Cycleplan: Claims Index

Your bike's value is climbing. Is your cover keeping up? 

Bike theft claims rose sharply in 2025, with the average settlement increasing by 80% from 2024, as the value of bikes continues to climb, so does the cost of losing one 

Bike theft can happen almost anywhere. More than half of thefts occur on private property, and bikes are also commonly stolen from locations such as supermarkets, gyms and train stations. 

Nearly half of all claims were for property damage — from cars clipping riders to spills on wet roads, the risks go well beyond theft 

Four in five cyclists are riding uninsured 

Whether it's a commuter bike you rely on every morning, a road bike you've built up over the years, or a family setup that gets everyone out at weekends, it matters to you. And if your bikes were stolen tomorrow or written off in an accident, would you be covered? 

Despite the risks, the vast majority of cyclists in the UK have no insurance at all. It's estimated that only around 18% of UK cyclists currently have cover, meaning roughly four in five are one theft, one accident, or one collision away from bearing the full cost themselves. 

That gap matters more than ever. As bike values continue to rise and theft remains stubbornly common, riding without insurance is increasingly a significant financial risk - not just an oversight. 

Cycleplan's insurer settled over 1,000 cycling insurance claims in 2025 - covering theft, property damage and personal injury. Here's what the data tells us about the risks every UK cyclist is facing. 

UK bike theft in 2025: More than 50,000 bike thefts were reported to the police  

In the UK in 2025, there were 52,016 reported incidents of bike theft. Yet, with an estimated 70% of bike thefts not being reported to the police, this number could easily be up to around 183,000.  

Let’s put that in perspective - a potential 500 incidents of bike theft every single day in the UK.  

During the same year, bike thefts made up around 49% of Cycleplan’s insurance claims. The average settlement for a theft claim also increased by 80%, as the value of bikes also increased. 

The value of bikes continues to increase, yet insurance uptake isn't keeping pace 

UK cyclists are investing more in their bikes and equipment than ever before, and thieves are taking notice. A well-specced model is coming in at £1,299 to £2,0002, the average mountain bike sits between £1,000 and £3,000, and a top-end road bike can easily reach £5,000 to £10,000. Prices are rising year on year too, with some models seeing increases of 35% or more over the past two years alone. 

As bike values climb, so do average insurance payouts, whether driven by inflation, improved technology, or the premium models now entering the market. This raises the question: can cyclists really afford not to insure? 

Yet the uptake of cycling insurance is still limited. While exact figures may vary, it’s estimated that only around 18% of UK cyclists have insurance3. Given the value of bikes on the road today, that's a significant gap in cover, and a costly one if the worst were to happen. 

Over half of bike thefts occurred on private property and private outside areas  

It’s easy to think that bike thefts only happen when bikes are left unattended under the cover of darkness. The reality is a little different.  

According to Office of National Statistics data on bicycle theft, 57% of thefts in 2025 occurred on either private property or semi-private property. This includes private homes themselves and outside areas on private premises. 

What’s more, 44% of bike thefts happened during daylight hours in 2025. As the summer months arrive this year, thefts can easily occur while the sun’s still shining. Thieves are also very willing to take bikes from private property.  

Theft hotspots include outside supermarkets, gyms and train stations   

According to Cycleplan's claims data, the most common places that bikes are stolen include:  

Garages and sheds on private property  

Outside supermarkets  

Outside leisure centres and gyms  

From train stations  

Thieves are often opportunistic in these areas and will look for bikes left unattended and unlocked on bike racks. Train stations are likely to have bikes left all day, while supermarkets and gyms may offer a higher turnover with cyclists leaving them for shorter periods of times.  

With opportunistic thieves looking for any easy win and willing to grab bikes in areas even with CCTV, it highlights the value of a good lock and proper security every time you leave your bike – even if it’s just for a short period of time.  

London boroughs top the list of the UK’s bike theft hotspots 

Data from Crime Rate indicates that the London boroughs of Hackney, Southwark and Islington have the highest bike crime rates of 3.72, 2.46 and 2.37 per 1,000 daytime population, respectively.  

Outside London, the highest risk region is Bristol – the recorded bicycle theft rate is 1.53 offences per 1,000 people. This is followed by Cambridgeshire at 1.48 and South Glamorgan at 1.41.  

Personal injury and property damage 

Losing your bike to thieves is one thing, but it’s not the only danger cyclists face. Each time you get on your bike, there’s the chance of personal injury or damaging your expensive equipment. 

45% of Cycleplan’s insurance claims were for property damage  

At Cycleplan, 45% of cycling insurance claims in 2025 covered property damage. This could be either accidental damage or malicious damage from other road users.  

Cycleplan’s insurer settled a range of claims for incidents on the roads in 2025  

Cycleplan’s insurer settled a range of claims in 2025 for property damage and personal accident, covering:  

• A bike frame being damaged when hit by a car.  
• General incidents on the roads including slipping on a roundabout and suffering injuries as well as damaging the bike.   
• Losing grip on icy or wet roads causing the bike to slip 
• Hitting a tree stump when mountain biking 
• A car doing a U-turn on a road it shouldn’t have.  

Unfortunately, incidents like this are all too common and can cause serious injuries to cyclists, resulting in financial impacts. 

Serious injuries on the roads are increasing 

While more people are cycling on the roads in the UK and the infrastructure continues to improve, the number of accidents and injuries are on the rise.  

Between 2004 and 2024, serious injuries suffered by cyclists increased by 16%. And in 2024, 3,822 cyclists were reported as being seriously injured and 10,645 were reported as slightly injured on the UK’s roads. That’s a total of 14,467 cyclists suffering injuries in one year.  

In 2025, just 5% of Cycleplan cycling insurance claims covered personal injury. Yet, the average settlement was the highest. 

Cycling insurance helps protect against theft and dangers on the roads  

Sean Carney, Cycleplan’s Chief Underwriting Officer, said: “It’s incredible to see the number of cyclists in Britain increasing every year. Cycling is a fantastic way for people to keep fit and healthy and see more of their local areas. There’s nothing like seeing road cyclists out for the day or a family enjoying an adventure on two wheels. Plus, more people cycling has a positive impact on the environment.  

“But unfortunately, the risks are ever-present. Cycleplan claims data shows that bike theft is a very real problem that still persists in the UK today. Cyclists should consider taking out cycling insurance and reporting any thefts to the police.  

“When it comes to property damage and incidents on the roads, being vigilant at all times, and wearing a helmet and safety equipment can help cyclists stay safe. Drivers and other road users must be more aware of the dangers that cyclists face. Choosing cycling insurance that covers personal injury offers cover for physiotherapy, broken bones, hospitalisation and emergency dental expenses relating to a cycling accident.”  

Specialist cycling insurance by Cycleplan  

Specialist cycling insurance by Cycleplan helps to provide financial protection if your bike is lost, damaged or stolen, with cover up to £30k.  

Find out more about specialist cycling insurance or get a quick online quote today.