Whether you’re a hardcore biking enthusiast or more of a casual cruiser, riding your bike is a great way to enjoy the outdoors – and a healthier way to get around, too.After each ride, it’s important to remember to lock your bike up so thieves can’t steal it.Close to two million bicycles are stolen each year, according to bike registry Project 529.

 And as a good bicycle can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a basic model to several thousand dollars for a racing or mountain bike, the toll of stolen bikes can add up, costing cyclists nearly $1 billion per year, says Project 529.If you ride, here are three things to do to keep your investment safe.Keep Important Info on Your Bike The first step to protecting your bicycle is having a proper record of it.

You’ll want to create a file for each bike you own and include: Once you’ve gathered the essential info, register your bicycle with the National Bike Registry.They’ve partnered with 529 Garage – a community watch for bicycles – to help fight bike theft by creating the largest online bike registry in North America.Keep Your Bike Secure The next step is to keep your bike safe and make it hard to steal in the first place.

Here are some tips: Have Insurance Coverage for Your Bike The last step is to have insurance coverage for your bike.Bicycles (except motorized) are typically covered under the “personal property” section of your homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance policy.This coverage will pay to replace your bicycle—minus your deductible—if your bike is stolen or damaged in a covered loss, such as a fire.

It’s also a good idea to list your bike on your home inventory, just in case.Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies can also provide you with liability protection if, for example, you injure someone in a bicycle accident and he or she sues you.If this happens, you’ll be covered up to the limits of your policy.

Most people have $100,000 to $300,000 worth of liability protection in a typical policy, but higher amounts of coverage are available.Your policy also includes no-fault medical coverage* in the event you injure someone.For questions about what your specific policy covers, talk to your local insurance agent.

What Should I Do If My Bike Is Stolen? First, make every attempt you can at trying to get your bike back.Take your bike file to the police and file an official report for your stolen bicycle.Once you’ve done so, conduct your own search.

Check local pawn shops and local listings on sites like Craigslist to see if the thief is trying to sell them.If you find it, notify the authorities.You don’t need to pay to get your bike back – even if the pawn shop tries to convince you otherwise.

If your bike is stolen, your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy can reimburse you (minus your deductible) for the cost.Learn more about how to file a home insurance claim.To properly insure your bike, talk to your local insurance agent who can help you make sure you have the right coverage.

*Policy limits apply ERIE insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states.Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.  Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog.

The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.  The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.  Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.A better insurance experience starts with ERIE.

Haven’t heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else.Though we’ve grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven’t lost the human touch.Contact Drake Insurance today to experience the ERIE difference for yourself.