On a business trip by bike: cover with business vehicle insurance
The trend towards switching from cars to bikes is also influencing customers in the social economy, church and health care sectors. “Our customers‘ employees ride their private bikes to work and then sometimes use them for their upcoming business trips,” reports Diana Ortmeier. “In some cases, our customers even run campaigns to promote this choice of transportation, such as ’bike to work'. These have the goal of promoting sustainability and health prevention.” Another aspect is that customers' employees in cities spend a long time driving short distances by car and finding a parking space can be difficult. “Using a bicycle not only has an ecological advantage. Employees also reach their destination faster because they can avoid traffic jams or use secret routes by bike,” explains Diana Ortmeier. Especially when the weather is nice, many take the opportunity to cycle to customers or patients – provided that the material needed on site can also be transported by bike.
Customer visits by bike
The business travel vehicle insurance for bicycles is a good supplement to the business travel vehicle insurance. This insurance is particularly suitable for smaller companies that do not want to provide their employees with company bicycles. “However, this does not mean that an employer expects all employees to travel only by bicycle,” reports the product manager. It is more about supporting employees in being able to use an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to the car. In addition, this additional insurance does not expose employees to any financial risk if they use their private bicycle in agreement with their employer. This is because, according to Section 670 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the employee can claim compensation for expenses incurred in connection with the business trip, for example if the bicycle needs to be repaired due to damage.
Attractive insurance option
Business travel insurance covers various cases, from damage to theft. However, the product only applies to bikes that are not subject to compulsory insurance (e.g. pedelecs and bicycles). In addition, the employer has the advantage that he is not involved in the event of damage, as the insurance handles the entire process. However, the insurance only applies if the trip was arranged by the employer. If the employee is, for example, on the way to work or on a private trip during their lunch break, then this trip is not insured.
“Some situations involving employees' bicycles can already be covered by our existing insurance solutions in the area of property and liability insurance. We therefore check individually for each customer which solution best suits their risk situation in order to ensure the best possible insurance coverage,” says Diana Ortmeier.
Would you like to know more about our insurance solutions? If so, our team of advisors will be happy to assist you with their expertise.
The difference between pedelecs and e-bikes
Pedelec:
This is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that assists the rider's muscle power. The motor's assistance is limited to a certain speed – usually 25 km/h.
There are also so-called S-pedelecs with electric pedal assistance up to 45 km/h. These are considered motor vehicles that require their own insurance license plate and are therefore subject to compulsory insurance.
E-bike:
An e-bike is an electrically powered bicycle that is driven by a motor without the rider having to pedal. It usually has a throttle that can be used to regulate speed. E-bikes can travel faster than 25 km/h and are classified as motorcycles in many countries. This means that users must comply with certain laws and regulations, such as the requirement to have insurance. An insurance plate is also required for this.
Editorial team