me, as a cyclist?

Ask your insurer for a copy of your declarations page.  This is the documentant that tells you what level of coverage you have for each type discussed above.  I recommend that you pay special attention to your PIP and UIM/UM coverage – make sure those are high.  They are defensive coverages that will cover you if you’re hit.  If you cheap out, then, as they say, you’ll get what you paid for.