Put the brake on theft: insure your bike

Now the sun is out and evenings are longer, fair-weather cyclists (like me) are getting on our bikes. But as a new survey by M&S Money shows, over a quarter of cyclists have had at least one bike stolen in the last two years, so it’s a good idea to think about insurance.

According to the research, the average Briton's bike is worth £240, so it’s definitely worth checking whether your home contents insurance covers your two-wheeler if it is stolen. Check the details, too: expensive models may be excluded unless they’re individually listed on your policy.

Make sure the home policy covers the bike when it’s stored away from home as well as in your garage, garden or the corner of the living room.

An alternative option is a stand-alone bike insurance policy. This will usually be more expensive than just adding a bike to your home insurance, but the excess will usually be lower and some policies also cover personal injury. It’s available from firms such as Cycle Guard and the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), starting from about £29 a year for a basic policy.

You should also take note of your bike’s make, model and serial number. That way, if it is stolen, the police will be able to check their records and see if it has been handed in. Invest in a good-quality bike lock too - if you don’t, your insurance may be invalid.