Obtaining
Cycling Insurance Coverage
Liability Insurance
California, like other states, treats bicycles the same as motor vehicles in its Vehicle Code for some purposes but not others. Bicyclists are given the same rights and the same duties as drivers of motor vehicles with respect to rules of the road governing safe speed, safe turning, yielding to pedestrians and so forth. However, bicyclists are not required to obtain a state issued driver's license or to carry liability insurance coverage for any personal injuries and/or property damage their inflict on others through their negligence. I am not aware of any insurance coverage that offers liability coverage to individual bicyclists. The situation is different with respect to bicycle clubs and organizers of bicycle events. They can purchase liability insurance coverage.
It is easy and inexpensive to join the League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org) LAB members can register their local bicycle club with the League and once they have done this, they can purchase liability insurance through the League's agent, American Specialty Insurance Company. As of Dec. 2006 American Specialty was able to obtain liability coverage for LAB registered clubs from Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co. for club rides and special events. USA Cycling also offers general liability coverage for events for which it has issued a racing permit. USA
Health Insurance
There are various options. If you register your bicycle club with LAB you can purchase liability coverage and secondary health insurance from Mutual of Omaha which will cover hospital and medical expenses for cycling injuries during club events for which your primary health insurance coverage limit has been exhausted by full payment.
USA Cycling offers a Cyclist Protector Program which covers cyclists 24/7 on and off their bike for out of pocket accident related expenses up to $25,000 including hospital ane medical bills, deductible and co-pays. This coverage is available through an organization in Colorado called Adventure Advocates which offers the coverage in exchange for an individual membership that costs just $275 per year or family membership for $352 per year. Their phone number is 800-211-9002.
Roadside Assistance
iIf you become a member of LAB at the Silver Spoke level of $110 per year (or any higher level) you are entitled to emergency roadside assistance from anywhere in the U.S. if your bike breaks down for any reason, even a flat, and you cannot make sufficient repairs to get the bike moving again.